Glee Buying Advice?

[500mg]

I need some advice blokes?

Yesterday I looked at a white Glee currently advertised on Ebay.  It is a 2012 model and has only 1650 miles and priced at £4500.

On inspection, considering the age and mileage, I was suprised with the amount of corrosion on the engine and particularly the exhaust which was rusted all over! Should I be concerned or if the price was right could I get it professionally cleaned and treated?

Also I noticed the nuts on the engine block were painted with blue paint...... is normal, and why do they do that?

Many thanks

[Jeff999]

Walk away from it.

[2112]

As above, they aren't the greatest build quality to be fair and if it's been neglected they can look pretty tatty quickly. Get a minter to start with and look after it.

[Firestorm]

Its hard to tell from the pics but the exhaust looks discoloured rather than rust and should polish up a treat. Couldn't see the blue engine nuts or the corrosion on the engine as pics don't show the front of the engine. (I assume that's where the corrosion is?). Worst thing for me is no 'ad ons' eg. centre stand, hand guards etc.

[Jacko]

Exhaust is stainless, it won't rust.

Sounds like a shocker and shouldn't be in such poor nick for the mileage. Mines done 5,300 miles and is still mint.

[mr_diver]

I have very little corrosion on the engine and my bike is 7 years old, 45k and beaten through 3 winters, she does get a wash and coat of gt85 from time to time.
As Jacko said, exhaust is stainless steel, it's not high grade stainless, so will tarnish,  but can be polished nicely.

If it looks that pants after one winter, I'd bet it's been left outside, uncovered and unprotected.  
I'd walk away- you never know what lies beneath.

[stedor]

I agree, walk away, there will be plenty more minters to be had

[MartinW]

Walk away and then compare what you have seen to some of the bikes advertised on the "For Sale" section of this forum.

[stedor]

I agree, walk away, there will be plenty more minters to be had!

[500mg]

Thanks for all your advice chaps, much appreciated.    

I will keep looking.

[geekay]

Preston Superbike ( a main Suzuki dealer) have pre-reged ones for £4995.

I have a 2011 model - the older 'wee' which I got a for a good price, but even with 5000 on the clock, I was surprised at the corrosion. These bikes get used all year round - not like my other "garage queen" sportsbike which has never seen rain in its life. On the wee, the oil cooler fittings rust quickly as do some bolts etc around the bottom / front of the engine. Not great.

as said - find another - or look at the pre-reged option and get a 'new' one to take care of yourself!