FREE E85 2.5i with 220K miles too much of a risk?

[EJG]

UPDATE:

I did indeed manage to go a see the car yesterday evening.
The battery had been reconditioned and put back in, and the car started up without a hitch. I let it idle for about 15 mins or so to let everything warm up and work its way through the system. During this time I was continually checking for any leaks but I couldn’t seem to find anything (unless I was being blind)! The MOT did mention “oil leak, not excessive” so I will be on the lookout for that still. There was some oil/oil residue around the oil cap but I don’t think that’s what was being referred to.
The engine didn’t overheat or anything, and I will be adding a video of it running as to me it sounded like it was making a little bit of a rattling noise but I’m not sure if I’m just being paranoid (plus I feel like I’m pretty lousy at hearing engine issues).

I also checked a few other things I couldn’t look into without the battery.
As stated on the MOT, the indicators blink faster than they should. However when the hazards are active they blink at the usual rate, so not sure if that’s just a bad bulb messing things up or something deeper. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.
I took the hardtop off and, as the owner had promised, the soft top was in excellent condition and the roof mechanism worked as it should (I would still relocate the motor just to be safe).
Also find attached some pictures of the cars body work. As I initially said it does show its age/mileage, but it’s nothing sinister like rust. Small dent on the passenger side front quarter, bumper not properly attached on the drivers side, and the drivers side rear quarter looks like it was painted by an orangutan with a spray can. Other than that just needs a good wash .

All in all I think it’s more likely than not I will take the project on! Just would like some opinions on the engine sound (at the time of filming the car had been idling for 14 mins). I’ll try and keep updates flowing, might be a couple of weeks until I get work underway though. As always thanks for the help!

Here is the link to the video:

 

[TriggerFish]

If it comes with the hardtop, you could probably sell that on for enough to cover the cost of getting it back on the road!

Sounds promising though

 

[CuppaTea]

With engines that have been stood for a while, it's best to spin them over without actually firing it up (disconnect coil packs). This distributes oil in a gentle manner and stops that damage caused by dry start up.

Bumper needs a bracket (about £15) and the wing could be replaced if your colour matches this

M

FOR SALE Post in thread 'Front Fenders (Sterling Grey)'

Yesterday at 9:41 PM

Any idea of postage costs within the UK? I'm interested in the front left / near side. Or do you head east much? Could meet you somewhere. Thx.

• MrPT

 

[EJG]

If it comes with the hardtop, you could probably sell that on for enough to cover the cost of getting it back on the road!

Sounds promising though

Unfortunately the owner is aware the hardtops fetch some money and intends to sell it separately from the car. When I spoke to him briefly on the phone he said he's going to be looking for between £800 and £1000 for it, but did say if I was interested he might do it for less. I've been in two minds about it but ultimately I probably won't have it as A. that money can go to fixing the car and B. I really only intended on using the car in warmer months when I wouldn't use the hardtop anyway.

 

[EJG]

With engines that have been stood for a while, it's best to spin them over without actually firing it up (disconnect coil packs). This distributes oil in a gentle manner and stops that damage caused by dry start up.

Bumper needs a bracket (about £15) and the wing could be replaced if your colour matches this

M

FOR SALE Post in thread 'Front Fenders (Sterling Grey)'

Yesterday at 9:41 PM

Any idea of postage costs within the UK? I'm interested in the front left / near side. Or do you head east much? Could meet you somewhere. Thx.

• MrPT

Yeah I'm aware of that. This wasn't the cars first start since having the battery refitted. My uncle, whose house the car is at, fitted the battery and started it without me a couple of days ago (wasn't my idea to be clear lol I was really looking forward to that first start )

Good to know the bumper bracket isn't too much, and that wing could be the same colour although I'm not 100% sure what specific colour the car is. When you look up the reg it comes back as 'grey'. I've taken a pic of the VIN so I'm sure I can find it from that.

 

[paddy wright]

Looks great. The colour will be staring grey. It will say under the bonnet as well. Car looks great- why is it free again!

 

[Mike6]

I change my earlier view about walking away. Seems a good project and learning experience. Presumably there were no dashboard warning lights on particularly the dreaded airbag light which should light briefly when starting the car. It is not unknown for the airbag warning light to be taped over so it passes the MOT. Good luck with the venture.