Have I bought into a troublesome car?

[Jud1]

I've just bought an imported 2003 Auto with 32,000 miles on the clock. Having bought and sold many a car (mainly performance) Id question the mileage but it drives and feels very tight and everything underneath looks like new! Its been lowered by about 25mm I think, drilled and grooved discs at the front (non brembo). Induction upgrade and earthing kit under the bonnet and cat back exhaust upgrade.

 

I changed out the rear pads last week as they were rattling over every bump only to find that they had loads of meat on them. I replaced them anyway in the hope that the new set would be a better fit, but they still rattle like mad! I believe there is an anti rattle kit that can be purchased?

 

I get a slight antifreeze smell in the cabin every now and again, but I have no fluid loss and no gunk or water signs in the oil. No wet carpet so no leakage from the heater matrix and temp is constant with getting up to temp fairly quickly and staying put. I used to have a supra that had the same but every specialist that I took that to found no fault.

 

My concerns are that there are a lot of posts about common problems that seem to occur every week for someone. By buying Jap or German all the time I thought I was going to buy into a solid car on this occasion? Fingers crossed I have?

 

Just picked up the same this week, though mine sporting a 52plate - You know I was wondering what that rattle was!!!!! thanks .....

I get a "hot" smell in the cabin, more oily than antifreeze - but I've given her a good look through and see no obvious anything.

 

Not overly concerned at the moment, though I bought her as my toy so intending to work on her = nothing that can't be fixed

[mrt]

24k miles on the clock and two months in...dual mass flywheel,clutch,banana bar....fifth Zed and the first with any problems. Good luck !