Looking to buy a Williams tomorrow...

[GabrielKnight]

I'm looking forward to putting down some hard earned on a nice shiny Williams 3 tomorrow.

Can someone please tell me how to be certain its a Williams and not a 1.8 done up like one.

Apart from rust on arches and sills, and obvious things like smoke and dodgy brakes, what am I looking to avoid please?

Also, if I'm buying from a private seller, presumebly I'm not legally allowed to take it or a test drive? Will I be able to glean enough information by watching the other guy drive it? I'm fairly nw to all this!

[MatrixGuy]

You definately want to take it for a test drive mate!

Look here for some useful info:

http://www.williamsclio.co.uk/forum/...ic.php?t=25276

Definately check when the cambelt was last changed.

[GabrielKnight]

That link is very helpful. I'll print it off in colour and study it on the 3 hour train journey on the way!

The link to the differences between different models just leads back to homepage for me. Is there a different link please.

[MatrixGuy]

That part of the site is not working i don't think mate. I will try and find the info for you though.

[GabrielKnight]

The cambelt has apparently been changed - there is a FSH according to the ad. The one I'm looking at is in the higher end of the price-range, lowish millage, several thousand £, so want to be sure I get one that will get me home.

[MatrixGuy]

Is it on Ebay or PH mate?

[GabrielKnight]

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1053673.htm

[stan]

The chassis number for a williams will have C57M in it, a valver will have C57D.

[GabrielKnight]

Where's the chasis number, lol?!

[stan]

etched onto the top of N/S strut turret.