I had someone in Ireland check the car out for me (engine numbers, etc) and then bring it over. The seller lied about lots of things (synchro grinds, tyres, bent NCT).
I've not bought a car before without seeing it 1st and won't do it again, lesson learnt. I wasn't expecting a minter for the money I paid but it was proper rough, full of knocks and clunks, it was horrific to drive around town.
I did make the effort to sort it out and get it through the MOT, I did the work on it to get it through but didn't take it back in the end, the garage I used took the piss and really annoyed me. (went on holiday so I couldn't take it back for a week - didn't tell me when I came in for the MOT though, then their emissions machine broke). I only had 2 weeks of insurance cover as it was on the chassis number and because I was messed about so much it ran out. I ended up buying an Alfa 147 as i'm without a car.
The thing is, I knew i'd never be happy with the car as it's too rough all around. I'm best off cutting it loose now than plough money into it and still not be happy. I'll look to spend more on a nicer example next time. I am sold on the EK9, they are impressive bits of kit. I've owned a few 20v Levins and they don't come close.
And like you said, will look for a standard one. There is nothing worse than a car modified on the cheap. Mine had those shitty coilover sleeves on it (replaced for the MOT), HID lights where the bulbs were held in place by the rubber dust covers (shocking), an alarm that's well iffy and goes off all the time, a £5 ebay knock off K&N, it's bodge central. Some tit has decided to use rivets at every possible place, the induction kit is riveted to the strut tower, the arch liners are rivited in, so is the bumper. I've been fighting this car since day one.
If I put down everything that's wrong with it, you'd all be shocked and realise why it's being stripped. I'm a bit sad about it but I do think it's the best solution.
I pulled the engine and box out this afternoon.
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