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Buying a coupe without the red key
#1532870
05/04/2015 16:33
05/04/2015 16:33
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Shaggydub
Unregistered
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Shaggydub
Unregistered
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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
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Re: Buying a coupe without the red key
[Re: ]
#1532875
05/04/2015 17:08
05/04/2015 17:08
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glenn1960
Unregistered
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glenn1960
Unregistered
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chances are you will never need it, according to previous posts on here. Ive never had to use mine in 5 years !
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Re: Buying a coupe without the red key
[Re: ]
#1532878
05/04/2015 17:18
05/04/2015 17:18
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Shaggydub
Unregistered
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Shaggydub
Unregistered
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What happens if I do need the red key and I don't have it?
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Re: Buying a coupe without the red key
[Re: ]
#1532880
05/04/2015 17:40
05/04/2015 17:40
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alfasudti
Unregistered
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alfasudti
Unregistered
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I've not got one for either of my 20vt's
Got one for my Alfa 155 but never used it
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Re: Buying a coupe without the red key
[Re: ]
#1532885
05/04/2015 18:04
05/04/2015 18:04
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Shaggydub
Unregistered
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Shaggydub
Unregistered
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What will be the worse case scenario if I need it?
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Re: Buying a coupe without the red key
[Re: ]
#1532892
05/04/2015 18:55
05/04/2015 18:55
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 17,206 FCSS 01684 593187
Countrycruising
Club Rep Europe, member 914
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Club Rep Europe, member 914
Forum veteran
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 17,206
FCSS 01684 593187
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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.
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Re: Buying a coupe without the red key
[Re: ]
#1532894
05/04/2015 19:03
05/04/2015 19:03
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Shaggydub
Unregistered
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Shaggydub
Unregistered
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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
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Re: Buying a coupe without the red key
[Re: ]
#1532897
05/04/2015 19:13
05/04/2015 19:13
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 21,512 Aldershot
PeteP
Hon Club Member 005, Membership Secretary
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Hon Club Member 005, Membership Secretary
Forum Fossil
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 21,512
Aldershot
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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.
16VT and X1/9 1500
We must all do our part for the planet. I unplugged a row of electric cars that nobody was using.
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Re: Buying a coupe without the red key
[Re: ]
#1532903
05/04/2015 19:59
05/04/2015 19:59
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Shaggydub
Unregistered
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Shaggydub
Unregistered
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Ok mate nice one. What other things are there to look out for?
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Re: Buying a coupe without the red key
[Re: ]
#1532911
05/04/2015 20:40
05/04/2015 20:40
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glenn1960
Unregistered
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glenn1960
Unregistered
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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 ! ]
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Re: Buying a coupe without the red key
[Re: ]
#1532922
05/04/2015 23:37
05/04/2015 23:37
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Big_Muzzie
Unregistered
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Big_Muzzie
Unregistered
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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.
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Re: Buying a coupe without the red key
[Re: ]
#1532950
06/04/2015 10:01
06/04/2015 10:01
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nissansteve
Unregistered
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nissansteve
Unregistered
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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.
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Re: Buying a coupe without the red key
[Re: ]
#1532961
06/04/2015 10:50
06/04/2015 10:50
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Shaggydub
Unregistered
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Shaggydub
Unregistered
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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
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Re: Buying a coupe without the red key
[Re: ]
#1532967
06/04/2015 11:42
06/04/2015 11:42
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Shaggydub
Unregistered
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Shaggydub
Unregistered
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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
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