It sold on ebay sunday night, I emailed the seller saying if he got let down then get in touch with me. He did.

He wants a quick sale so we've arranged that I'll go up there Wednesday, If it's as good as he says it is I'll buy it.

He's impressed me with his knowledge, says he wants rid of it sharpish because he needs the money and has other car projects going on.
He's a mechanic by trade and has done bits to it including the cambelt, it's only at 66k miles. He's probably a member on here!
I'm getting him to put a fresh mot on it albeit at my expense but this has to be a good sign.


Your thoughts please...

Did he tell you why the sale fell through? Always worth asking the question.

Any history with it? previous MOT's? 3 keys, etc?

If he is a member I'm sure he'll reply to your post.

The buyers guide on here is well worth another look, there's always something you've forgotten in there.

Good luck hope it all works out

Yes I was a bit sceptical about that but apparently the buyer couldn't collect until the weekend and he needs it gone/needs cash.

Either that or the buyer arrived and saw it was an abomination and legged it! I'm pretty sure the former is true though

There are 3 keys but I don't think there is much in the way of history. It should be fairly easy to work out whether it's been looked after, so little history is not the end of the world.

It would be nice to have some old mot's though.

Cheers.

Yes the mot thing is a very good idea i have done it on all cars since i was duped (im too gullible) brought a cavalier (yes a long time ago now) quick sale required etc.
steering rack was leaking, mot failure lots of money to spend on a car i just brought!
Just be careful make sure car is cold when you start it etc.etc.
check the red key is a genuine red key etc.etc.
Sometimes things are not as good as they seem, im very suspicious of everybody flogging stuff now!
Hope it turns out a good one! best of luck and let us all know the outcome!

I've already asked him if I can see it start from cold

Yea Its best to go with classic 'if it seems to good to be true, it most likely is'.

How can you tell if the red key is a real one with the chip in it? open it up and look for a chip?

I sure will let you know the outcome of tomorrow's adventure, and will be frequenting here looking at cheap ways to safely up the power.

Genuine red key check is on here somewhere, I think it's repeated ignition on-ignition off, ignition on-ignition off, etc. After the second go or something, the CODE light will not light up any more if it is a normal key (or a fake red key) but with a genuine red key the CODE light will stay on.

Went to view it earlier and it came home with me.

Seems to be all good, The seller installed a Gtech 2 chip for me.

I have an issue with the keys however, the silver key fits into the barrel but wont turn it.
It could be from a different car?
I thought the Silver key was the one for normal use, It is the key that is most worn as well.

I'm using the Red key to drive it at the moment, I did the code light check with the key and its good.

The blue key turns the barrel but it won't start so I'm hoping it just needs coding to the car.

Seller told me that the silver key is just for the locks but I'm not sure that's true is it?

does the red and blue keys open and lock the doors and the fuel cap ?

Not normally, it sounds like either the ignition switch barrel or the door and boot locks have been changed at some time.

Something's not right.

I initially thought that if you do the red key ignition test and the code light goes out then it's genuine.

After reading the how to again, I see it's the opposite, it has to stay on. I did the red key check again and I can't get the code light to stay on But it does have a chip inside it.

Red key doesn't operate the locks, only the ignition barrel.

Silver key opens the locks and petrol cap, but doesn't fit the ignition barrel.

Blue key fits the ignition barrel but doesn't open the locks or petrol cap.

So yes great! It appears the ignition barrel has been changed, and was provided with a new blue key as well as the new red key. (or all 3 and the new silver key is missing)

And it seems they didn't want to fork out on having the locks changed as well so kept the old silver key.

I really should have checked this

Eh? Normally all three keys (silver, blue, red) *will* open all locks and start the engine, so if any of them won't do that, it implies something has been changed in the past. Silver key has always been the one I've normally used, so unfortunately it does get to look a little worn out. But it's all part of the Coupe owning experience, no point in having a Coupe and using some horrible plain plastic key like other lesser Fiats! Congrats on the purchase J_H, where in Surrey are you?

Good luck J-H, should have bought from here.........

I'd like to be using the silver key but it looks like the only key I can use is the red, I think the Ignition barrel has been changed.

I'm in Farnham DaveG, A shortish drive up/down the A331 and M3 is in order soon then.

Are there many others in our area?

Yep, 2 miles away from Farnham.

I am in Haslemere

Has this been modified? i.e the Engine Turbo? just may be worth getting things checked, or finding out whats, what as the G-Tech "2" chip may not be suitable for you!
Loads of people on here can advise regarding mods etc.
Best to be certain!
Have a read of the Tuning section i think that explains most things, and list what you know someone will help!