[Tractor Boy]

Originally Posted by pmw75

Hi, although a newbie I have taken some good advice from this forum and asked a few questions. I am now admitting my stupidity. I bought my 75 1.8 Auto 3 weeks ago from a 'proper' Ltd Co. dealer with a good stock of cars from £1k to £27k. "All our cars are HPI checked" etc. 2002 (02) Immaculate black, very nice interior, etc. 62000 miles, some history £1990 having been £2695.
Sudden severe water leak from thermo' housing, recovery truck into garage. Phone dealer to find man I dealt with on paternity leave (brief mobile conversation "can't be ar**ed with cars at moment", his stand in does not want to know, owner on holiday. I had to authorise repair. Garage then tells me engine shot, likely head gasket but cost me £231 plus recovery, BTW did I know it had been a Taxi? I paid for an HPI check last recorded milage - 557,000, yes 557k. Stand in has been persuaded to contact owner on holiday who has said will collect car and reimburse me on his return (2 weeks).
So unless someone amongst you has a nice, pref deisel, example I will not own a 75. Am very sad as I love it!!

When you buy your next one (you know you will) dont settle for "some service history" there are lots of nice cars out there with full history, Remember a lot of dealers buy their cars from auction so they dont know anything about the car. They will proberbly give you your money back and chuck it back in the auction. I would rather buy private from someone who has had the car a while and looked after it, dont rush and buy with your eyes not your heart. good luck