hi there - another Brit here (but don't hold that against me)

I'm in the process of looking at buying a lightning (who'd have thunk it in this section of the forum)...

I was just trying to get a handle on common faults for medium mileage Ls (the 2 I have in mind at the moment are a black 99 @ 57k miles and a red 99 @ 36k miles) are there any things I should look for in particular? Black one has virtually full service history which is good red one has some bills but both previous owners have been mechanics and as such serviced them themselves (if you saw the labour rates over here you'd understand!)... both are priced about the same so I really need to make sure that I don't buy a dog

any and all replies appreciated

 

Check things like the general condition under body.
Look for evidence of grounding and look along panels to see if any body repair has been done.
Ensure panel alignment and pay particuliar attention to lower body items.

Check for any modfications such as bigger pulleys and suspension items.

Ask the seller what time it last ran - a sign it may have been raced.
Check steering bushes and condition of front discs for signs of cracking - heavy braking.

A test drive is a must.
Listen to engine under load and pay attention to supercharger noise.

A service history is good but regular maintainance is important even if done by owner.

Catch you on Rebel

 

get verification in writting that the Innercooler has been changed.

99-00 lightnings are notorious for leaky innercoolers. In fact Ford created a KIT to replace them, but very limited numbers and those kits are next to impossible to find nowadays.

Also, there was a recall on the Cruise control that should be addressed.

 

also... pre'03 lightnings are infamous for spitting plugs out the heads. Sounds much worst than it is.

See if either had work done on the heads. There are 4-5 threads holding in the sparkplugs. if the plugs aren't installed correctly, or torqued down, they can come loose and stip the threads out of the heads.

I'm not trying to scare you, the repair is fairly easy. just making you aware of it.

 

You goutta pay four them extra vouwels soumehouw mate Just kidding, good luck with your decision

 

Hey, is that you Patrick?

Just take me and Ricki along for an objective test drive

 

lol... indeed it is me - I've seen the light and decided to sell the RS (it's already up on reb) and get myself a good ol' farm truck lol

seen a few already but it will be a little harder for me being as I am at the lower end of the market price-wise but even the one I saw last night looked and felt nice and tight

had my 1st lightning experience just over a week ago guy took me out for a spin (him driving first)... sensible 'til we hit the dual-carriage-way then b4 I knew it we were hitting 130 and it was still going HARD (and this was an early version) nearly sold at that point then when it went and cornered well all that remained was for me to like how it drove... well we all know the answer to that one!!


thanks to all for the help so far I can see that I'll be on here on a regular basis

 

Patrick
Ultimately, your best choice is to go to the States and buy one there.
It will cost you approximately the same in the long run once you include the flights and accomodation + the shipping & taxes but the choice you will have will be so much better.
That way, you can really get what you want plus there's the advantage of picking one up that has been cared for by an enthusiast with some decent mods.
Also, you can get one from a nice sunny dry state which is always nice.
The pound is great against the dollar at the moment so now is the time to do it.
If you need any help, pm me on Rebel