Looking to buy a first car, and am fairly settled on getting a 1.6glxi for around 2.5k. having used Autotrader for guidance it is going to be 98-99 and soemwhere around 70k miles So not going to be that new, but hopefully isn't going to fall apart soon either.

But before i spend a fair amount of money i would be grateful for any comments are there any details i should be aware of? any areas that are prone to fail?

I have seen on here lots of timescales for cambelts? am i going to be looking at doing this or will it have been done.

I have looked around at reviews and haven't seen anything that says that the cars are unreliable and stay clear. I would be grateful for some feedback though.

Advice now is to change cambelts at 4 years/60k miles, so it should've been done - if not, it shouldn't be a major problem, but could be used for negotiating about £350 off the price (or, if buying from a retailer you could get them to do the work as part of the deal).

Check exhaust isn't loose (give it a wobble from the back) as the mounts are prone to rust.

Check the oil is fine and there's not too much "mayonnaise" on the oil filler cap (there will probably be some, which would be nothing to worry about if there's none on the dipstick and that).

Other than that, it's just the usual things to check...

Rob.

so if i understand this right, if i look at a 99 model, i should be looking to have a newcam belt regardless of mileage as it would have gone through its second 4 year period? or doesn't it work like that?

so if i understand this right, if i look at a 99 model, i should be looking to have a newcam belt regardless of mileage as it would have gone through its second 4 year period? or doesn't it work like that?

I'm not 100% sure when the policy changed, but I think it's only been within the last year or so.

So a lot will depend on when it was last serviced, and whether it's been serviced at a dealer (who would've brought this the owner's attention), but I'd be surprised if it's been done twice.

Long and short of it, if it's not been changed at least once then negotiate...

Rob.

I've had a 99 GLXi from new now with 80k miles. I had the cambelt changed last year at about 70k. Cost was under £200, but at local independent. I don't use dealers now its well out of warranty. Things to look for? The interoir trim is crumbling in places and the dashboard has a couple of creaks. the mechanics have proved durable, only had the front brake pads changed. The engine uses no oil. Check the electric windows, I've had 2 regulators break and a 3rd is on the way out. You should get over 40 mpg with ease on a run.

Any questions just ask.

HTH

Andy

I've had a 99 GLXi for two and a half years now, bought with 50,000 on the clock now up to 87,000. Had some problems initially with erratic idling speed that caused the engine to cut out at random intervals (usually at roundabouts when there was nothing coming which really frightens the lorry drivers behind you who don't expect you to stop!) Ultimately the ECU was replaced but I managed to get an extended warranty for 12 months when I got it so I got this, halt sender unit and cambelt all done for nowt (Actual bill was

I bought a 99 glxi with 52k on the clock in July 2005. Now has 68k and I'm very pleased with the car. I changed the timing belt at 60k; all is running smoothly. Mind you, my electric mirrors never worked but hey- a small niggle.

Hope you have the luck I have.