Beginners Need-To-Know Roadster Buying Guide - Part 2
While Part 1 looked at the paintwork, windows, engine, brakes, steering and remapping option for roadster cars, Part 2 of this guide series further investigates the features to check when looking for a savvy second-hand deal on a snappy new two-seater.
Interior
Make sure that the interior panel lights up evenly - roadsters with surface mounted LED lights are hard to replace. When it comes to the seats, inspect them for any tears or cigarette burns. Ideally you will also want the ashtray and lighter to look as if they're unused.
Lights
This might seem obvious, but it's important to remember to check all the lights on the vehicle to be sure they don't need replacing - if they do, try negotiate this off your final selling price. A cracked headlamp will generally cost about £70 to replace (less labour costs if you don't do it yourself).
Air Conditioning
A common problem with roadster air conditioning is that the hoses are too rigid which causes them to crack from the compressor as the engine moves around. These cracks can be hard to spot, so keep a careful eye out.
Leaks
It's true that roadsters have a reputation for leaking, so it's crucial you vigilantly check for the extent of this so that you don't end up paying out for lots of extra repairs on top of your selling price.
Firstly, check under the carpets - sliding the seats forward to do this and feel around for dampness. Also lift the seal at the base of the door to slide your hand under the carpet in front of the seat. Boot seals have also been known to leak, so don't forget to keep an eye out for water stains on the carpets there too.
Be aware that a dodgy dealer might dry the carpets out for the sale, so do some practical investigation yourself. To check the roof, the best way is to run a hose pipe to simulate rain fall for a few minutes. The most common leaks tend to happen where the roof bars meet the door glass by the gutters. Bad seals will show instantly as you'll notice a stream of water running down the inside of the glass - whereas a tiny drip after a few minutes is acceptable, a flow of water is not. Try to get the seller to fit new seals before you buy the car if this is a problem.
Front end leaks can cause a major problem as water can get into the electrical control box and thus cause corrosion which will knock the car's electrics for six. A replacement control box will be expensive, so make sure there are no leakage issues here.
Finally, also look out for droplets of water in the rear centre brake light and number plate lights - leakage will corrode the bulb sockets.
Keys
It's wise to ensure you get two sets of keys from the seller that both function without a glitch when it comes to locking, unlocking and immobilising the car. This is because if you lose your key or if it's not working properly, you will need to get a new one reprogrammed from the manufacturer - it's not a simple case of getting a fresh set cut at a key smith and will be quite pricey.
Conclusion
A Roadster is both stylish and alot of fun to drive. The above article covers more of the crucial features to check when it comes to shopping around for a second hand two-seater. Before you commit yourself to any deal however, be sure to both do your online research to learn as much as you can about the models you're interested in, and for full peace of mind also have the vehicle checked by a reputable motoring organisation such as the AA, a garage or a mechanic.
Questions and Answers
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