hi all you guys!

I am a big fan of the 405 mi16, and I`m following right now two examples here in Perú (Southamerica), where I live, I`m planning on purchasing one, after I sell my boring 95' 1.8 8v VW Jetta III, (wich I have for a month and a half, in a need of transportation,and doesn`t really like). Anyway, I am following right now, these two examples :
one is a blue 1991 Euro spec with the original 160 hp, but has about 250,000 kms, on the odometer, although looks well taken care of (sorry for my poor english!) I like the Euro model over the US version, obviously for the 10 hp advantange (could be more?), and for it looks! (front side of the Us version looks kind of dated) , anyway, the other one is a mint 1991 us spec model dark grey color, with 85,000 miles (around 140,00 kms) on the odometer, condition is just great, like i said mint condition, used for an old man, however, when tested feel kind of slow for my taste, and rattles quite a lot, something strange due to the mint condition of the car, but It appears to come from all the plastics around (those rear speakers caps are terrible), anyway, I am in a serious doubt, the us version is about $4,000 Us dollars, on the other side, the Euro version I`m planning on offer the owner will be around $3,500. I really like the Euro spec version over the American one, but this US version is just in so great condition, that I am in a serious doubt, moreover since I can`t seem to find a nice Euro mi16 here in Mint condition, and so many miles/kms like this us version , any advices?
Thanks!
Omar

sorry, at the end, of my previous message, I wanted to say (so few miles/kms.)

whats the difference between the euro and US versions, iirc its only the front bumper and arches that are different and are they both 1900cc

US version has the XU9J4Z engine - 145hp
UK version has the XU9J4 engine - 160hp

Us version same as what we get in Australia (engine wise). Welcome to the forum Omar! My mum is from Peru as well!

Thanks for the welcome guys!, Nice to hear your Mum is peruvian, Franco!, I live in the capital (Lima), she`s probably from here., have you been in Perú before?. Difference between US models, and Euro ones , are the engine, and the flares (arches?) that goes at the bottom of the car, and I think the US model comes always with leather interior. The US version comes with the turn signals at the front Bumper, unlike the Euro version that have them at the corners, you guys in Australia probably have the Euro exterior, but the US spec engine?

Yeah, euro exterior and interior, but runs a lower compression XU9J4 spec engine, which also has a catalytic convertor. Still a very good and capable car, and the handling more than makes up for the little bit of power you lose.

Yes, its been a while since I've been to Peru, 1990 to be exact! Long overdue for another trip there, as all of mum's family is there, she has no family in Australia. Her family is from Huacho.

Here some photos of mine:

http://img89.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mypug0016yc.jpg
http://img101.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mypug0024bj.jpg
http://img89.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mypug0034ve.jpg
http://img89.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mypug0040wx.jpg

Huacho is like 150 kms from here I guess!, I have some friends living there, they`ve got a nice beach too. Nice pics of your Pug! looks very clean to me, what`s up with the steering wheel? did you originally got the original three spoke, or the two one?, The Euro one that I am been offering is just like yours, exactly the same color and everything, the paintwork is just ok, but I rather have it painted in Red, I love the look of the red one!, however blue ones around here are really rare, I have seen just the one that I`m telling you, others euro specs are reds, and there are not many of the Euro`s here. (mostly imported US ones) The Euro one that I am been offering to, have 250,000 kms on it!, and had the timing chain belt broken twice, Isn`t that mileage too much for buying an mi16? I`m thinking on bearings, and lot`s of components that have so many miles on it. , on the other hand I have this American Version in Mint condition, but doesn`t look like a mi16 have to look (US version looks kind of dated to me)

hello and welcome mibalance .

would you please enter your details, including your location information, into your profile?

thanks.

Mine has 250,000kms and runs like a dream! Very good compression and still plenty of power for a relatively high mileage engine. If the car has had regular servicing (engine and gearbox oil changes, plugs, coolant flush, belt changes etc) you shouldn't have too much problem with it.

The steering wheel is an aftermarket Luisi 'Evoluzione' wheel and hub. Got it about 8 months ago, brand new, manufactured in 1989!

I would be a little suspect of the timing belt breakage, usually means that valves get bent in the process..... BUT..... if it has happened, and the engine still runs, it means that they have reconditioned the head (new valves, maybe new bronze guides as well.

Check the service history to see if repairs have been carried out by an experienced mechanic.