<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD colSpan=2><TABLE width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 4px" vAlign=top colSpan=2>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]HELP! x1/9 Newbie Pre-Purchase questions. 1978 x1/9 with 12k original<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]November 7 1999 at 12:50 PM[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial][/FONT][/FONT]</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<SCRIPT language=Javascript> <!-- var n54_em; n54_em = ""; n54_em = n54_em + "A";n54_em = n54_em + "n";n54_em = n54_em + "d";n54_em = n54_em + "r";n54_em = n54_em + "e";n54_em = n54_em + "w";n54_em = n54_em + "C";n54_em = n54_em + "C";n54_em = n54_em + "o";n54_em = n54_em + "n";n54_em = n54_em + "t";n54_em = n54_em + "i";n54_em = n54_em + "@";n54_em = n54_em + "a";n54_em = n54_em + "o";n54_em = n54_em + "l";n54_em = n54_em + ".";n54_em = n54_em + "c";n54_em = n54_em + "o";n54_em = n54_em + "m"; document.write("Andrew Conti"); // --> </SCRIPT>Andrew Conti <NOSCRIPT> Andrew Conti </NOSCRIPT> [/FONT]</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=bottom colSpan=3><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<!-- google_ad_section_start -->Found a 78 with 12k forsale from original owner.
Car is supposedly all original except period alloys added by dealer in 78. Owner has never replaced timing belt, he changed oil yearly and flushed radiator everyother year. What questions should i ask and what should i look for. Car has "no rust" and "no paintwork" and the interior is "as new" Anyone know of a GOOD Fiat garage in the Chicago area??
BTW the asking price is $6,000. Way out of line??? What is it worth? Car is silver/brown
THANKS!!!!<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
[/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellPadding=4 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial] [/FONT]</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]
[/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]Author[/FONT]</TD><TD>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]Reply[/FONT]</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top noWrap width="17.9%">[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]Ulix[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial][/FONT]</TD><TD style="PADDING-LEFT: 15px" vAlign=top><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<!-- google_ad_section_start -->Be careful<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial][/FONT]</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]November 8 1999, 8:45 AM [/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-LEFT: 15px">
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<!-- google_ad_section_start -->In a case like this, people often get too impressed by the STORY of the car. Low miles, all original, etc. I would make sure to see if the condition of the car really matches the story.
Have you actually seen the car yet?
I would look for rust just like on any other X1/9.
About the price, is it ready to be driven? Or does it need a bunch of hydraulics etc. replaced before it could be driven?
A lot of things can happen when a car just sits around.
You are on the right track of having it checked out by a good Fiat garage or a knowledgeable enthusiast.
Ulix <!-- google_ad_section_end -->
[/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=4 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top align=left>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial] [/FONT]</TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap align=right>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]
[/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top noWrap width="17.9%">[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<SCRIPT language=Javascript> <!-- var n54_em; n54_em = ""; n54_em = n54_em + "s";n54_em = n54_em + "t";n54_em = n54_em + "e";n54_em = n54_em + "v";n54_em = n54_em + "e";n54_em = n54_em + "n";n54_em = n54_em + "@";n54_em = n54_em + "c";n54_em = n54_em + "n";n54_em = n54_em + "s";n54_em = n54_em + "v";n54_em = n54_em + "a";n54_em = n54_em + "x";n54_em = n54_em + ".";n54_em = n54_em + "a";n54_em = n54_em + "l";n54_em = n54_em + "b";n54_em = n54_em + "a";n54_em = n54_em + "n";n54_em = n54_em + "y";n54_em = n54_em + ".";n54_em = n54_em + "e";n54_em = n54_em + "d";n54_em = n54_em + "u"; document.write("doc"); // --> </SCRIPT>doc <NOSCRIPT> doc </NOSCRIPT>[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial][/FONT]</TD><TD style="PADDING-LEFT: 30px" vAlign=top><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<!-- google_ad_section_start -->sound advice<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial][/FONT]</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]November 8 1999, 10:01 AM [/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-LEFT: 30px">
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<!-- google_ad_section_start -->Just because it has low miles doesn't mean that the car doesn't need work! With time, seals and gaskets dry out - often even faster if the car just sits.
As far as rust goes, see my recent comments to Gilles- I think it will give you a good place to start from.
Either way, the price is on the high side... a car would have to be in really exceptional condition - near concours condition (a high #2) for me to go that high on a stock X. Of course, that's just me... I like cars in good shape, but I am a cheap bastard!
Doc<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
[/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=4 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top align=left>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial] [/FONT]</TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap align=right>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]
[/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top noWrap width="17.9%">[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]Mac[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial][/FONT]</TD><TD style="PADDING-LEFT: 45px" vAlign=top><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<!-- google_ad_section_start -->Yes, proceed with caution...<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial][/FONT]</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]November 8 1999, 11:09 AM [/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-LEFT: 45px">
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<!-- google_ad_section_start -->The boys are absolutely correct: don't rush to any decisions! If the seller tries to imply that it is a "hurry or it's gone" type of situation be HIGHLY suspicious of the car's condition - there are always exceptions of course - but as a rule one should never be pressured when shopping for the right X...
If the car has sat for any long period of time you need to check ALL things made of rubbers. All hoses (radiator, brake, etc), lines (vacuum or emissions control etc), belts (TIMING belt, drivebelt), seals and basically any item which could be suceptible to dryrot from age... even the tires! Explain to the seller that these are important factors in purchase price. A buyer could easily spend $1000 or even more to replace every rubber component on a car which has sat for several years. Remember, even in a controlled environment (heated garage etc) the possibility of dryrot damage is still very real...
But my vote for most critical of all is RUST DAMAGE. Rust is to the X as a wooden cross is to Dracula. Do not take anyone's word on the car's rust (or lack of) without seeing it yourself or having a word from a knowledgeable inspector who you trust is unbiased in the sale. Check every nook and cranny for even remote signs of surface rust. Check the underbody as best you can, although the most important are structural areas: strut tower walls, the rear crossmember which runs side-to-side beneath the rear of the car, rust on the rocker panels (esp. areas concealed when doors are closed). You literally CAN NOT be too thorough in your investigation. If the seller will allow, I would recommend to bring a phillips screwdriver during the inspection. Use it to remove the little chrome kick-panels from the rocker so you can pull the interior carpet up a bit. You don't need to be excessive in dismantling the car, but the more you see the more you KNOW
Check under the carpets as best you can for rust on the innners of the floor and rockers etc. Just a couple of screws, it's easy & worth it. If you can get away with it, remove the little false floor in the rear trunk and look under it at the real floor panel. It is all too common for rust to hide under there!
Any spots of concealed rust you might locate that appear to be even possibly more than surface rust, here's what you do: take your screwdriver and give the rusty spot a little poke. Not enough to give the seller a heart attack, just a little poke to the center of the rust. If it appears to give at all that is an indication that it is close to being rusted through, which is bad no matter how you slice it, pricewise...
I would not be discouraged about the car over any of these findings, I simply mean to state that your knowledge of these inspection results will help assure a fair deal is made. If any critical structural rust were found I would either walk away, or offer a price reflecting the amount of serious labor it will take to repair it. No 'project car' X is worth $6000!
I think the price is high, for the description you give. Six grand is a fair asking price for a very rare example or for one that is in literally immaculate condition - but even then, only a special kind of buyer (hardcore enthusiast) would ever think to pay that much for an X1/9 around here...
I can not say yet what my personal appraisal of the car would be, because we need more info on the rust, dryrot and misc. issues to make an accurate idea of value. I say go forth and see what more you can investigate about the thing. Please do not be discouraged, if the car lives up to the seller's claims after you examine it then it is a real possibility that THIS is your car! Just be thorough, and please do keep us posted !
Peace, happy hunting! -Mac.
<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
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[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]November 7 1999 at 12:50 PM[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial][/FONT][/FONT]</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<SCRIPT language=Javascript> <!-- var n54_em; n54_em = ""; n54_em = n54_em + "A";n54_em = n54_em + "n";n54_em = n54_em + "d";n54_em = n54_em + "r";n54_em = n54_em + "e";n54_em = n54_em + "w";n54_em = n54_em + "C";n54_em = n54_em + "C";n54_em = n54_em + "o";n54_em = n54_em + "n";n54_em = n54_em + "t";n54_em = n54_em + "i";n54_em = n54_em + "@";n54_em = n54_em + "a";n54_em = n54_em + "o";n54_em = n54_em + "l";n54_em = n54_em + ".";n54_em = n54_em + "c";n54_em = n54_em + "o";n54_em = n54_em + "m"; document.write("Andrew Conti"); // --> </SCRIPT>Andrew Conti <NOSCRIPT> Andrew Conti </NOSCRIPT> [/FONT]</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=bottom colSpan=3><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<!-- google_ad_section_start -->Found a 78 with 12k forsale from original owner.
Car is supposedly all original except period alloys added by dealer in 78. Owner has never replaced timing belt, he changed oil yearly and flushed radiator everyother year. What questions should i ask and what should i look for. Car has "no rust" and "no paintwork" and the interior is "as new" Anyone know of a GOOD Fiat garage in the Chicago area??
BTW the asking price is $6,000. Way out of line??? What is it worth? Car is silver/brown
THANKS!!!!<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
[/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellPadding=4 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial] [/FONT]</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial][/FONT]</TD><TD style="PADDING-LEFT: 15px" vAlign=top><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<!-- google_ad_section_start -->Be careful<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial][/FONT]</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]November 8 1999, 8:45 AM [/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-LEFT: 15px">
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<!-- google_ad_section_start -->In a case like this, people often get too impressed by the STORY of the car. Low miles, all original, etc. I would make sure to see if the condition of the car really matches the story.
Have you actually seen the car yet?
I would look for rust just like on any other X1/9.
About the price, is it ready to be driven? Or does it need a bunch of hydraulics etc. replaced before it could be driven?
A lot of things can happen when a car just sits around.
You are on the right track of having it checked out by a good Fiat garage or a knowledgeable enthusiast.
Ulix <!-- google_ad_section_end -->
[/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=4 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top align=left>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial] [/FONT]</TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap align=right>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial][/FONT]</TD><TD style="PADDING-LEFT: 30px" vAlign=top><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<!-- google_ad_section_start -->sound advice<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial][/FONT]</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]November 8 1999, 10:01 AM [/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-LEFT: 30px">
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<!-- google_ad_section_start -->Just because it has low miles doesn't mean that the car doesn't need work! With time, seals and gaskets dry out - often even faster if the car just sits.
As far as rust goes, see my recent comments to Gilles- I think it will give you a good place to start from.
Either way, the price is on the high side... a car would have to be in really exceptional condition - near concours condition (a high #2) for me to go that high on a stock X. Of course, that's just me... I like cars in good shape, but I am a cheap bastard!
Doc<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
[/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=4 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top align=left>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial] [/FONT]</TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap align=right>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial][/FONT]</TD><TD style="PADDING-LEFT: 45px" vAlign=top><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<!-- google_ad_section_start -->Yes, proceed with caution...<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial][/FONT]</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]November 8 1999, 11:09 AM [/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-LEFT: 45px">
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<!-- google_ad_section_start -->The boys are absolutely correct: don't rush to any decisions! If the seller tries to imply that it is a "hurry or it's gone" type of situation be HIGHLY suspicious of the car's condition - there are always exceptions of course - but as a rule one should never be pressured when shopping for the right X...
If the car has sat for any long period of time you need to check ALL things made of rubbers. All hoses (radiator, brake, etc), lines (vacuum or emissions control etc), belts (TIMING belt, drivebelt
But my vote for most critical of all is RUST DAMAGE. Rust is to the X as a wooden cross is to Dracula. Do not take anyone's word on the car's rust (or lack of) without seeing it yourself or having a word from a knowledgeable inspector who you trust is unbiased in the sale. Check every nook and cranny for even remote signs of surface rust. Check the underbody as best you can, although the most important are structural areas: strut tower walls, the rear crossmember which runs side-to-side beneath the rear of the car, rust on the rocker panels (esp. areas concealed when doors are closed). You literally CAN NOT be too thorough in your investigation. If the seller will allow, I would recommend to bring a phillips screwdriver during the inspection. Use it to remove the little chrome kick-panels from the rocker so you can pull the interior carpet up a bit. You don't need to be excessive in dismantling the car, but the more you see the more you KNOW
Check under the carpets as best you can for rust on the innners of the floor and rockers etc. Just a couple of screws, it's easy & worth it. If you can get away with it, remove the little false floor in the rear trunk and look under it at the real floor panel. It is all too common for rust to hide under there!
Any spots of concealed rust you might locate that appear to be even possibly more than surface rust, here's what you do: take your screwdriver and give the rusty spot a little poke. Not enough to give the seller a heart attack, just a little poke to the center of the rust. If it appears to give at all that is an indication that it is close to being rusted through, which is bad no matter how you slice it, pricewise...
I would not be discouraged about the car over any of these findings, I simply mean to state that your knowledge of these inspection results will help assure a fair deal is made. If any critical structural rust were found I would either walk away, or offer a price reflecting the amount of serious labor it will take to repair it. No 'project car' X is worth $6000!
I think the price is high, for the description you give. Six grand is a fair asking price for a very rare example or for one that is in literally immaculate condition - but even then, only a special kind of buyer (hardcore enthusiast) would ever think to pay that much for an X1/9 around here...
I can not say yet what my personal appraisal of the car would be, because we need more info on the rust, dryrot and misc. issues to make an accurate idea of value. I say go forth and see what more you can investigate about the thing. Please do not be discouraged, if the car lives up to the seller's claims after you examine it then it is a real possibility that THIS is your car! Just be thorough, and please do keep us posted !
Peace, happy hunting! -Mac.
<!-- google_ad_section_end -->