Potential new 406 owner

[Roylewaa]

Hi all

Just thought i'd say hello

I'm in current negitiation with a chap to do a deal on his car, Its a 97 2.0 Auto GLX, I was just wondering if there is anything I need to know about the auto, reliability etc, milege on it is 97k, Ive already asked if the cambelt has been done

It looks a really nice car, in the process of negotiating a straight swap for my 96 Escort

Cheers for any info

[highlander]

Swapping an Escort for a 406? You're getting the better end of the deal

The only thing that I know of that you'd need to look for (other than the cambelt) is water ingress. Check all the seals, particularly around the sunroof (if it has one) and around the rear light clusters. Check the spare wheel well; if this car is leaky, water tends to pool in there.

[steve_earwig]

I'd be a bit cautious about the 13 year old auto box, make sure it all works with no clunky changes etc.

It's the usual stuff with Pugs, make sure all the electrics work. True, some of it's easy to rectify but it's probably best not to bother if too much of it fails to function.

Also, check the sills, if a previous owner's been a bit lax about securing the sill seals water can get in, we've had a couple now with big holes in them.

[Roylewaa]

Champion cheers for that, I will check those areas

Yes, Its certainly looking like a good deal, Mine is a year older, He wants to swap as he wants a manual car, I'm going through a lazy phase at the mo so fancy an auto, My Escort does have 11 months test, the 406 only has 4 months but it still seems a sound car

In the process of arranging meeting up with him for a proper look

cheers again

[Roylewaa]

Its all arranged, meeting on Saturday for a proper look

I will definately be checking the auto box properly before I shake hands

cheers for you info chaps

I will post back with any news

[Welly]

I wonder why the other guy wants a manual after driving an auto?

You should be much better off in a 406, you shouldn't have any rust issues for a start and the engines are mega tough in fact the petrol (despite its economy being worse) is less trouble than the diesel in reality.

Have a good looky at the radiator and its connections they are prone to rust.

If the slushmatic seems to work ok then look at getting the fluid changed on it - this should hold off any future probs and maybe speak to a slush-specialist (didn't someone say the puggy box in kinda sealed-4-life??).

The 406 is normally pretty easy come MOT time we have found; with only the odd handbrake or suspension part if you're unlucky.

[eoin27]

I'd be a little suspicious of why he wants to swap cars. Insurance would be a better reason for swapping a cheap car i think. The 406 is by far and away a better car. My mechanic uncle calls the escort (and all fords from that era) "sub-standard sh1te"

My mate has a 1998 3dr 1.8 GTi and its pretty. But thats an exception to the rule

[Roylewaa]

The guy himself dosent mind the auto, Its his Mrs, she can't get used to it apparently

Ive asked loads of questions as was a bit sus myself but everything seems in order with the car, He's recently replaced the cat and the battery and had all the injectors cleaned

He uses the car for work purposes so he drives all ovr the country, that's testiment in itself its a good motor

The Escort ive got is the Si, which is kind of a poor mans Gti as it has the same 1.8 115bhp engine, the only real difference in the GTi is the half leather seats, side skirts and wheels, side skirts can be picked up for about 20 quid. I think if mine was a bog standard LX he would'nt be so keen

[Roylewaa]

Well, I'm 'officially' in the club now

Did the deal this morning, In a word, chuffed

The auto box is spot on, selects gears nice and smooth, and the car is generally in excellent condition with no rust at all anywhere

a couple of pics

[DaiRees]

Welcome to the club mate

Car looks tidy, give it a wash & polish and it'll come up a treat, that's a cracking colour . I like light interiors too but I might be in the minority with that one

That seal on the drivers door is a very common fault, dead easy to kick the seal off getting when out. The clips are pennys from the main stealers, get more than you need

[Roylewaa]

Cheers for the comments

Yeah that seal on the bottom of the driverside door is goosed, it just flops into the road when you open the door

[steve_earwig]

Ooh, China Blue Not keen on light interiors myself, but then I'm a scruffy git and tend to forget just how dirty my strides are... Floor mats is a good sign

[Roylewaa]

Yes I thought the same

I always think Dealer mats is a good sign

Even the Aircon works which amazed me, in all the cars ive had this is the first one to have it and work

[eoin27]

The Escort ive got is the Si, which is kind of a poor mans Gti as it has the same 1.8 115bhp engine, the only real difference in the GTi is the half leather seats, side skirts and wheels, side skirts can be picked up for about 20 quid. I think if mine was a bog standard LX he would'nt be so keen

Ya Im familiar with the Si. AFAIK it doesnt have ABS either like the GTi has. I found this out on a test drive a couple of years back

Well done on the 406 mate. Its a far superior machine to what you had. Good luck with it. And you're in the right place if you wanna sort out problems cost effectively.

[Welly]

Just needs a good scrub up