Buying advice - Common faults

Hey peeps,
As the title suggests I'm looking to buy another Frontera after the last one served us well for several years. I've been to look at one that appears very tidy (almost too tidy) and will be going to look again tomorrow night prior to handing over some folding stuff.

Has anyone got any helpful hints and tips, things to look out for, common faults etc..?

The vehicle is a 03 2.2 Dti Olympus edition with around 80K miles on the clock. Service history is up to scratch but goes blank around the 56k mark.

Thanks in advance all

Cheers
Simon

Make sure u have a good look underneath, I didn't on mine and found a nasty downpipe on the exhaust and had to have it all replaced.
Get the under trays off if u can to have a proper look.

Check for oil leaks etc... And if you have one a good idea to take a code reader and check there's no underlying faults.

Ask when it was last serviced and what was done.
Don't forget locking wheel nut key and key for spare wheel(check it unlocks ok and condition of spare tyre)
Sure some other people will add some bits.

Check to see if it has had its Fuel Pump replaced. (Not the end of the world if it hasn't but is always nice if it has)
Check the VAC hoses all look fresh and in good condition.
Check it pops in and out of 4x4 ok. Should be an easy fix if it doesn't but gives you a good bargaining point.
Make sure the EML lights up when you turn on the ignition it should go straight out when you start the engine. If it doesn't light up they have removed the bulb and it could have a hidden fault logged.
Make sure when you start it, it is on a cold start (i,e not already warmed up)
Check it reverses as you expect.
Check it revs well in all gears without throwing an EML.
Check it doesn't smoke like a 40 a day man!
Check all fluid levels.
Don't be too worried about service history as they first thing you should do after buying a new motor is service it yourself for piece of mind. Can they show/prove when it was last done? If not might give you a small haggle point (I.e knock £50 off so i can service it etc)

Usual things other than that and of course don't forget to post pics when you get home

EDIT - Where abouts are you? A fellow fogger might be able to pop along with you

Last edited by geeks on Fri Mar 08, 2013 9:18 am, edited 1 time in total.

Careful with engaging 4x4 on the road. Due to a lack of an open centre diff any difference in wheel speed can cause issues unless you are on slippery ground. Just engage drive straight forward at 5mph and then disengage whilst still moving it should drop out and you can accelerate away.

To far for me to come and view with you i am afraid but all the best with it

Errr, just to clarify geeks, the Frontera simply doesn't have a centre differential, just the axle diffs which is why we can't use 4WD on tarmac. Full-time 4WD cars have one in each axle plus the centre, so the problem with windup goes away. The 4WD FAG is here: /viewtopic.php?f=34&t=50291.

Simon, sadly your link isn't working any more - the advert seems to have expired perhaps.

Look for corrosion at the trailing ends of
the sills. They can rust from the inside and
are initially detected by the stone-chip paint
that will flex when pressed if corrosion
exists behind. Costs about 100notes per side
to fix.
Check the jack and tools exist - possibly stowed
under the back seat base.

Cheers chaps,

Link will have expired due the advert being removed, bugger!

Jack is missing, already noted which is a shame.
I was already aware of the loose surface restrictions of the 4X4 when I tested it so no corners and only a quick short test :wink:

Other than that I guess I'm just going to have to trust tat I've spotted a good one, it does seem clean.....I think!

Cheers
Simon

The link seems to be working . I've had a look, don't know which one you are after but the are all very shiny. :shock:

Friad I can't add anything sensible, except does it go through the gears smoothly with no crunching? If it has a towbar can you take a trailer board with you to check the electrics work?

Also check the rear crossmember behind the bumper......use a torch and check the ends which run outside the chassis. These are over 250.00 for the part alone.......can be patched up, but usually if sound then the rest of the body should be ok. :thumbup:

Rear cross member behind bumper - check :thumbup:

Off to see/buy it tonight!

Cheers
Simon

Purchased!!!

Drives well, just a few jobs to sort out, nothing major hopefully.

Cheers for the advise, pictures to follow!

Simon

Well done Simon cant wait to see the pictures in members rides. :dance:

PS Dont forgt to fill out your profile on the right then we can help with a bit more ease!!! :thumbup:

Regards Bobster

Create new topics in the relevant sections bud. electrics / 2.2 Diesel section etc .

Cheers