Bargain X5 3.0D - am I crazy? (just picked up the car)

[psenior1]

my first post here so go easy! I've been lusting after another BM since selling my 5 series a couple of years ago - today I had a call from a mate who works at a garage (he knows I like X5's) and they have had one in PX that needs a little TLC but is pretty cheap, I can have it for the same as the PX price.

These are the detail, I'm going to see it later and this is all I know for now -

2005 55 Plate X5 Sport auto in silver with black leather
126k miles
FSH
19" alloys with new tyres
Sat nav
2 owners
MOT til November

its been given the once over by the workshop and it needs 4 glow plugs and the X drive fluid (4wd or somehting like that) changing, there was also a fuel injector warning light on apparantly, but the diagnostics arent showing any current faults but it was registering a fuel rail pressure problem (so I'm thinking injectors,relays maybe or low pressure pump??).

The plugs and fluid is going to cost around £250 to be changed, it also needs some paint on the rear corners, been quoted £350 for this through the same mate.

I've been offered the car for £6600 , I've never bought a car with over 80k on it before so pretty nervous, but for this price its seems like a steal - am I nuts to turn it down or even be considering it???

[tombs]

Buy it...you'll be able to sell this on for £8k easily if its as ok as your mate says.

[Sanj]

Ask about gearbox and turbo repairs/replacements if any...

And then buy it and sell it for a profit!

[psenior1]

cheers for the replies, I've read about turbo and gearbox troubles, will see how it goes and sounds later. I trust my mate 100%, I guess I've got nothing to loose even if it does cost me a few quid I can always sell it on

[gobiman]

I'd say that is interesting. Provided it has FSH, that mitigates some risk.
Tyres are about the most expensive consumable!

[psenior1]

well I've just got back from driving it and its great, gearbox is smooth, no knocks or rattles. paintwork needs a little TLC and two of the 20"!! alloys could do with a refurb. The turbo does whistle, its not particularly loud but you can hear though it sounds pretty normal to me.

I'm going to go for it, massive amount of car for the money, anyone want to buy a Zafira?

[gobiman]

My old diesel turbo used to whistle - those with diesels can correct me but I think it's quite normal and I rather liked it.
Good luck and keep us informed.

[Sanj]

Yeap - normal whistle, windows down and you can hear it.

Just as long as it's not excessively loud!

Did you check the service history for any attention to the turbo/gearbox? Did all the electrics work? Air con cold?

Stereo have all four corners working? The satnav and changer unit in place, spare there, locking wheel nut, etc, etc, etc. Is the car sitting straight and level? Any leaks in the engine bay you can see, harder if underneath with the under-trays on em. Not smoking too much under acceleration - if so, that could be the breather that requires changing.

If still OK - don't refurb just yet. You might fancy upgrading the alloys. Oh and on 20's check the wear as already mentioned and the tracking.

[psenior1]

[quote=""Sanj""]Yeap - normal whistle, windows down and you can hear it.

Just as long as it's not excessively loud!

Did you check the service history for any attention to the turbo/gearbox? Did all the electrics work? Air con cold?

Stereo have all four corners working? The satnav and changer unit in place, spare there, locking wheel nut, etc, etc, etc. Is the car sitting straight and level? Any leaks in the engine bay you can see, harder if underneath with the under-trays on em. Not smoking too much under acceleration - if so, that could be the breather that requires changing.

If still OK - don't refurb just yet. You might fancy upgrading the alloys. Oh and on 20's check the wear as already mentioned and the tracking.[/quote]

thanks - its not excessively loud, even so I'll keep a close eye on it.

got a print out of all the work its had done at the MD, nothing for the turbo and gearbox. Stereo is all good, 6 disc works as does the nav and digital TV, air con is icy cold Underneath is all pretty clean and dry, was serviced a thousand miles ago and has 5 lights on, next is a Ins 1. All in all it looks like an honest car, the front and rear bumpers have had some scrapes as have the alloys, but then I'm not worried about that at all for now.

Upgrade the alloys - are 20's not big enough!??

[x555]

Sounds too good to be true....good luck with the purchase and don't forget the pics when you get it

[Giblets]

Thats almost half what I paid for my 53 plate 3.0D Sport recently!

Even with a few problems and some paint, you can't go wrong at that price.

Well done on finding a bargain!

[AW8]

Well done on the purchase . IMHO 20's are plenty big enough - if you price quality rubber for these I doubt you'll want to go bigger.

Assuming you're as realistic re price in moving on the Zafira as you were in buying the X5 then maybe drop me a PM with honest & realistic comments re condition,spec,what it needs & price to part with it quickly.......Reason being a mate of mine looking for an MPV as his Zafira has died & it may be cheaper to walk way from it. No agenda to adversely pocket from him or you but I'd still want a good drink out of it........In any case he's looking into a VW Sharan at moment but you never know.

[psenior1]

cheers for the comments - front and rear bumpers are being painted before I collect which will make a huge difference, just got to get the wheels refurbed. Will post up the pics when I have it! I'll PM the Zafira details now..

[psenior1]

well I picked up the X5 and just love it, despite the miles its all feels very tight and well put together - handles far better than I expected and pulls like a train too. Done a good few miles in it already, mechanically it all seems good (touch wood), going in now on Monday for the front and rear bumpers to be painted and one of the grilles has a hole in it so that is being done at the same time. I'll post up some pics once its had the paint done and I've got some time to give her a proper clean and polish.

I've got a couple of Q's -

the kick plates are a bit corroded/pitted, I've cleaned them up with autosol and they are much better, bu wondering how much and how hard it is to just replace them?

its got the electric memory seats, how do I pair the setting to a key rather than just hoding the number on the side of the seat down? I cant find the button it tells you to press in the manual!

thanks in advance