Somewhat undecided on next keeper car, (not least due to current reservations as to future residuals if spending significant sums on a used diesel) , I have, as ever, been keeping an eye on classifieds.Various things have caused me to raise an eyebrow......
Recently a black 2003 E53 3.0i with manual gearbox & towbar caught my eye in classifieds guise. VIN check showed Comm's pack & heated comfort seats......seller based in west of Dorset.
With a 6 hour round trip required to see, ( plus viewing time ), I was keen to reduce likelihood of a wasted day. Accordingly I did some research as well as politely asking all the right questions on phone before my trip. If nothing else then an opportunity to give the current stop gap residual busting barge a run. ('03 Phase 2 Volvo V70 2.4 170 SE auto....or those amused or perhaps remotely interested).
A cosmetic telephone condition report by seller claimed all was good with alloys ok dependant on how fussy I was. I was told car was mechanically sound & effectively needed nothing.
After a considerable journey to view the 117k mileage car I found the following issues.
1. Poor aerosol repair front bumper, rear bumper minor damage but down to plastic...broken bumper clip.
2. Drivers door trim lifting at top of door. Door trim rubber seal perforated.
3. Alloys severely corroded.....full refurbishment required.(Not minor corrosion as strongly inferred by seller)
4. Driver folding door mirror loose and not working...chromatic mirror glass failure - full of loose fluid.
5. Ticking noise obvious from engine bay, possible pulley or frontward of engine but I was unable to rule out engine issue.
6. Gear lever bushes &/or mechanism worn with obvious play.
7. Fault code - Misfire cylinder 3 albeit engine pulled acceptably.
8. Pixelated dash pod odometer. (Disclosed prior to viewing after I queried an advert image)
9. Both tailgate lamp clusters failed/split with moisture ingress.
10. Cargo net missing.
That little lot is what I found on initial inspection & test drive. I didn't look deeper.
Like many...on original rear brake pipes & probably on original rear bushes. On a positive side the seller claimed clutch & DMF had been replaced, tyres and brakes were ok. A current MOT and a mixture of history according to stamps, (in fairness to seller I didn't get as far as trawling through all invoices).
My man maths suggested to allow at least a conservative £1k to get the car to an acceptable standard. In reality having totted up the above factors a £2k spend would be a attainable depending on the cause of the ticking noise &/or time/labour needed to investigate & sort. Of additional relevance the private sale aspect meant car effectively sold as seen
Ask price was £3,600.
Despite my findings seller indicated he still wanted very close to asking money, (taken as £3.5k). Seller politely stated it was a 13 year old car & issues found were typical of an example of this age & asking price. I was told I was looking for something that did not exist & effectively that someone less fussy would buy it for money he wanted.
I do not have issue with having to significantly spend to sort a used car if cost of car plus cost to sort is not grossly above what car might sell for soon thereafter if sorted. The seller made it clear prior to viewing he was near firm on the money. My issue is that despite careful questioning prior to viewing he failed to mention number of issues &/or claimed he was unaware of issues found on my viewing. My findings were acknowledged by seller, albeit he simply stated someone less fussy would buy it for the money he wanted, ( at time seller strongly indicated wanting very close to asking price).
I know my way around these cars very well, have seen/driven many, know exactly what to look for, what research to do & what questions to ask. I have successfully assisted countless folk looking at potential cars & written what is arguably the most comprehensive buyers guide that exists online.
However clued up the potential buyer, a good deal is depends on seller being reasonable & realistic as to sale price.
£50 down on fuel costs & a day of my life I wont get back..... Irritating, even if worse events can happen.
Oh & as for the role of the stop gap residual busting barge....Despite me not having plentiful sleep prior to my trip, the V70 took it all in its stride. I returned home totally absent of any fatigue or aches & pains from the supremely comfortable heated leather electronically adjustable drivers seat. The Volvo told me it returned 35mpg combined on the 6 hour round trip. Not the most inspiring drive but an effortless & comfortable journey in a capable and safe car......The SE fitment dolby pro-logic audio adding a little interest to proceedings. Now then - Where did I put my cap & driving gloves !
