Have to change from Mk1 manual to mk2 auto-help!

[stusussex]

Hi

Looking for any help and advice please. Wifes car for last 18 months or more has been 1999 3dr silver manual that we now have to change as she is struggling to drive a manual and really needs auto to help leg problems. Shame really as have had cambelt changed and new Dunlop tyres allround but there we go! She has set her heart on newer mk2 shape in black of all colours and does not like the two tone exterior. (doesn't want much) so I think I need  2004 -2005 year?

Apart from basic checks is there anything to note? mileage small so not worried about petrol but hope the auto box is smooth.

Any pointers would be helpful. Hardly see any for sale that are not dealers and overpriced.

many thanks

[IanML]

I have a 2005 auto, and the transmission is extremely smooth.  Can't fault it.  I agree that they do command a high price, but that's because people want them!  In general, you get what you pay for.  Don't forget that when you buy from a dealer you get protection against HP claims and (usually) a guarantee, and that can't be free.

[stusussex]

3 minutes ago, IanML said:

I have a 2005 auto, and the transmission is extremely smooth.  Can't fault it.  I agree that they do command a high price, but that's because people want them!  In general, you get what you pay for.  Don't forget that when you buy from a dealer you get protection against HP claims and (usually) a guarantee, and that can't be free.

Thanks for that, looking to set budget at about £3500 plus a bit extra for any unforeseen costs.

Do you think that is reasonable?

[IanML]

Oddly enough, £3500 is exactly what I paid for my 2005 petrol auto with 91,000 on the clock.

I'm in Jersey, and used cars here tend to be somewhat more expensive than the mainland

So yes, I think that's fine.  You should get a good one for that.

[stusussex]

12 hours ago, IanML said:

12 hours ago, IanML said:

12 hours ago, IanML said:

Oddly enough, £3500 is exactly what I paid for my 2005 petrol auto with 91,000 on the clock.

I'm in Jersey, and used cars here tend to be somewhat more expensive than the mainland

So yes, I think that's fine.  You should get a good one for that.

sounds promising thank you. may I ask did you buy from dealer or private at that price?

thanks

Oddly enough, £3500 is exactly what I paid for my 2005 petrol auto with 91,000 on the clock.

I'm in Jersey, and used cars here tend to be somewhat more expensive than the mainland

So yes, I think that's fine.  You should get a good one for that.

 

12 hours ago, IanML said:

 

 

[IanML]

I bought from a dealer in Jersey, with a six month guarantee, for which I was thankful.  After I'd taken delivery, I found the rear door check strap was broken (I think that's a known wearness), and the metalwork around the sunroof panel was rusted on the inside.  All fixed now.  Worth checking those points.

[stusussex]

24 minutes ago, IanML said:

I bought from a dealer in Jersey, with a six month guarantee, for which I was thankful.  After I'd taken delivery, I found the rear door check strap was broken (I think that's a known wearness), and the metalwork around the sunroof panel was rusted on the inside.  All fixed now.  Worth checking those points.

Sounds like a good buy. Had poor results from warranties but you are right in needing to be cautious

thank you

[daveh_rav4]

On 12/17/2016 at 11:28 PM, IanML said:

I bought from a dealer in Jersey, with a six month guarantee, for which I was thankful.  After I'd taken delivery, I found the rear door check strap was broken (I think that's a known wearness), and the metalwork around the sunroof panel was rusted on the inside.  All fixed now.  Worth checking those points.

Their is probably a water drain from that sunroof panel... make sure it is not blocked if you don't want a repeat with the rust!

[IanML]

I though about that, but it was the actual frame around the glass that was rusted, not the gutter around the sunroof aperture.  There is a large vertical clearance between the frame and the lip of the gutter, so how any standing water could have reached the frame is beyond me.

I wondered whether the frame was rusted before it was painted. It looked that way, because the paint was separating from the metal in large pieces.