Urgh... my engine died

[Gtx Gaming]

Is there a way to make sure it's not stolen / illegally imported / accident damaged via VIN number or dealer database?

You buy from a dealer that has a good reputation, not from some guy on gumtree. Then you will be fine.

 

[abudabi]

You buy from a dealer that has a good reputation, not from some guy on gumtree. Then you will be fine.

And how do I know who has a good reputation?

or do you mean the likes of franchises like mccarthy or imperial etc.

 

[ToxicBunny]

And how do I know who has a good reputation?

or do you mean the likes of franchises like mccarthy or imperial etc.

You can do a police check on the VIN if you are worried... You can also take the VIN to the OEM dealerships and ask for a history on the vehicle from their systems... (might cost a few ronds, but it could show something the used dealership is either not telling you or doesn't know about)

But yes, if you can find a vehicle at a price point you like, then try buy from an established dealership network... then you have some recourse at least...

 

[ReeceDBN031]

why not just do a motor swap ?
twincam motor
2l 8v
toyota motor
something along those lines could be unique aswell

 

[pinball wizard]

why not just do a motor swap ?

Cause if it doesn't just drop in and use the existing engine mounts and mate seamlessly to the gearbox is a pain in the anus to go that route.

 

[ReeceDBN031]

but you can pick up a twincam motor for like 6-7k.. and gearbox...?
new mountings maybe 1 - 2k.

i think still cheaper?

or an OPC motor....?

 

[pinball wizard]

but you can pick up a twincam motor for like 6-7k.. and gearbox...?
new mountings maybe 1 - 2k.

i think still cheaper?

Doubt it with the engineering and labour costs. And then you have a pita if you ever want to sell the thing and the maintenance becomes a hassle unless you do it yourself.

 

[ToxicBunny]

but you can pick up a twincam motor for like 6-7k.. and gearbox...?
new mountings maybe 1 - 2k.

i think still cheaper?

or an OPC motor....?

And engineering costs will double the overall figure, if its a simple project.

 

[Neuk_]

Doubt it with the engineering and labour costs. And then you have a pita if you ever want to sell the thing and the maintenance becomes a hassle unless you do it yourself.

And getting it actually running which will most likely require an aftermarket ECU but still need to integrate in to the dash for things like speed, distance, odo, etc. He might even need to keep the original ECU as modern ones are normally coded to the car and keys so it could end up getting very messy from an electronics point of view.

 

[Moereloos]

but you can pick up a twincam motor for like 6-7k.. and gearbox...?
new mountings maybe 1 - 2k.

i think still cheaper?

or an OPC motor....?

It will be a bitch to insure

 

[Moereloos]

Is there a way to make sure it's not stolen / illegally imported / accident damaged via VIN number or dealer database?

Finance it - no reputable financial institution will finance a car with any red flags

 

[ReeceDBN031]

Finance it - no reputable financial institution will finance a car with any red flags

YOLO

 

[MachoPants]

I feel the pain, my lovely Alfa 156 2.5, also decide to have the mating session with other parts of the car. To expensive to rebuild, sold off parts and made the Alfa emblem into memorial plaque. Rest she may in pieces

 

[qscwbt]

just rebuild. Can't see it to be more than 15k 20 k.
You can get all parts from goldwagen

 

[qscwbt]

Option 3 would be 2jz gte swop

 

[ArmatageShanks]

Ask around the Opel pages on Facebook who has replacement motors, should get you a lekker deal on there.