Buying a coupe without the red key

Hi all I'm new to the forum and signed up looking at buyers guide. I've been hunting for a 20vt and I have found one in my budget that looks like the car I'm after.

I haven't been to see the car yet but I have spoken to the owner and he says it doesn't have a red key. He says he's had jobs done on the car where the battery has been disconnected and never needed the red key.

The big question is should I leave it as it doesn't have the red key?

Many thanks for any advice

chances are you will never need it, according to previous posts on here. Ive never had to use mine in 5 years !

What happens if I do need the red key and I don't have it?

I've not got one for either of my 20vt's

Got one for my Alfa 155 but never used it

What will be the worse case scenario if I need it?

Worst case scenario would be you having to purchase a new lock set, code box and ecu, but to echo above it's not a massive issue if you don't have the red key as the Coupe system is quite reliable.

Any idea how much it would cost for a new lock set and code box?

Sorry for the stupid questions but I don't want to buy it and then get stitched up lol

A used set goes for around £100.

I have had my coupe 12 years and never needed the red key. There are other much more important things to worry about when buying a coupe.

Ok mate nice one. What other things are there to look out for?

look for one where its had;
regular oil changes
belts and tensioners been changed recently
recent clutch
any suspension renewal always beneficial
if possible, one that's been serviced by a fiat specialist [ prob most important ! ]

Oil cooler
Belts and water pump!!!
Other than that, talk to the owner. If they are passionate about their car, generally you'll get a gut feeling for how it's been cared for.

Less talk about speed, more about sound, soul and passion.

I bought mine without the red key, then bought a used lock set and associated bits for £90, keep them in a box just in case lol.

Put the steering in full lock and have a good look at the chassis, behind the front struts, where the steel brake pipe meets the flexi. Have a good poke around this area both sides.

Have a look in the boot, pay close attention to the seam on the drivers side where the boot floor meets the inner wheel arch. If there's any sign of rust here, there's bound to be worse under that seam.

Also check the pininfarina badges on the sides, are they well secured or loose fitting. They tend to let water in and cause rust issues in the sills.

It's apparently had a new oil cooler, cam belt and lots of other work done at 100,000 miles but 5yrs ago. It's done 36,000 miles since but I guess it's probably due another belt and water pump. Someone took it for a test drive last week and it got warm/ over heated. He had someone wire the fan so it runs constantly and it's going to have a new thermostat this week.

I'll pay good attention to rust areas as I don't want to buy a rust bucket that needs welding every year for the mot.

I'm a bit put off by not having the red key and that it over heated but I've got it into my head that I want one so now I'm inpatient lol

Don't rush into buying one of these cars as we have a saying here which is buy cheap, pay twice.

Print off the club buying check list and take your time.

Water pumps do fail and are a known problem, but they need a belt change to replace!
thermostats usually fail open with over cooling symptoms so i would guess the pump has failed or if its loosing water could be the CHOD "Coolant hose of Death"
Its due a belt change anyway on age! the general consensus is recommended every 3 years to be on the safe side, but fiat stated 5 or 6 years?

I drove my car around for a few months with a 6 year old belt until it was booked in for a cambelt change but i was bricking it every time i went out in it

To me it would depend on how good everything else is and how much you are paying for the car, also take into account the the wiring could be bodged to get the fan to stay on

Belts and a water pump are not usually a major issue (but it is a cost!) but its more, how many times has it overheated before!?

Check for rust as stated above!

If you cant afford the gamble! walk away!!

Failing that, you really need to get a specialist's opinion on this!

also unless its an absolute bargain i would walk away
You can get decent cars for the right money but just have to be patient!

The car is up at £1350 which is from what I can see is cheap for one.

I'm a mechanic and when I started in the trade I worked for a garage that specialised in them and I've changed many cam belts on them but that was 11yrs ago so I'm a bit out of touch with these now a days. I have a 2hr drive to go and look at the car which is why I'm picking all of your brains on it. If it was local then I'd go and have a look without questioning it.

I looked at a metallic red one on Friday which is up for 1250 and it needs a full respray new cam belt new brakes and a clutch so I decided it was too much work for the price. I offered him 900 and he wouldn't drop to it so I walked away.

I know I won't get a great car for my budget but I'm a tight arse and never spend a lot on buying a car but I spend money on making it want I want lol