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Old 14-04-2006, 02:21 PM   #2
zetec
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Posts: 4,352
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Warranty was 3 years standard, if it was a 5 year they'd advertise it. Only way to tell is to check with a Dealer Service department. Check to see if it has a passenger airbag or just the cutout with storage container in the top. Airbag denotes safety pack with ABS brakes, which is hard to come by.

Check for front brake disc wear and see if the discs are becoming grooved and have a lip around the edge where the disc surface has diiminished and you can feel the iron edge of the disc sticking out. This will indicate you're up for $400 or so in front disc, pads and labour.

Naturally the full service history would be a given. Avoid it if not.

Beyond the brakes, things like the fuel guage are a bit hard to judge but definitely check it, can be an expensive exercise if not replaced under warranty.

Put the air con on 4 and check the centre vents if they close by themselves. Not a serious problem at all but can be a hassle. Wouldn't stop me from buying the car though.

Just generally drive it and if it feels like a dog, avoid it. Early CL's were a little underpowered by the incorrect factory calibration. Easily fixed, but not sure how you'd go out of warranty.

Post any more questions/concerns you maye have!

Matt
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