Ypsilon for sale in Ireland o n a website donedeal.ie I am going to take alook tomorrow . It's a 1997 model in blue, looks very straighi in the picture, €795.00. any advice on buying one of these fine and unusial cars. Thanks David
Hello Dave,
Can you let us have a few more details and a link to the photos, what engine is fitted? what model is it?
I bought my elefantino Rosso new, and after running it for over three years before I had an accident which meant I couldn't change gear with my right hand, I loved it, went like stink. no real problem with parts as most mechanical items are the same a series 2 Punto, the Punto Sporting was the nearest thing to my Rosso and was fitted with the same 1242cc 16v Twin OHC 86bhp Fire engine. A Fiat approved Punto Manual by Porter Manuals that used to be available through Fiat dealer parts dept, Fiat Part Number 46000982 covers all models of Punto 1994-1999.
All lot depends on the specs, but no doubt about it the 16v engine is probably the best one to have although it needs regular servicing and the correct grade of oil to avoid problems, although I've never had one the next best engine on paper is the 1.4.
Check that the electric windows work as these are a frequent problem, also check the rear wiper, it is not the same as the Punto item as it has different fixings, it is twice the price of the Punto one, and definitely not interchangable.
Surface corrosion under the bonnet is par for the course, with the servo usually being quite rusty.
Don't let anyone tell you that the headlights are "Centre dip" as was once believed to be the case, they are not! they are LHD only and not available in RHD, you need a friendly sympathetic MOT tester who will let you blank of the bit of the headlamp that's the problem, I always kept the in car headlight adjuster in the lowest position and I was only ever flashed once.
Speedo doesn't conform to construction & use in the UK, but as it doesn't form part of the UK Mot, it's up to the owner what he does about it, there are people around who can take the unit apart and add mph markings, which is a bit difficult as they must be lit at night.
I think Demon Tweeks do an electronic converter that attaches to the back of the unit and changes the electronic signal, so that where the clock indicates in KH with the converter you read those same figures as MPH, I hope you understand what I mean.
Brian
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