RACQ Inspection In - Please advise

[Dee 4x4]

Hi guys. I had the 4AGE 20v Sierra inspected yesterday and all I can say is damn, RACQ are thorough.

Here's the link to my other thread which details the mods and condition based on what I noted. http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/PHP_Modul ... hp?t=68991

They ripped it apart and made it look like a heap of crap. Initially it made me think that there was no way I wanted the Sierra anymore but I was pretty set on it and before the inspection, it was more than I wanted. Anyway, apart from cosmetic issues (slight body damage which has been repaired, crack in tail light lense, stuff like that) there are a few major things which I pretty much need your opinions on. Here is what was noted by the RACQ guy.

1. Rust spots to lower side panels.
2. Chipped windscreen.
3. Rust marks, damage, repairs, body filler and sand noted to underbody - advise clean down and reassess underbody.
4. Unstable steering and noise at rear on test drive.
5. Loose rear shock absorber mount.
6. Freeplay in steering box and linkeage joints. Oil grease leaking from swivel joints.
7. Freeplay in front wheel bearings.
8. Loose left front flexible brake hose.
9. Oil level is low and oil is discoloured. Indicates over extended service interval or wear related problem. Service engine oil and monitor.
10. Loose hose tubes.
11. Loose airflow meter and air filter.
12. Oil leak at rear of transfer case.

So that's it. That's everything that I'd want looked at if I was to go through with it and everything that I'm having to now take into consideration. When I drove the car it seemed fine but from the report he's given it many problems which I assume will need attention.

Should I cancel the buy altogether? Should I make an alteration to my price offer, less $500 or $1000 or so? I'd really like your opinions on this one. I've told him I'll let him know my decision by this afternoon. He's a nice guy and I don't want to screw him around by being indecisive.

[sierrajim]

Firstly, is the car engineered and does it come with a roadworthy certificate as part of the sale?

The RAC checks need to be VERY harsh, it is a legal document, if there is something wrong that they don't pick up they must fix it for you at no charge. Thats why their reports are so thorough.

1. Rust spots to lower side panels.
Are they surface rust spots or has the rust eaten the panel? possible roadworthy item. However out of sight is out of mind.

2. Chipped windscreen.
roadworthy item

3. Rust marks, damage, repairs, body filler and sand noted to underbody - advise clean down and reassess underbody.

4. Unstable steering and noise at rear on test drive.
roadworthy item, possible castor, bearing or bush problem

5. Loose rear shock absorber mount.
easy enough to fix

6. Freeplay in steering box and linkeage joints. Oil grease leaking from swivel joints.
roadworthy item, adjust box. How much wear in linkages.

7. Freeplay in front wheel bearings.
could be the steering freeplay

8. Loose left front flexible brake hose.
is the mounting clip loose or the flare nut?

9. Oil level is low and oil is discoloured. Indicates over extended service interval or wear related problem. Service engine oil and monitor.
Its a Suzuki this does show the previous/current owners respect for their vehicle.

10. Loose hose tubes.
huh

11. Loose airflow meter and air filter.
tighten them up. Does show owners lack of attention to detail

12. Oil leak at rear of transfer case.
replace seals, may as well do gears and bearings at the same time. that would be my excuse anyway.



Should I cancel the buy altogether? Should I make an alteration to my price offer, less $500 or $1000 or so?

Condition of the vehicle does reflect in the price you would offer





He's a nice guy and I don't want to screw him around by being indecisive

good to hear that you think that way, its a pitty everyone else doesn't.
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[Dee 4x4]

Thanks for the reply mate. The car is fully engineered and as for the roadworthy, his plan was to get that tomorrow. I think what I might do is see if I can talk to the people who are doing the roadworthy and let them know what was noted on the report just in case they decide to do a dodgy roadworthy. When I bought the R33 not only did it have bald tires but the battery was wedged under the subwoofer which was mounted in the parcel shelf with a t-shirt (covered in acid) holding it in place. How the hell does something like that get missed? Dodgy roadworthy. Something I definately don't want to occur with this car.

More comments are welcome. My main concern was the issue with the underbody though. I know it's had some minor damage repaired because he told me that whenever he'd bumped it while offroading, he'd have it fixed immediately to stop rust forming so in that respect I was already aware that it wasn't perfect. I just don't want to buy a car that is going to have it's chasis collapse due to rust in a few years. Is this something I should actually be worrying about? I have no idea...

[Pinball]

seeing as u got RACQ onto it i figure you're in Qld.... whereabouts?

No offence... but from my experience RACQ generally weren't that good with 4wd's... might be worth running it in to one of several suzuki specialists if you still want and the guy is serious in selling.

Spock