Hi,

Been to look at this just now, is a burgundy 20vt with full leather, AC. Apparently was in Blackpool previously (now Mansfield), but has been serviced at Desira Bury.

Everything seems good with it, almost too good to be true except one thing. The service book has some tippex in it, where the mileage has been changed. This was in 2000 I think. There is also another bit in 2003 where is looks like it could have been tampered with but not sure - there is some ink marks near the service 'form' type bit, but thinking about it now it could have been undried ink from a later service on the other page. Will check this again.

..The mileage is at 70ishk at the mo, but the mileage between 2001-2003 seemed to be about 4k (from 28k to 32k). As in the title this is the first Coupe I've had a decent look around. It seemed in VGC compared with others I've seen online and read about. The leather seems in decent condition, as does the steering wheel. Certainly doesnt look like a car that's done 120k or owt, but then I've not seen one in person..

Basically any help or opinion would be nice..

Thanks, Greg.

HPI check asap...lots of coupes with suspicious history

What would the HIP check show? Do they actually have mileage listed? The seller says he thinks he has a certificate available from when he bought the car (which was quite recently, after the potential discrepancies anyway..)

Cheers, Greg.

HPI will show discrepancies if the mileage has been recorded in the log book at time of sale

The other thing that happens with coupes is that the dials get swapped to those with a lower mileage, perhaps the history has been doctored to reflect this. Can you cross check against old MOTs / receipts or can Desira Bury provide the details?

After doing a bit of research it sounds like Desira Bury are quite well thought of?

I think almost all the stamps in the book are from them - surely they would stamp it up properly - as in not leave gaps for the mileage to be changed or added in later?

The mileage is only changed on one of the earlier entries, and not altered after that and it has atleast 4 other Desira stamps in afterwards, with mileage. Also has some of their number plates on and I think a dealer sticker in the back window.

Maybe the tippex was just a genuine mistake..

Cheers, Greg.

I'd still HPI for the peace of mind, quite a few coupes have risen from the scrapyard if you know what I mean Not worth it for the sake of £20

I've managed to do a 'trade' HPI check, and that has come out clear but it doesnt list the mileage.

..I am hoping to contact the servicing garage, Desira, but obviously during bank holidays it could be awkward. The car will probably go before I get chance.

I will try and have a look at past MOT's, but seeing as it's a 98 car and the service in question is around 2000/2001, the car might not yet of had it's first MOT anyway.

The car is completely standard and doesnt really show much signs of wear. It seems to be still on its original exhaust which will no doubt need to be changed sooner rather than later.

It's up at £1500, which is fairly cheap I reckon - even if it had done another 40k, in it's current condition it'd be worth around £1500 or so. I know the service book is questionable - just got to wait and see. I can see it being sold before I get chance to verify things though.

Cheers, Greg.

Go for it, loads of them don't have any history and it's cheap enough. A 100k coupe in good nick would go for that

That was a bit of a turn around in opinion - was it the price that did it? That's kind of the way I am thinking - I am far from made of money and/but dont need a car per-se, so it's not the end of the world if it goes bad..?

I would still appreciate any other opinions anyway - I do hope to become a regular here..

Cheers, Greg.

I would also ask about the big jobs, when they were carried out. Cambelt, clutch and turbo. If they seem recent enough, you could be getting yourself a bargain.

Cambelt was changed in 2007, cant remember what date so I know it will need to be done soon - but atleast it's been done if you know what I mean.

Dont think the clutch is done, but I know it might be ready soon. Dont think the turbo has been either. I know not great, but I'll see how it feels if I drive it..

Thanks for everything, Greg.

Did you buy the Coupe in the end?

No.. I didnt go back for a 2nd viewing. Had something playing on my mind that I am still unsure about - nothing to do with the service history either.

I have to admit aswell, I am not sure I am sold on it's cornering ability. I know it can be improved somewhat but I dont like modifying cars much.

In a straight line of course, I was perfectly happy.

Still pondering - cheers.

This one does seem like a good price, but if you can, go and drive a few more before buying - you'll then hopefully get a sense of what a good (and bad) coupé feels like, and whether the handling is for you.

What's your car history? Coming from agile cars the coupé (as standard) may just not float your boat

Hi..

Thanks for the info - my past car history goes like this:

Mk2 Escort 1.1
Mk2 Escort 1.3
Mk2 Escort 2.0
Pug 306 GTI-6
Clio Williams 3
Pug 306 GTI-6

Also had use of a Seicento Sporting among others..

So I guess my recent history is of nice handling FWD'ers. I was basically looking to move a step up in straight lineperformance, and with regards to FWD there arent many places to go while under £3k or so.

..I might have to have a look at Corrados and Clio 172/182s. I know they're not 20vt quick but supposedly handle well.

Cheers.