Car appreciation... the aesthetics, the engineering, etc

hope it goes well!
my forester is in for it's annual MOT failure as we speak - i'm hoping it's not as bad as last year when i paid a grand in cash for welding! :D
that sti looks almost pristine compared to mine. (mine being a boggo 2.0 n/a, but at least it's the XE with leather interior and the huge moon roof)

::edit::
it passed!
i also need a new exhaust though. might treat it to something with a bit of a burble

Long-time reader first time posting in this thread.

We’re in the market for a Focus ST Mk3 estate and looking to view one this weekend. The seller (seemingly helpful) offers to meet halfway at a shopping centre.

Am I right in thinking that this rings alarm bells?

Idk about alarm bells, but I was always told to make sure the owner lived at the address on the V5.

Points noted on the 172. I'll just sort it out and enjoy it. Saved searches deleted.

@lynx On rebuilding at home, I thought the same, but the workshop manual has 4 pages of special tools required for the rebuild. Shame. The oil is definitely old, and hopefully low too. I'll replace it soon with some high quality fluid soon.

When I was looking there seemed to be people who are sort of 'fake dealers', listed as dealers on autotrader, with a few cars listed, but their address is a residential street and the pictures of the cars have fake backgrounds or similar. I tried to deal with a few (one wanted to meet in the carpark of Ealing hospital), but just decided not to bother and just tried to find actual private sellers.

Easy enough to check I suppose - say you would rather meet at their address (maybe it's near your in-laws? who knows!). If they get evasive then run away

OBD reader (P2414 code) tells me I might need a new Lambda Sensor. Bank 1 Sensor 1, which I believe from googling is pre-cat so the one I can access from the engine bay. How stupid would it be to source the part and special socket tool (~£180) and swap it myself vs get a garage to do it?

Firstly check the wiring ;)

Can you see the reading of what the sensor is doing live?

Is it worthwhile to look on a forum to see if someone has done it before. If there are work rounds for the special tools.

Would it impact any warranty etc?

Personally I'd check forums and YouTube then diy if it was viable.

I've done this, as I don't want people going to my car stash.

Best bet is chat to the person, as others have said you buy from the person. There is a free way to see the last change of v5 so you can see if they are living.

It's one unit that threads into the exhaust, ableit with a special socket that has a cut way to fit around the wiring, and one connector plug. I can see both things and critically the wiring run with it's tool-less clips.

Thanks all – really helpful @lynx @el_presidente @christianSpaceman @hugo7

Spoke to the seller and think they’re genuinely helpful. Must be careful not to turn into a cynical bastard. V5 checks out too, watch this space.

Bright orange paint pls!

I reviewed the extensive jp documentation on this mk6 golf prior to purchase but couldn’t see anything about the timing belt having been done. I’m going to dig through the docs again in detail but if I can’t find it should I get that done as a matter of priority? (13 y.o. / 60k miles)

The socket even with a thread chaser is less than 15, if it's 22mm from a quick Google.

How much is the sensor, and how easy is access. Maybe there is a you tube video that might help.

In the past I've done the plus gas liquid couple times a day for a few days and using the car to heat and cool the joint.

Find out if it is a non interference engine. One that doesn't damage things when the cambelt snaps.

If it is an interference engine, replace it and all the fluids such as gearbox and brake. Excuse to see what the oil inside the box was like.

V220

Mk6 GTi is a chain not a belt but it's the infamous tsi chain so depending on mileage I'd get the stretch measured

Actually getting the stretch measured is overkill tbh unless you're putting it in for a major service and inspection. What mileage is it on again?

This on the new Octavia?

Not stupid at all. I changed one on my mum's TFSI A4 and it's piss easy if you've got sufficient access.

Just check the warranty situation as others have said.

It's also worth clearing the code and seeing if it returns first.

61k miles

I don't think you need to get stressed out about timing chain at that mileage

thanks. from further reading it’s the timing chain tensioner that seems to be a known issue on the mk6 - looks tricky to inspect too which is annoying. might see if my old man is able to

Looking at cheap minis, supercharged one that boils after 10 minutes.... wondering if you could lob in one of those head gasket seal gloop bottles and go to Paris and back then sell.