Noob Pre-purchase questions 95 SSEI
03-28-2006, 11:32 PM
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Noob Pre-purchase questions 95 SSEI
Hey,
First time poster here. I've been thinking about buying an SSEI for a while. I love the styling, performance, and features of the cars. I was wondering if you folks have any suggestions for things to look out for, and if some model years are better than others.
I found a 95 SSEI online with under 65k miles on it. It looks like the car has been taken care of, but I understand that pix can be deceiving, and it'* half way across the country from me.
Just wondering what things I should ask the seller before biting the bullet and flying out to inspect (and hopefully buy) the car. (Besides the obvious: paint, bodywork, service receipts, etc.) It sounds like the trannys can be a weak link in these cars. I know that the oil in the supercharger should've been changed at 50k miles.
In your experience, are there any big-ticket items that I can expect to have to fix/replace in the next 40k miles?
Thanks in advance!
--Woosch
First time poster here. I've been thinking about buying an SSEI for a while. I love the styling, performance, and features of the cars. I was wondering if you folks have any suggestions for things to look out for, and if some model years are better than others.
I found a 95 SSEI online with under 65k miles on it. It looks like the car has been taken care of, but I understand that pix can be deceiving, and it'* half way across the country from me.
Just wondering what things I should ask the seller before biting the bullet and flying out to inspect (and hopefully buy) the car. (Besides the obvious: paint, bodywork, service receipts, etc.) It sounds like the trannys can be a weak link in these cars. I know that the oil in the supercharger should've been changed at 50k miles.
In your experience, are there any big-ticket items that I can expect to have to fix/replace in the next 40k miles?
Thanks in advance!
--Woosch
03-28-2006, 11:51 PM
#2
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supercharger coupler will fail = $500 for a rebuld supercharger from a correct company....cheaper to rebuild on your own by quite a bit
Transmission will go out = $2000+
Windshield costs $500-$800 to replace becuase of the HUD
Lower intake Gasket will fail sometimes
Wheel bearings will go out
CCR (computer command ride) will fail if it has that option
ELC Struts can leak.
and everything else that happens to a normal car over time and miles
Transmission will go out = $2000+
Windshield costs $500-$800 to replace becuase of the HUD
Lower intake Gasket will fail sometimes
Wheel bearings will go out
CCR (computer command ride) will fail if it has that option
ELC Struts can leak.
and everything else that happens to a normal car over time and miles
03-28-2006, 11:57 PM
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Uh...
Gods. My transmission lasted 160K
The coupler costs about 85 bucks in parts to do yourself.
A windshiled goes only if you're in an accident, but yes its more expensive.
Yes, a LIM can possibly go, but they're rare in the S1
Wheel bearings cost about $140 for the part.
CCR can go, and those struts are crap anyway. Most people disable them.
ELC struts can possibly fail, just like any other strut.
Gods. My transmission lasted 160K
The coupler costs about 85 bucks in parts to do yourself.
A windshiled goes only if you're in an accident, but yes its more expensive.
Yes, a LIM can possibly go, but they're rare in the S1
Wheel bearings cost about $140 for the part.
CCR can go, and those struts are crap anyway. Most people disable them.
ELC struts can possibly fail, just like any other strut.
03-29-2006, 02:05 AM
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Originally Posted by Mortehl
Uh...
Gods. My transmission lasted 160K
The coupler costs about 85 bucks in parts to do yourself.
A windshiled goes only if you're in an accident, but yes its more expensive.
Yes, a LIM can possibly go, but they're rare in the S1
Wheel bearings cost about $140 for the part.
CCR can go, and those struts are crap anyway. Most people disable them.
ELC struts can possibly fail, just like any other strut.
Gods. My transmission lasted 160K
The coupler costs about 85 bucks in parts to do yourself.
A windshiled goes only if you're in an accident, but yes its more expensive.
Yes, a LIM can possibly go, but they're rare in the S1
Wheel bearings cost about $140 for the part.
CCR can go, and those struts are crap anyway. Most people disable them.
ELC struts can possibly fail, just like any other strut.
I don't know if it'* because of the name or whatever, but I opted for them due to reputation
03-29-2006, 07:44 AM
#5
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Wow...let'* scare this person away from a possibly perfectly fine car. :o
The supercharger problem that Hans and Morty are talking about is a plastic piece that CAN go bad. Like any other part, but not necessarily. If you are ok with a wrench then parts to do the whole job should cost no more than a little over $50
Wheel hubs/speed sensors. Like any other car..can go bad or be good forever.
Windshield...I assume you'd insure the car and have glass coverage. Mute point in my mind.
CCR..These are struts where choice of ride is available. Regular or performance. Neat feature. Most...like Morty don't understand it and call it crap ...it'* cool...but when it'* time to replace the struts..regular struts are the most cost effective route. Look next to shifter. If there are five buttons and the rear two say Performance Ride and Touring Ride. Make sure both buttons are not lit at the same time. If they are..the system has a fault. Otherwise...enjoy selectable suspension
ELC Struts..Like I said..Morty doesn't understand. The rear struts have an Electronic Leveling in them. On an SSEi, whether you have the CCR option or not..you will have ELC in the rear to control the ride level.
Once you find out where the car is located..you might want to post it and ask that someone local to it go look it over before you spend the money to fly out. This way you can save some airfare and get a first look and pictures by an unbiased 3rd person.
The things I would watch out for on a 95 with that kind of mileage wouldn't be the struts or window.. I would look for the oil pressure/temp/boost gauges acting funny. This is a common issue and fixed very easily if you are willing. Probably cost under $20 and it doesn't need a new cluster.
Any odd electrical issue inside, check for water on the driverside floor. Or signs of it.
Sounds like the car is in good shape and shouldn't have any issues. Please don't let the other couple guys that posted scare you away from it. it'* worth looking into and determining if it'* a good car or not.
Any questions please post them and we will answer to our best abilities.
The supercharger problem that Hans and Morty are talking about is a plastic piece that CAN go bad. Like any other part, but not necessarily. If you are ok with a wrench then parts to do the whole job should cost no more than a little over $50
Wheel hubs/speed sensors. Like any other car..can go bad or be good forever.
Windshield...I assume you'd insure the car and have glass coverage. Mute point in my mind.
CCR..These are struts where choice of ride is available. Regular or performance. Neat feature. Most...like Morty don't understand it and call it crap ...it'* cool...but when it'* time to replace the struts..regular struts are the most cost effective route. Look next to shifter. If there are five buttons and the rear two say Performance Ride and Touring Ride. Make sure both buttons are not lit at the same time. If they are..the system has a fault. Otherwise...enjoy selectable suspension
ELC Struts..Like I said..Morty doesn't understand. The rear struts have an Electronic Leveling in them. On an SSEi, whether you have the CCR option or not..you will have ELC in the rear to control the ride level.
Once you find out where the car is located..you might want to post it and ask that someone local to it go look it over before you spend the money to fly out. This way you can save some airfare and get a first look and pictures by an unbiased 3rd person.
The things I would watch out for on a 95 with that kind of mileage wouldn't be the struts or window.. I would look for the oil pressure/temp/boost gauges acting funny. This is a common issue and fixed very easily if you are willing. Probably cost under $20 and it doesn't need a new cluster.
Any odd electrical issue inside, check for water on the driverside floor. Or signs of it.
Sounds like the car is in good shape and shouldn't have any issues. Please don't let the other couple guys that posted scare you away from it. it'* worth looking into and determining if it'* a good car or not.
Any questions please post them and we will answer to our best abilities.
03-29-2006, 07:53 AM
#7
DINOSAURUS BOOSTUS
Expert Gearhead
Woosch..please...ask any questions, and use the search function.
There is a wealth of information on the site. 95 is a good year for a number of reasons. There are also many things about every year that have been identified as problem areas.
Personally..I would ask a member close to the car to take a look at it if I were across the country. Many of us have done this for other members and been able to help them out.
There is a wealth of information on the site. 95 is a good year for a number of reasons. There are also many things about every year that have been identified as problem areas.
Personally..I would ask a member close to the car to take a look at it if I were across the country. Many of us have done this for other members and been able to help them out.
03-29-2006, 08:14 AM
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CCR is kinda cool when it works, but not responsive enough for my taste. I have one car with it, the other without. The car without has good replacement struts that perform far better. But my CCR DOES work on my 95. Just not as well as I'd like.
I think the primary concern on a car with low miles like that are all the little things. Cars don't like to sit around. I had alot of little bugs in my 93 when I bought it. The car had been stored for most of a 5 year period and rarely driven during that time.
I think the primary concern on a car with low miles like that are all the little things. Cars don't like to sit around. I had alot of little bugs in my 93 when I bought it. The car had been stored for most of a 5 year period and rarely driven during that time.
03-29-2006, 08:17 AM
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Originally Posted by BillBoost37
Personally..I would ask a member close to the car to take a look at it if I were across the country. Many of us have done this for other members and been able to help them out.
03-30-2006, 01:49 AM
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[quote="BillBoost37"]Wow...let'* scare this person away from a possibly perfectly fine car. :o
I know there are potential issues with any used car, and these are 10+ year old vehicles. I just wanted a general idea of what things tend to be problem areas for these cars, because different cars have different problem areas.
One question I do have: I know there were some nice upgrades between the series one and series two normally asperated engines. What model year was the supercharged engine upgraded, and what were the differences in hp/torqe/economy/durability/etc...
I live in Colorado, so broken windshields are a fact of life If I make it through two winters and don't have to replace one I consider myself lucky. I have a shop that takes good care of me and always cuts me a good price. I will check with them tomorrow to see what they'd want for one w/ the HUD. The car I am considering DOES have the adjustable suspension. I'm already assuming that an 11 year old car is going to need new struts. I recently spent a day reviving the adjustable suspension on another car I own, and I'm honestly not all that excited about the things at the moment. (At least they're easily replaced, unlike the air suspension on a Mark VII LSC I used to own *shudder*)
I'm handy with a wrench, so I'd probably tackle the sc coupler myself.
The 95 I'm thinking about is in Boston. If someone there would be willing to swing by and take a look at it, Id really appreciate it. PM me and I'll get you the info on the car.
Thanks for all the input so far.I do appreciate it. This forum is one hell of a resource for owners and enthusiasts!
Woosch
I know there are potential issues with any used car, and these are 10+ year old vehicles. I just wanted a general idea of what things tend to be problem areas for these cars, because different cars have different problem areas.
One question I do have: I know there were some nice upgrades between the series one and series two normally asperated engines. What model year was the supercharged engine upgraded, and what were the differences in hp/torqe/economy/durability/etc...
I live in Colorado, so broken windshields are a fact of life If I make it through two winters and don't have to replace one I consider myself lucky. I have a shop that takes good care of me and always cuts me a good price. I will check with them tomorrow to see what they'd want for one w/ the HUD. The car I am considering DOES have the adjustable suspension. I'm already assuming that an 11 year old car is going to need new struts. I recently spent a day reviving the adjustable suspension on another car I own, and I'm honestly not all that excited about the things at the moment. (At least they're easily replaced, unlike the air suspension on a Mark VII LSC I used to own *shudder*)
I'm handy with a wrench, so I'd probably tackle the sc coupler myself.
The 95 I'm thinking about is in Boston. If someone there would be willing to swing by and take a look at it, Id really appreciate it. PM me and I'll get you the info on the car.
Thanks for all the input so far.I do appreciate it. This forum is one hell of a resource for owners and enthusiasts!
Woosch