2008 1.5dci Tech Run 30k miles

[davelowe]

Hi guys,

Tomorrow, I'm off to view a 2008 plate 1.5dci (106bhp) Tech Run model (private sale) to replace my much missed 1.9dci 03.

I know that two of the window regulators have been 'attended' to. The car has a full service history (subject to me seeing the stamps) and 2 prior owners (seller included). The manufacturer warranty runs out this month (probably after the sale). The previous owner will do the first MOT and road tax before the sale. He put new Bridgestone's on the rears in December.

Is there anything I should be watching out for? Please feel free to point out the bleeding obvious. Obviously I will give the car a full electrical workout and take it for a spin, inspect the springs, oil, blow-by, turbo sound and cosmetic things. I can't (but would like to) strip half the engine down/remove the wheels on the chap's driveway. Basically, any heads up on that model would be very gratefully received.

Finally, price. Parker's value the car at £6,205 for good private. He won't take less than £6k. What would be a fair price?

Cheers,
Dave

[direstraits]

Check for leakage on the connectors on the injectors (return pipes), traces of rust on the front of the engine (indicates that diesel was leaking). Check for traces of smoke under the rear bumper. Hm... Can't really think of any other possible troubles. Mine has 88.000 miles on the clock and no major troubles. Will keep it for 100.000 miles more.

[davelowe]

Thanks.

The block front was uniformly rusty, but the rest of the bay seemed fine. Something about it made me walk away. Well, several things:

1. There was trim missing under the bonnet - specifically the pieces surrounding the washer fill bottle and the central section that is removed to get to the bumper top mounting clips (owner: what really?). Engine cover had broken lugs.

2. The owner had tried a Drake tuning box

3. The exhaust back box was rusting underneath (something that had never happened on my original 2003 exhaust).

4. It smoked a bit on start up (warm start as owner had just returned from work).

5. The 'fixed' window problems are now 'ongoing and intermittent' - Renault will only fix them if he can demonstrate it when he takes it in. Multiple windows are affected. Could be lemon material.

6. Of the three negative battery terminal posts, one was not connected to anything (wtf?).

7. Owner reacted strangely when I suggested an HPI check and vehicle history. He started asking me questions about whether it had had accident damage! Couldn't spot anything, but there are seeds of doubt.

Will re-assess the situation tomorrow.

[direstraits]

I would walk away from it just like you. Especially if there was a remap. 1.5 dCi K9K 732/734/764 is not an engine that can be remapped without consequences.