So... Quick reminder of the back story (stick with me...): I bought my '06 justa cooper off the lot in early '07. By early '09, I had put about 50k on it and loved it. Problem was I was worried about it not being in warranty and that the new r56 Justa's got a bit better mpg and I drive a lot. So I traded it (big mistake!). Always said if I found MY justa again, I'd buy it back in a heartbeat...

And I just found it! Problem is... It was in some kind of fender bender or pot hole. The steering is pretty hard to turn left and only slightly better left. No real pull while moving , but feels "off" (confirmed this feel by testing another '06 justa they had on the lot). Also, when I back up and to turn to the right, the wheel will "really spin fast and on its own accord" as soon as I start moving backwards with more than minor speed. Also, drivers door has a lot of resistance to opening. The clutch felt great, most of all cosmetics look as to be expected or better for an 7 year old car and IT's MY OLD JUSTA!!

So: I need some help here. Normally, I'd stay away from this idea altogether... But, any ideas on what might be the issue and what to look for if I can get it up on the rack?? I really don't want to say goodbye again... But don't want a deal where I'm sinking $$$$ into it to get my handling back. And as this would be "the one" I keep forever, and not my daily driver, it's ok if it can't be fixed immediately (as in a little here and a little there).

What should I be on the look out for?

 

Hmm. No expert here but if the drivers door isn't opening correctly I would worry that either the front or the rear of the car has been pushed in and repaired incorrectly.

Whoever puts it on the rack should check out the inner/outer tie rods and the control amrs to see if they've been bent.

I know you want the car back because it was yours but I would pass on this one unless it's really, really cheap.

 

Thanks for the ideas. I'll be talking to them again on tuesday after their "mechanic" checks out the issues we complained about… then I'll have to make some form of decision from there. I appreciate your thoughts.

 

Good luck.

 

Check the CarFax. Sounds like it was in a good sized collision that tweaked the frame. The doors shouldn't be sagging after 7 years. The odd steering could be a bent suspension component. Get them to put it on the alignment rack and look at the printout. Make sure the car is the same from left to right.