I have started to look again for my first P38 Diesel and started today with a 1999 TD that was near by. Didn't take it for a drive as it was stuck at the back of the lot and I turned up unannounced but will take it out if I am still interested.

1. Body work was a bit tatty but the tail gate only had a little corrosion.
2. Electric seats worked as did all the buttons.
3. Only Warning light was the ABS.
4. Heating/Aircon appeared to work but didn't look too deep into it as I will have a look if I go back.
5. Central locking only worked on rear doors (I can live with this as I currently drive a car with it now).
6. Drivers footwell was dry.
7. Headlining sagging.
8. All fluids need changing but cooling water looked fresh.

All the above I am happy with a the car that is 16 yrs old. However I would like peoples views on the following.
1. Suspension went full up and then fully down, then raised again but NSF did not move causing it to lean.
2. Tyre on NSF was very worn with it almost bald on the outside.
3. A little oil was found on the exhaust manifold studs just under the cover at the front so don't know what is causing it.
4. A little oil underneath around join between gearbox and prop shaft.
5. Had a caravan and camping sticker on rear window so may have been used for towing.

Walk away run would be better

+1
You are looking at a moneypit

Would have to agree.. Been there... Done that..

Thanks guys, as I said this was my first car I have looked at so wasn't planning on buying so wasn't going to take it any further unless a couple of people said that the issues listed were easily fixable.

Did I miss anything on my checks as I thought I covered most things listed on various buyers guides up to a test drive.

There was a things to check thread a while back. It was quite long. Gad it been regularly updated, it would probably be longer than War and Peace by now.

G~

Don't get to hung up on the ABS light being on, it doesn't go out until the car has been driven above 5mph is it? or 10mph?

Obviously that one has some issues as well, but all will sit with the ABS light on until driven!

quavey said:

Don't get to hung up on the ABS light being on, it doesn't go out until the car has been driven above 5mph is it? or 10mph?

Obviously that one has some issues as well, but all will sit with the ABS light on until driven!

Click to expand...

+1, think it's 7mph but I also could be wrong, it's a low speed.