My wife has decided she cant live without a 300zx in her life. Her Ford Fiesta has failed its MOT because of rust and she now thinks its time to upgrade. I feel that a NA model would be best as she has been used to a 1.3 4 banger, so its quite a step up to a V6, let alone a TT. She hasnt got much money and after search the net ive come up with 2 that are within her budget (including repairs) but i need some advice:

 

1) http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161738586857?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

How hard is it to change a clutch yourself? I've been quoted £300-400 for a clutch change. Is the paint on the bonnet easy to touch up?

 

2) http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/201375112201?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I know its difficult to tell from the pictures and people wont want to commit to telling me to buy, but how bad is the rust on this car? Is it too far gone?

 

Thanks in advance!

1. Clutch change isn't difficult as such just time consuming. If you don't have the tools and equipment it can take a fair chunk if time. The garages can do it much faster with the lift and transmission jacks etc. If it's your first time and your working alone with basic tools it's going to eat most of your weekend IMO. I'd say it's only going to take a morning and it can be done that quick, but that's in good conditions with experience on your side. I'm guessing that quote wasn't including parts?

 

2. The rust on that arch is pretty progressive. I can't forsee you saving the arch without majour surgery. If the arch top is that bad the alarm bells of the sill and rear portion under the bumper are ringing. Many have thought, "it's just surface rust" it rarely is...it's always worse than it looks.

 

The first car on face value is the better car.

Agree with above.

 

Machanical issues are one thing, but rust, that's another big problem all together.

May we know what sort of budget you are working with?

Her budget isnt much to be honest. £1500 is the top i believe, she can get away with doing monthly direct debit insurance. It is quite a small amount in terms of Zs, I have warned her, but she still wants one!

 

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Ive just seen the blue one on ebay has gone now, i guess someone made the £1000 offer :(