Why has my mechanic run a mile?

[Loque]

Hi all,

I've been mulling over a new car for about a week now and I want something hot hatch like, hence why I'm here speaking about a Williams. The other choice is a Vtec Honda CRX from a similar era to the Willi. I asked for his advice on the matter, and he promptly responded with 'If you get a Williams I'm going nowhere near it'

I understand that these cars have a 2 Litre engine shoe-horned into a bay that's far too small and the bonnet has to come off every time you need to so much as change the battery, but are they really that unreliable and that much of a pain to work on?

Thanks

[Wobba]

lol, no, you dont have to take the bonnet off to get the battery out. You need both wings off AND the bonnet

Kidding.

Some mechanics run a mile as it can be a pain to work on but tbh once you are used to it its not THAT bad, and if its a reliable one it wont need to be taken apart much anyway.

Sure, there will be stuff to replace due to wear and tear but I can assure you its not hard. Oil filter can be a pain though lol...

[Loque]

Hahaha. I think I'd have to come up with a quick release system or something like that for the bonnet, somehow!

This guy is a personal friend of mine who happens to be a trained mechanic, I like using him as I know the job will be done to a high standard and not bodged as if I go to Quik Fit or similar.

How much do you think I will have to part with to get a 'reliable' one? I've read the guide to hunting for one, which basically says check for rot everywhere, and general engine issues, but is there anything more I should know?

I don't suppose anyone has any pictures of the F7R with the engine cover off - maybe I can yet tempt him that there is a bit of room somewhere...

Thanks again.

[Wobba]

loads of room

[MAXIBOY]

cant see its an issue at all.. work on mine and a few special tools sort 99% of jobs

as for room theres loads can fit a turbo in..

[Loque]

Thanks guys, I've had a few words with a Renault Specialist, and he's said that they aren't too bad to work with, so in a few months I'll probably get my grubby mits on one.

[Wobba]

Good luck with finding a good one! Let us know!

[Coops]

just make sure the power steering pump is quiet, the aux belt and tensioner are in mint nick, cam belts been done and water pumps been done

then theres no reason to need to get down that tight side of the engine for years, so no worries!

[vkosho]

Get a phase 1! Bout 2.5 - 3k at the moment for a really good one. You might have to look around alot for a while though. Dont rush into it. Much better than a shitty civic etc. Try and get one with a fairly new clutch and decent gearbox too, possibly a refurbed one.

Most mechanics ive worked with hate them buts its only really due to the Oil filter and Clutch/Gearbox changes.

Book time on changing a clutch is 10 hours for example due to either lifting the engine out or dropping the subframe but people who get to know them can do it in just a few hours, so its really just the fact that its a more specialist car which requires more knowledge to work on efficiently. Same with the oil filter, The first time you swap one is a nightmare but then when youve done it 3 times its really easy.

Apart from this most engine jobs arn't bad at all, just sometimes awkward. All cars have certain awkward jobs.

Mechanics definitely like to moan alot too!

[Loque]

Oh that they do. Thanks for the encouragement guys. Always liked these things since I was a small kid! Asides from a crx, the mechanic in question is now directing me towards a 306 GTi-6, anyone have any experience of those?

And I've read a fair amount about how ghastly this oil filter is to change, don't suppose anyone has a link to a guide on how to do it or anything? Hah. I really don't like the sound of changing the clutch/gearbox then. 10 hours. That's gonna cost a boatload.