More avice please guys !

[fogman]

hi guys as you may or may not know im on the verge of buying my first fronty, i had a test drive in it today and i luved, it so before i make my decision id like some honest and well informed opinions on possible pit falls & anything i should keep my eyes out for ! the vehicle in question is a 1999 t plate 2.2 petrol lwb [still cant find a lever to adjust the steering wheels height ] , only 3 owners with some history & 52k on the clock, its got 6 months test & bodywork is pukka & the engine & bay looks nice & clean, the heater mirrors & windows all worked as they should do not bothered about the air con cos i never use it anyway ! im not that mechanically minded so if i get it i will get it serviced so i know where i stand & having in mind the mileage will there be anything that needs checking or changing that a non vauxhall mechanic [the bloke who does my mondeo] not look for ?
any advice would be appreciated
cheers gary.

[FRONTY 4 X 4]

[boybilbo81]

Hi buddy, the stearing wheel adjustment is on the left hand side of the stearing column (looks like a bonnet catch), the only other thing I can think of being an issue is the light stearing, but it can be adjusted by a nut and screw being tightened, easy. I think you would enjoy the purchase if you think it is mechanicly sound.

[fogman]

cheers guys at what mileage should the cambelt be changed ?

[Wneiljohnson47]

[l.c]

Watch out for bottom end problems aswell. I found out to my expense but apparently it's something to do with Vauxhall just using a bored out 2.0.

Mine is a S reg 2.2 Sport RS. Cracking car though. Rear wiper is playing up on mine a bit but it's more a niggle than a problem. And don't fear airbag lights as it's a common fault and easily repaired with a cable tie (Unless you find your airbag flying towards your face as a result of a smash. Then it's a big problem and you may require more tools)

They are very twitchy at the back end in the wet so go easy on the loud pedal until you are comfortable. Once you are you can have great fun steering using the rear wheels and a dab of throttle.

Check all the CV gaiters are intact and in good condition. They are a right pain in the arse to change.

Fuel isn't bad but isn't great. No matter how hard I try I can't get any more than 19 mpg out of mine. But I can live with that because it's a drop dead gorgeous car that is fantastic fun.

[fogman]

19 mpg i dont like the sound of that especially as ive got big feet so going easy on the loud pedal isnt gona be easy for me

[dandan]

19 sounds especially low. 25-29 is more likely to be achieved when being good with the loud pedal.
As mentioned before, check the exhaust manifold. There are a couple of threads on here regarding the probs.
I also believe some of the "B" series were prone to a dash fault that has also been covered lots.
The engine can be a little weak at the bottom end after about 80,000 miles if it hasn't been cared for.

Have a read through the relevant sections in the forum for any info.

If you can spare the cash then a service and belt change is always good just for your own piece of mind and it also gives you a definite base to start from for further service intervals.


HTH

[fogman]

thats more like it dandan i was hoping more for the 25ish mpg, but some excellent advice so far thanks guys

[jmc]

Are you buying from the previous owner?if you are you could ask about the mpg.

[fogman]

no its from a dealer mate and he said and i quote " cambelts on these are good for 100k " so by his standards i should expect 50 mpg minimum

[FRONTY 4 X 4]

[fogman]

if everything goes as planned after Christmas & it aint been sold [after ive checked the manifold, which i wouldnt of done before asking for advice on here] im gona go for it
im definetly gona get it serviced & belt changed asap, is it vauxhall parts only with the belt guys??
but i wont be cleaning mine 4 times a week cos thats a years allocation for me

[l.c]

You can get any part you need from A.V Taylors for a fraction of the Vauxhall Stealers prices. Example.

Outer CV Gaiter

A.V Taylor - £14
Vauxhall - £86 + VAT

I thought he was quoting me for the actual joint when he came out with that price but no.

[FRONTY 4 X 4]

[fogman]

wise words fronty 4x4, i havent got a problem using motor factor parts but i did just wonder if it would be worth getting a vauxhall cam belt kit rather than a factor 1 ? especially as it will probably be a few years before its changed again

[TonyG]

Re: cambelt. The word "kit" is important on 2.2s. Plastic rollers - not nice, they wear, crack and can disintegrate. Result = total ruination.

I did one myself last year when I had a 2nd Fronty for a while. Quite an easy job but would advise you get one of these thingy m jigs that sit in between the two cams locked in the teeth to stop movement. I managed without a thingy m jig - but it would have been easier with one 100k for a 2.2 belt change!! Try 30k!!

Tone.

[Wneiljohnson47]