Are they all rotten now?

Anything about BXs
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Hardy43
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Are they all rotten now?

Post by Hardy43 »

Hi,

Ive always wanted to own a BX of any variety from when I was very young. The first memories as a kid were in my Dads white diesel BX. Ive never been in a situation to buy one and spend the time sorting it etc. Plus I've never had anywhere to store one tbh. Im moving house soon and will have a garage that I can fill with goodies :)

So my question is:
Are the majority of BX's rot boxes now or is that just the odd few? I can tackle small rust areas and mechanical work etc but I don't think I have the knowledge/time/skill to do a full strip down and frame patch etc.

Would love some feedback! :)

Cheers,
Sam
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JayW
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Re: Are they all rotten now?

Post by JayW »

Whilst there are some very common areas of rust to look out for, car condition varies wildly.

Many of the remaining cars were identified as being of "classic interest" ten or more years ago so have lived a sheltered life since and can be in comparatively good condition but there is no such thing as a British rust-free BX. The term is often used subjectively.

There are lots of good solid cars around and they keep coming up for sale weekly. Buy something with an MOT and go see it, never buy blind. Ask for the usual places to check and make your own judgement based on your budget & skillset.
I have zero patience for your tedium.
Hardy43
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Re: Are they all rotten now?

Post by Hardy43 »

Thanks for getting back :)
Ill just keep an eye out for for ones when they come up in my area. Ideally I would love a 16v but would be happy with a nice (mainly) rust free model.
I have around 2k so hoping to have enough for a half decent one
rutter123
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Re: Are they all rotten now?

Post by rutter123 »

look at several so you can get a better idea of what you could potentially be up against, yes you get something very nice for 2k but check history, most bx hydraulic systems will be shot unless they have been overhauled, this includes pumps, valves, pipes etc etc , of which if not repaired properly will result in weekly doses of lying on a cold floor swearing. Buy one with a solid body if you can find one as that's a good start, if it's got good mechanicals that's a bonus. Have you decided petrol or diesel? Trim level? 14's are basic but good fun, 16's are juicy, 19's gti's 16v are what everyone wants, 19 diesels are steady and very economical, 1.7 turbo diesel are prob the most widely available with some showing a few hundred thousand miles
Check for rust esp rear axle mounts and bulkhead under screenwash reservoirs
Check all electrics work Inc windows and sunroof
Check for hydraulic leaks and that the spheres are not flat
Check for damp carpets in the footwells
Check for any signs of overheating as not all are fitted with temp gauges
Good luck
90 BX Tzd turbo 294k SORN undergoing major surgery
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Hardy43
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Re: Are they all rotten now?

Post by Hardy43 »

I would love either a 16 or 19 GTI. I can see the appeal of a diesel but apart from my work horse the last few cars I have had have been diesel so I want a change. In a perfect world I would love to get a solid bodied one in the right spec. In terms of running gear etc I was going to drop, clean, de-rust and repaint subframes, suspension arms etc anyway so I would overhaul the hydraulic then probably. The main issue I can see atm is finding a steady source of new parts.
Thanks for the check tips I will be sure to double check all of these when I go and view one :)
rutter123
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Re: Are they all rotten now?

Post by rutter123 »

Most bits can be sourced fairly easily whether mechanical or body, some bits are being remade and there are several specialists.
90 BX Tzd turbo 294k SORN undergoing major surgery
90 BX Tzd turbo estate 46k awaiting surgery
65 Peugeot Boxer Van the new workhorse
52 Toyota Rav4 180k Bulletproof Jap reliability
Ross S
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Re: Are they all rotten now?

Post by Ross S »

My story is similar to yours buddy. I took the plunge and bought a comparitively solid TZD Hurricane that I have been using daily and tbh and in fact she is now my only car after my Golf TSI suffered turbo failure!
Best of luck buddy.
Last edited by Ross S on Sat Dec 01, 2018 10:18 am, edited 1 time in total.
rutter123
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Re: Are they all rotten now?

Post by rutter123 »

Rust wAs prob the biggest killer of many bx, closely followed by hydraulic failure and diesel head gasket failure, sadly once the rust sets in it can be terminal for those that aren't so brave to tackle it. A welder and an angle grinder will become a regular part of your tool kit unless you're lucky enough to find a factory rustproofed car.
90 BX Tzd turbo 294k SORN undergoing major surgery
90 BX Tzd turbo estate 46k awaiting surgery
65 Peugeot Boxer Van the new workhorse
52 Toyota Rav4 180k Bulletproof Jap reliability
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