High mileage?

[ANDY HUBBARD]

Well yes 140,000 is but is it to much for a 2.2 petrol engine on a R plate 97 ,should i just keep looking or take the plunge,any comments appreciated.

[bobbinsjob]

its only very slightly over average (132000)

[Sir-Doris]

As a 2.2 owner I would say that if its still going strong after that mileage then its a good engine. Most have had the cylinder head gasket done and possibly the crank and a few other odds n sods by 70k to 100k. See if the service history supports any of this.
I personally wouldnt buy a 2.2 with no history. A common problem with this engine is the cam cover gasket weeping, this dribbles down the back of the engine and can look a lot worse then it actually is, £5 quid to replace the gasket. Also when test driving take it right up to about 5000/6000rpm, if there is a knocking/clunking noise then walk away, this signifies worn pistons, a worn crank or camshafts. Its hard to explain but the 2.2 does have a knocking sound at high revs but it should be barely audible above the sound of the engine. Also check for smoke when starting from cold, even a new engine will give a little wisp for the first few minutes, especially when cold. A few drops of water from the exhaust for a few minutes is normal as well. Also check for vibration when taking off as this could signify worn universal joints in the propshaft, or a worn/damaged/oil contaminated clutch.
When the engine is warmed up, with the car in neutral listen for any transmission noise, then dip the clutch, it wont be silent but what you are listening for here is a rasping noise which could mean the clutch bearing or output bearing is on the way out.
Also look closely at the front and rear of the engine to see if the front and rear crank seals are leaking.
Also check that 4wd is working, on a straight stretch of road engage 4H (the little gearstick) and take off slowly, with the window down you will be listening out for 2 little clicks, this is the front hubs engaging. Only drive in a straight line with 4wd on a hard surface (tarmac, concrete etc). Make sure it shifts through all the gears easily, stop the car, engage reverse and go back about 4 metres, you should hear the 2 little clicks again, this is the 4wd system disengaging the front wheels. repeat the process in 4Lo.
When driving watch for the engine management light on the dashboard, if it come on that means something somewhere isnt right, could be a sensor up the duff or it could be something more serious.

The 2.2 isnt quick by any means but it should pull well through all gears even from quite low revs. On a motorway it can sit quite happily at 80mph and maintain it all day long but it will be happier at 70mph.

Expect between 30 to 35mpg on a steady run at 70mph and about 25 to 30 (if your lucky) for city driving.

So long as the engine and body is sound then parts are available from a variety of sources and for the most part they are fairly easy vehicles to maintain.

Hope this helps with you decision.

[ANDY HUBBARD]

Thanks for the quick replies guys and sound advice sir-doris, I must admit i'm tempted towards this vehicle purely because of the colour (stupid i know) it's gold which would be a better colour for my new work venture rather than the more common burgundy red that seems to available. As i can get the burgundy on a S plate with 90000 miles for the same money .

[Steve-C]

[Sir-Doris]

Iv got a burgundy one, wots wrong with it? Best colour there is once they are polished up. Either way enjoy whichever one you get.