Anyone bought a car from Adrian Crawford
- Thread starter wetherall
- Start date
Hi Neil
Whoever you buy from you should always get the car checked out.
Adrian Crawford has a good reputation.
Good luck
have fun
Paul Kelley
Whoever you buy from you should always get the car checked out.
Adrian Crawford has a good reputation.
Good luck
have fun
Paul Kelley
Gordon Attar
New member
Hi Neil
Not heard of any bad words about him. he's been around for a long time, presume it will come with a warranty!?
If you dont know what to look for then get it inspected, though not sure there is a suitable alternative down in Plymouth.
If not hear is a few tips that spring to mind................... to keep you going.......
The advert says accident free, so take a screen dump just in case you buy for protection. Bodywork is one of the most important checks. so it remains for you Check that panel fit is even i.e. gaps between panels, look around bumpers and underneath, look for chips and dings.
Ask about what paintwork has been done, expect, windscreen, bonnet and front PU at least also the wheels likely to have been refurbished.
Rust around windscreen is very common, check under rubbers in corners, around wipers as well and ask.
Check straps in doors, would expect drivers to have been done.
Check HPI report and engine no. vin no. etc. and that they match under bonnet, engine and windscreen
Check service history and also see if MOTs match up along with invoices, the more the merrier.
Look for oil leaks, under car and where its been parked, look in engine bay should be dry no oils residues
Does the interior wear and tear on the seats match the mileage, looking at the picture they have probably been re-connolised.
Check under carpets for damp, press on the floor as soundproofing is like a big sponge.
Check rubbers around the car
look under carpet in bonnet for spare, pump, jack, tools and for any corrosion from battery, fuel tank
Check front and back seats all work
Check all dials work, and after test drive sit on level ground and check that the oil level is ok
Check that all electrics work i.e. sunroof, windows, mirrors, seats in all directions, lights, c/l, front and back wipers, wash etc
Check stereo system
On test drive, let car warm up do a standing start to check for clutch slip, do some hard accelerating. hard breaking to check abs and brakes as well as pull on steering when finished let the car sit for 30secs on level ground and check oil level
Not heard of any bad words about him. he's been around for a long time, presume it will come with a warranty!?
If you dont know what to look for then get it inspected, though not sure there is a suitable alternative down in Plymouth.
If not hear is a few tips that spring to mind................... to keep you going.......
The advert says accident free, so take a screen dump just in case you buy for protection. Bodywork is one of the most important checks. so it remains for you Check that panel fit is even i.e. gaps between panels, look around bumpers and underneath, look for chips and dings.
Ask about what paintwork has been done, expect, windscreen, bonnet and front PU at least also the wheels likely to have been refurbished.
Rust around windscreen is very common, check under rubbers in corners, around wipers as well and ask.
Check straps in doors, would expect drivers to have been done.
Check HPI report and engine no. vin no. etc. and that they match under bonnet, engine and windscreen
Check service history and also see if MOTs match up along with invoices, the more the merrier.
Look for oil leaks, under car and where its been parked, look in engine bay should be dry no oils residues
Does the interior wear and tear on the seats match the mileage, looking at the picture they have probably been re-connolised.
Check under carpets for damp, press on the floor as soundproofing is like a big sponge.
Check rubbers around the car
look under carpet in bonnet for spare, pump, jack, tools and for any corrosion from battery, fuel tank
Check front and back seats all work
Check all dials work, and after test drive sit on level ground and check that the oil level is ok
Check that all electrics work i.e. sunroof, windows, mirrors, seats in all directions, lights, c/l, front and back wipers, wash etc
Check stereo system
On test drive, let car warm up do a standing start to check for clutch slip, do some hard accelerating. hard breaking to check abs and brakes as well as pull on steering when finished let the car sit for 30secs on level ground and check oil level
kenwill
Member
http://www.performance2and4.co.uk/
Adrian Crawford produces (and sells) a 993 buyers guide (see link above) with step by step items to look out for. I bought a copy and then printed it when I was looking. Very good and informative and gets you over some of the early obvious stuff before you get a car PPI checked.
I'm sure he would understand that any buyer spending £20K is not going to expect a scrap of paper with sold as seen written on.
I didn't buy my car from him.
Adrian Crawford produces (and sells) a 993 buyers guide (see link above) with step by step items to look out for. I bought a copy and then printed it when I was looking. Very good and informative and gets you over some of the early obvious stuff before you get a car PPI checked.
I'm sure he would understand that any buyer spending £20K is not going to expect a scrap of paper with sold as seen written on.
I didn't buy my car from him.
Personally, I've not bought a car from Adrian, but have been in contact with him on several occasions and all positive.
His reputation preceeds him and it's that of a very honest & trustworthy supplier of quality cars.
The internet is such a great 'tool' now, that none of the specialists in the UK dare deal in dodgy stuff, or treat people badly.
For these reasons, I've just bought a 94 car from a UK specialist on their word the car is good.....same thing, based on their reputation (plus I'll collect it on 1st April! [
]).
I've also bought cars from Early911 (Nick Moss), Northway (Ray), Chelsea Carrera (Lawrence) & parts from other specialists and all have been as described.
I don't think there's any reason to have a PPI if the car is being sold with a guarantee from one of the known specialists.
Just ask them all the questions, if you have doubts, I'm sure they'll be answered.
Rgds,
Jon
His reputation preceeds him and it's that of a very honest & trustworthy supplier of quality cars.
The internet is such a great 'tool' now, that none of the specialists in the UK dare deal in dodgy stuff, or treat people badly.
For these reasons, I've just bought a 94 car from a UK specialist on their word the car is good.....same thing, based on their reputation (plus I'll collect it on 1st April! [
]).I've also bought cars from Early911 (Nick Moss), Northway (Ray), Chelsea Carrera (Lawrence) & parts from other specialists and all have been as described.
I don't think there's any reason to have a PPI if the car is being sold with a guarantee from one of the known specialists.
Just ask them all the questions, if you have doubts, I'm sure they'll be answered.
Rgds,
Jon
To some extent I agree with Jon's point (about reputation to maintain) - but actually there is the point that a PPI costs less than most things you might have to fix on a 993 and so a PPI is quite likely to save you money (eg on a near-end-of-life clutch or brake disks that a warranty would not cover). It gives you bargaining power.
Neil,
Two + years ago I bought a 1997 993 C2 Sport i.e. (two wheel drive / turbo body) from Adrian. The car was not the cheapest around but it was certainly a pristine example and two years on has given me no problems - apart that is from the RAT / wiring loom incident but that had nothing to do with Adrian or the purchase of the car.
Adrian sources cars from around the world and because I was very specific about what I wanted I had to wait a month or two before he could find a choice of examples.
The car in question had 43,000 kilometres on the clock and, because of my height, could not have a sun roof. I also specified a LHD with the tiptronic box - not popular with many 911 owners - because I have a house on Crete and it's more hills than flat lands.
Because of the rat / wiring loom heartache I've had everything off / out of the car, including interior and engine and it's immaculate underneath.
Adrian has also answered all my questions - being a novice 993 owner I've asked a lot - and also pointed me towards the Porsche trained mechanic he uses to check, maintain his own cars.
I'd definitely buy another car from Adrian, should I ever decide to sell my 993.
Hope this helps,
Jon
Two + years ago I bought a 1997 993 C2 Sport i.e. (two wheel drive / turbo body) from Adrian. The car was not the cheapest around but it was certainly a pristine example and two years on has given me no problems - apart that is from the RAT / wiring loom incident but that had nothing to do with Adrian or the purchase of the car.
Adrian sources cars from around the world and because I was very specific about what I wanted I had to wait a month or two before he could find a choice of examples.
The car in question had 43,000 kilometres on the clock and, because of my height, could not have a sun roof. I also specified a LHD with the tiptronic box - not popular with many 911 owners - because I have a house on Crete and it's more hills than flat lands.
Because of the rat / wiring loom heartache I've had everything off / out of the car, including interior and engine and it's immaculate underneath.
Adrian has also answered all my questions - being a novice 993 owner I've asked a lot - and also pointed me towards the Porsche trained mechanic he uses to check, maintain his own cars.
I'd definitely buy another car from Adrian, should I ever decide to sell my 993.
Hope this helps,
Jon
Hi Neil,
I'm a 964 owner snooping on the 993 site.
I bought my car from Adrian almost three years ago and I got to know him quite well.
What he doesn't know about porsche cars you could write on the back of your hand. He's been buying and selling porsche for over 20 years.
He has written buyers guides for the more popular models. If you are new to porsche, then buying and reading these is essential. I did a lot of research at the time I was buying and Adrian's guides are the best I've come across.
He sources cars from across the globe, my 964 came from Japan and I've been very pleased with it.
He likes to keep in touch with his customers and is always keen to receive updates and photos of the cars he's sold
I exchange emails with him once or twice a year and would certainly buy from him again.
His vehicles are generally at the high end of the price range but he doesn't deal in tat.
The downside is he is based near Plymouth so a bit of a trek, but well worth it.
Hope that helps
Chris
I'm a 964 owner snooping on the 993 site.
I bought my car from Adrian almost three years ago and I got to know him quite well.
What he doesn't know about porsche cars you could write on the back of your hand. He's been buying and selling porsche for over 20 years.
He has written buyers guides for the more popular models. If you are new to porsche, then buying and reading these is essential. I did a lot of research at the time I was buying and Adrian's guides are the best I've come across.
He sources cars from across the globe, my 964 came from Japan and I've been very pleased with it.
He likes to keep in touch with his customers and is always keen to receive updates and photos of the cars he's sold
I exchange emails with him once or twice a year and would certainly buy from him again.
His vehicles are generally at the high end of the price range but he doesn't deal in tat.
The downside is he is based near Plymouth so a bit of a trek, but well worth it.
Hope that helps
Chris
Dear All,
Many thanks for all the replies.
I collected my 993 C2 yesterday from Adrian and drove home the 275 miles to Cheshire - loved every bit of the drive, in fact it got better the more miles I did - seems to mould itself to you, or is it the other way round!
I didn't have a PPI - went for trust and reputation as well as lots of questions and photos. The car was exactly as described by Adrian and drives great - we'll see how good a plan this was in time.
Neil
Many thanks for all the replies.
I collected my 993 C2 yesterday from Adrian and drove home the 275 miles to Cheshire - loved every bit of the drive, in fact it got better the more miles I did - seems to mould itself to you, or is it the other way round!
I didn't have a PPI - went for trust and reputation as well as lots of questions and photos. The car was exactly as described by Adrian and drives great - we'll see how good a plan this was in time.
Neil
Congratulations Neil - welcome to the 993 experience.
I was out early evening waxing mine and a new neighbour who moved in a couple of months ago and whom I'd not yet had a chance to talk to wandered by. "I've been admiring your 993 .... " and so a long conversation started.... - they are a bit like babies for women - they cause you to meet people!
Post up some pictures when you have time.
I was out early evening waxing mine and a new neighbour who moved in a couple of months ago and whom I'd not yet had a chance to talk to wandered by. "I've been admiring your 993 .... " and so a long conversation started.... - they are a bit like babies for women - they cause you to meet people!
Post up some pictures when you have time.
Har, Har.....the collection of the car on Friday made me eat my words from earlier in this thread !
When I 'bought' the car for the asking price, the guy on the other end of the phone said it would be serviced and MOTd.....remember this is a Porsche 'specialist'.
Also, on general questioning, the car was said to be in great condition, with no 'work' to be done.
On the MOT, it was confirmed it was taxed and tested to end July. When I questioned the boss about the service, he replied he didn't think it was due one.
As I was due to drive the car back to Lux, I did request the car was generally checked for an immediate 650km journey....and told it would be.
So, I arrived, yes, on April 1st [8|] to find a tidy and original 1994 C2......except for.......
And that I'd make good money on the car, which is true, but to be HONEST, I paid the asking price and was promised it would be 'ready'.
For me, it's more about the principal(s) and the honesty, the monetry aspect of the deal isn't the issue.
When they were inundated with calls after it was sold (because they didn't delete the ad), they got tight, as they realised they should have put a higher price.
Anyway, that's my whinge....I will make money on the car, after the work is done and would have missed the opportunity if I'd waited for a PPI.
But it does add weight to the arguement for getting a PPI even when buying from a specialist.
What I will say is that this 'specialist' only buys and sells cars and is NOT Adrian.
Buyer beware !
Jon
When I 'bought' the car for the asking price, the guy on the other end of the phone said it would be serviced and MOTd.....remember this is a Porsche 'specialist'.
Also, on general questioning, the car was said to be in great condition, with no 'work' to be done.
On the MOT, it was confirmed it was taxed and tested to end July. When I questioned the boss about the service, he replied he didn't think it was due one.
As I was due to drive the car back to Lux, I did request the car was generally checked for an immediate 650km journey....and told it would be.
So, I arrived, yes, on April 1st [8|] to find a tidy and original 1994 C2......except for.......
- 1 rear tyre was well worn on the outer edge and from 2002....other side okay 2007.
- 1 front tyre 2002, other 2006.......quite nervous about driving 9yr old tyres for a short distance, nevermind.......
- 2x3cm rust patches at the base of the rear screen (common, but would have been nice to know).
- Completely empty of fuel, with the light on......nearest station 8 miles away !
- And to complete the disappointment, the car was last serviced July 2008 (albeit just 2000kms ago) - so they didn't even check !
And that I'd make good money on the car, which is true, but to be HONEST, I paid the asking price and was promised it would be 'ready'.
For me, it's more about the principal(s) and the honesty, the monetry aspect of the deal isn't the issue.
When they were inundated with calls after it was sold (because they didn't delete the ad), they got tight, as they realised they should have put a higher price.
Anyway, that's my whinge....I will make money on the car, after the work is done and would have missed the opportunity if I'd waited for a PPI.
But it does add weight to the arguement for getting a PPI even when buying from a specialist.
What I will say is that this 'specialist' only buys and sells cars and is NOT Adrian.
Buyer beware !
Jon
hiya neil, spoke to adrian crawford a few weeks back concerning a purple 968 sport, he seemed a nice chap and was helpful with the questions i asked, i believe he mainly deals with 911s, hav"nt read or heard anything untoward about his business , good luck anyway regards jason p
Jon,
Sorry to hear that tale - given what you said earlier about the power of the internet etc perhaps you should give people on here enough of an indication to know where a PPI is definitely needed!
Sorry to hear that tale - given what you said earlier about the power of the internet etc perhaps you should give people on here enough of an indication to know where a PPI is definitely needed!
Yeah, there's the rub.......
There's a gap in the market here in Lux for a good 'clean' specialist.
After playing with the cars for a few years, I've decided to try and fill that cap, so finish 'normal' work end of June.
I wish to EARN the same sort of reputation as Adrian, Ray Northway, Roly Baldwin, RPM Technik, Early911, to name but a few.
So it's not in my interest to name and shame, for fear of a 'backfire'.
If someone is contemplating a car, from a specialist not listed above, within 2 hours of London, pm me (or mail jon@kent.lu) and I'll advise.
Best rs,
Jon
There's a gap in the market here in Lux for a good 'clean' specialist.
After playing with the cars for a few years, I've decided to try and fill that cap, so finish 'normal' work end of June.
I wish to EARN the same sort of reputation as Adrian, Ray Northway, Roly Baldwin, RPM Technik, Early911, to name but a few.
So it's not in my interest to name and shame, for fear of a 'backfire'.
If someone is contemplating a car, from a specialist not listed above, within 2 hours of London, pm me (or mail jon@kent.lu) and I'll advise.
Best rs,
Jon
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