The white R on Autotrader with 67K looked immaculate and was a 'bargain' for the price being asked after his reduction. I agree with the posts about research and not jumping in, but dithering around also loses the deal especially on a sought after colour/model like the R.
I was looking for another performance car but wanted something less mainstream and leftfield around 15-20K (was thinking of a Cayman S initially but looked at the engine horror stories and servicing cost and binned that idea). I did not have the RCZ or R on my list nor anything from VAG.
Saw a picture and mini review of one site and it reminded me I had seen them about but never really knew what they were. I spent the whole night into the early hours googling and researching and was thinking of the 200GT but then stumbled on the R reviews and info; that they had only made circa 300 R's for the UK market bespoke engineering by Peugeot Sport etc priced lower than I was thinking of spending.
When I saw a picture of the Morrocan Red R I was totally hooked I then watched the youtube reviews especially this one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuUexzr ... =11&t=225s
I was literally yearning for one and started looking on eBay and Autotrader I found a red one on PH's classifieds the next day and rang the owner to be told he had several calls with viewings for the weekend (it was a Thursday); I said I was very interested and had the cash and wanted to view.....left it with him. Paced round the house for an hour the phone went and I was on the LNER train to Lincolnshire the next morning from Kings Cross. Barring obvious issues at the viewing (I had already bought the insurance before arriving or even viewing) I 'knew' it would be a good one from the pictures, checks and talking to the owner on the phone; who had purchased it used from a main dealer 1500miles before, it also had 18months + Peugeot Warranty (fortunately as the fuel pump went 800miles after purchase so that was replaced FOC, I've now done 1K miles).
The only issue I was not aware of was the 380mm discs and the Alcon brakes only supplied via Peugeot and the expense of replacement, having a bespoke model with specific dampers, wheels, Torsen, engine mods etc is a 'risk' as parts will always be expensive but to me that was/is part of the attraction of ownership as well.
I am glad I bought the car as I love it, it is a very special car, the in-gear acceleration, handling and grip is very very impressive; I am glad I did not deliberate or faff about as I would not have got the colour, price and mileage I wanted. Good luck there has been a few on the market each week, mostly white and a couple of greys....there is a lovely red one on the 'bay at the moment (owner is a member on here).