Buying Advice - Test Drive - what to look for?

[leeb]

Hi Guys

Im going to have a look at a 2.2 DTi LWB (2000) tommorrow

any advice on what to look out for? what to avoid? what i should test etc. etc.

any help much appreciated!

Thanks
Lee

[Drift]

Check the engine is cold when you start it and look for smoke, also when you put the key in the ignition the engine management light should light up briefly some people remove the bulb to hide other faults.

Check the dash functions work okay with the lights off.

A few of the DTI boys should be along soon with more info.

Hope it goes well

[Road Hog]

Manual or auto ?

Automatic get to it to a auto electrician/garage & have the fault codes checked as it has its own ECU beyond that of the engine

Increase revs slowly from idle & listen for smooth progression,if "fluffy" between 1500 & 2500 it will need the inlet manifold cleaning

As Drift says check all dasboard functions with the lights off,if sidelights come on with ignition then it has been "modified"

Check 4WD function on loose/slippery surface

At some point accelerate hard & use full revs before changing up,this will force any vacuam faults to show as EML warning

[Rifleman]

Start it up and allow it to idle. Make sure the oil pressure guage goes up immediately and to around 3/4 whilst cold.
It should idle nicely with no horrible noises. You may have some smoke on startup but it should clear straight away.
Check there are no oil or coolant leaks under the bonnet before and after your test drive.
Check the oil guage goes up and down with the revs of the engine and there is no smoke belching out the exhaust.
The engine should pull nicely up through the gears, and the clutch should clear eassily and not slip under load. (If manual gearbox)
You probably wont be able to test the 4wd and may need to take the sellers word that it works ok.
After your test drive, check for leaks in the engine bay and under the car.
Check the engine oil for level / cleanliness. Clean oil shows that it has more than likely been changed recently. Thick black oil means neglect. Make sure the engine doesnt overheat when tested.
Theres a start for you mate.

[Road Hog]

No oil pressure gauge on B series

[Rifleman]

[leeb]

well at least now i know not to walk away cos the oil pressure gauge has been removed!

cheers for your help guys... not going to see it until lunch time so any more tips still appreciated!

hopefully ill report back - at the moment im torn between one of these and something like a pug 406 hdi... need an estate for my dog!

[MrWolf]

Here's a few more checks for ya :
Engine oil filler cap and rocker cover - check for mayonnaise (blown head gasket). Check for dirty oil and carbon build up - neglect
Water bottle - smell for exhaust fumes and check it for oil (blown head gasket)
Exhaust manifold - check for cracks, this should be audible if you have the owner revving the engine and yourself listening with the hood open.
Transmission shafts - check for signs of regular lubrication on UJ joints
Diffs and gearbox - check for leaks
Tires - check wear (Irregular tyre wear might indicate suspension trouble)
Exhaust - check for rust and holes. Partly cover the tailpipe briefly with your hand while engine running and listen for leaks. Visually inspect from below.
Bodywork - check for signs of dents and dodgy repairs. Rust bubbles, rotten sills, bad scratches


Best of luck and hope you have found a good one!

[Road Hog]

Regarding the above,cracked manifold & headgasket problems are more normally associated with 2.2 Petrol engine not Diesel

Best advice is to have a look around in the 2.2 DTI section but remember that people come here (& similar forums) to talk about faults & find fixes (& very rarely praise the good points )

There is also THIS THREAD which is not model specific.

If it has a towbar make sure that the detachable hook is in the car as these are not sold seperately tools shuld be under the rear drivers side seat,the jack should be in the left hand side pocket in the boot

[leeb]

thanks for all the help guys.

just got back from checking it over... bodywork and everything all seemed ok but interior was ROUGH... someone has left a dog inside and its chewed half the interior to bits lol

so didnt even bother taking it out for a drive!

[N1ova]

Check the glow plugs havent snapped.My dad bought one and when i went to change the glow plugs 3 had been snapped.Cylinder head off job to sort it.