Re: 2nd hand diesels - what to look for?

Paul Cummins wrote:
In article <9Mqdndl8Ta3lzLDZnZ2dnUVZ8qOdnZ2d@xxxxxx>, theprime(nospam)@btinternet.com (Paul) wrote:


Anyone have any hints on spotting a good diesel engine from a bad, for someone comfortable with checking cars over? (albeit petrol ones)


A little white smoke on starting is OK, black smoke at max revs should barely be visible, and blue smoke from a diesel is always bad.

The engine will clatter like a mofo at idle, but by 2000 revs should sound like a noisy petrol. If it sounds unbalanced or hesitant on Idle, let it warm up, then kill and restart. If the stutter is still there, walk away. If it runs on after engine stop, walk away...

Listen for turbo whine. If you can clearly hear it in the cabin on the test drive, walk away...

Look for proof of cam-belt change within service interval, if it's not there, walk away...

Check for proof of regular servicing, oil changes etc. Again, if missing, walk away...

There's plenty of good late model diesels out there - anything peugeot or nissan engined will be good. That includes Peugeot, Citroen, Ford, Nissan, older Vauxhalls...

A high mileage on a diesel is not a bad thing if the rest of the car is good. My V reg Escort has 150,000 on the clock, and I'm adding over 25,000 a year without a hiccup.

Remember as well, a diesel will cost 5% more to fill than the equivalent petrol, but will go on average 20% further for the same fuel. A 1.8 TD is about equivalent in engine to a 1.6i non-turbo petrol. Turbo on a Diesel makes the car MORE fuel-efficient, not less, in most cases.

Welcome to the world of oil-burning reliability :-)

Also ask if they've ever put petrol in by mistake. Get it in writing on the receipt if you buy the car.
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