ESSENTIAL CHECKS
Tempted by a Pug 205? Here’s what to look out for
LOOK FOR BUBBLING PAINT
The quarter panel ahead of the rear wheel arch is a prime trap for water. Failed or missing bump stops open this area up massively to water ingress and tin worm. If rust makes it into the sills, depending on the spread, budget between £200 and £1000. If it sets in along seams or spot welds – check areas like the engine bay, boot, behind the jack and the screen wash bottle – £400 will see proper restorative work, better than a £100 bodge.
CHECK FOR TIRED SUSPENSION
The bearings on the rear radius arms are prone to failure causing excessive play in the rear axle or even seizure if the car spends a lot of time sitting. Park the car on a level surface and check the camber of the wheels – any negative camber is a sign of expensive bills to come… at least £500. Jacking the car up is a valuable opportunity – the axle swinging away from the floor points to failing mounts. New rubber ones are about £20 each. The front suspension can chew through bushes and wishbones as betrayed by clonks, vagueness and hesitation when cornering; rectification is a £250 job. Worn drop links and strut top mounts will clatter on uneven surfaces – it’s not an MoT failure but will ruin the ride.
LOCK IT UP
The central locking system on the car didn’t always work as it should even when new so disconnecting it and locking the doors with the key is wise.
Electrical gremlins are common – checking the fuses is a good place to start, f
