TROUBLE SPOTS

RUST Occurs almost anywhere, but the main spots are: front and rear wings, A/b-posts, sills, floorpans, boot floor, front valance, bonnet/boot edges and door bottoms. On HAS, check rear spring mounts; on the HB/C, front inner wings and subframe, ’screen pillars, bonnet hinge mounts, shock-absorber turrets

LIGHTS Some are now very hard to find, especially HB headlights

TRIM Only used parts are available now and even these are scarce for rarer models

MODIFICATIONS Many parts (engines, axles, ’boxes, trim) were swapped for expediency or performance when Vivas were common

ENGINE Check for wear: parts and labour for a rebuild are likely to cost £2-3000

RUNNING GEAR Worn transmission, brakes and suspension will add up to put right