Alright? I am looking for a nice s2 turbo. Is there much of a difference between the early models and later models and which is the best one to go for? How much should I expect to pay for a nice example with no rust and sound mechanics? Are they reliable enough? any tips would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Stewart
e-mail: junior_chapman@yahoo.co.uk

 

defo get a 90 spec one mate, late G reg or H reg

better looking spoiler & bumper. handbrake surround. there are other differences too (cant remember what they are but im sure some one will fill in the blanks)

different cloth interior too, both still recaro tho

 

cheers for that mate.

 

That's usually your main problem

 

u can find them if you look tho

mine is pretty much rust free, never had or needed any welding,

as far as reliablity goes as well, think its pot luck, again i've had no probs with mine in 4 years of owning it

but some people have problem after problem.

just make sure you buy the best you can afford, low miles RSOC, FSH, always garaged.

it will pay off in the end, buy a cheap one and it will cost you just as much in repairs

 

any more info?

 

Here is a list of what was changed on the later models

Front bumper, modified to allow more air to the radiator to aid cooling. It no longer has a rubber strip below it.
Boot spoiler, curves down at either side
ECU, was changed to the hearts and diamonds type. This can run 10.2 PSI of boost.
Interior, the seats and door cards were given new patterns, called Zolda. It is grey with blue and red flecks.
Roof lining and sun visors are a different colour, as are the speaker panels, kick panels, and rear quarter panels.
Intermittent wiper speed control was added to the right hand dash column controller. Supplementary manual produced by Fords to cover this modification.
Second courtesy light was added in the rear of the car roof lining.
Centre console, a second part was added to extend the length of the console, handbrake handle had a different cover.
Screen wash reservoir wash changed slightly, it now has a thicker neck and incorporates a plastic gauze to stop any debris from entering the screen wash reservoir.
Brake fluid reservoir updated.
Rocker cover changed, holes for the charge carrier bolts moves out a few inches.
Charge carrier, bolt holes to connect to the rocker cover moved over a couple of inches.
Dash clocks, the fuel and temperature gauges are reversed. Fuel on left, water temperature on the right now.
Oil dipstick pipe, end is now plastic rather than metal

 

thanks for the info. now all i have to do is find one.

 

Don't buy the first thing you see either! - Budget as much as you can for one that is either in great condition or has been fully restored imo!

 

Thanks for your comments. Much appreciated! Will not rush into anything but hope to find something before June. Will be working offshore for a few weeks this month so if I don't find anything before next week I will have to wait until the end of the month. Keepme posted.

Cheers

Stewart

 

Ive looked at 9 of them so far, all different prices from £2k-£3k, all been rot boxes, ragged to death machines

But, ive found a H plate one, summer use only, owner had it 10 years, 50K genuine on the clock, like new from Ford condition

Just waitin for the lad to MOT as its been stood over the winter

It is very hard to find a decent one, alot of them that claim to mint aint, but one will come around like the one ive found

vanny

 

just thought id say that i had a late g reg and other than the exhaust falling off it ran sweet for a year then i devolped an electrical fault so i sold it(that was 3 years ago).i bought a half tidy one 4 months ago(89)and although i changed the lump(what would you expect for that sort of money)its also been fine.look hard and if in any doubt walk away.a little tip if the seller says its mint,ask if he has a set of ramps!!!!all the best

 

Its up to you whether you go for a 90’ Spec or pre 90’spec…. there is NOTHING to say the later car will be in better condition and its personal preference which style you like.

Personally I much prefer the early cars!

No matter what you do…make sure you get someone who knows the cars to come and have a goosy gander with you!! I’m sure someone on here will go with you!

 

thanks for your help on the subject. Still taking my time looking around for the right one. my firend has had a few rst's so will take him with me.

Cheers

Stewart

 

A good tip is if you want a fast one ,buy one already modded with reciepts.You will save a fortune .Let the previous owner spend all the money rather than you buying it standard and doing it all yourself.That way you can have a £6000 car that owes you £3000 rather than a £2000 car that owes you £5000 at the end of it all.

 

To be honest I am looking for a sensibly modified example. I would be quite happy with 160-180 reliable bhp. Also must have good brakes, suspension and hoping someone has fitted new bushes etc!! Basically looking for an all round good car. I have noticed most rst's have dump valve's. I had one on my subaru but it was alreay on it when I bought the car. Just wondered whether or not they do very much. Seems a very common mod on rst's.

 

BUY MINE.
One sorted motor

 

oi! They're not all rot boxes down here!

 

Your car looks brilliant mate, well worth every penny. I think your car is far to nice to drive on a regular basis. Looks more like a show car. The spec is superb though. If your car looked a little more standard then I would be very interested. Cheers anyway and good luck with the sale.

Stewart

 

I live on the coast (ie an island) and mines never garaged

 

I drive it everyday ..

 

 

hmmm I detect sarcasm in that reply

 

i am also looking to buy an s2 can anybody give me pointers as what to look at when viewing one??

 

seen a s2rst with 83000 miles. is that quite a low mileage for a cvh? i have heard the bottom ends are only good for 80,000. What stuff should have been done to an rst with that kind of mileage? i missed out on a nice black h plate with rebuilt engine, box and turbo.

Cheers!

 

That's quite a decent milage really. Bottom end's can go on for more than 80K! My last H plate was approaching 150K before I broke it and that was sweet.