tips on inspecting a sp20

[wheeler33]

Hey guys, so i'm considering getting an SP20 off someone and i know for certain cars they have specific problems you should look for. Is there anything in particular that happens to the SP20 that i should pay attention too??

tips would be epic!

Cheers.

[chicaboo]

Hi,

The worst problem with the SP20 are the VICS screws that wiggle loose over time, and let themselves and the butterfly mechanism they trap go into your engine [that's bad :p]. I don't know how you check for that, other than go through the service history/receipts to see if it's written down. After that, the next biggest problem is the leaking clutch pedal seal that lets water through into the car when it rains. This one luckily is easy to spot - you just climb down into the foot well and look for signs of rust and check for moisture and damp smells. The driver's side and front engine mounts tend to let go fairly quickly compared to most cars too. Other than that, I can't really think of anything that is more problematic over any other car. The clips that secure the corner of the front bumper, bend. This is only an aesthetic issue though. Some cars get a clunk from the rear sway-bar. This isn't a huge problem, and can be fixed with rubber stoppers and clamps. Also, by now the shocks would be well and truly rooted, So check to see if they have been replaced, or you will need to cop it yourself.

Gav.

[Rupewrecht]

Have a read here - http://www.astinagt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16549

[wheeler33]

Thanks guys for the prompt reply, yea gonna go check it out tomorrow, should be all good :) i'll update on how it went.

[buickman]

I purchased a SP20 brand new in 2002 for my wife and have had no mech issues with the car only normal wear and tear like tyres , battery , wipers and the car is serviced every 10,000 or less. The car is still under 70,000 kms.