Buying Advice

[Arthur Rabbit]

Hello All

After a couple of minths of looking around, I am going to view a 3.0d sport 54 plate, 68000 at the weekend. All signs are good, 1 owner, full BMW service history with receipts for recent work done. This is my first X5 having run an xtrails for the last 5 years. I can check all the relevant docs etc but as I am not hugely mechanically minded can anyone give me a basics guide of what to look for and more importantly what warning signs an amatuer like me can see fairly easily, or pick up on during the test drive.

I know any used car is a risk, this one does seem like it ticks all the boxes for me - any hints and tips would be much appreciated.

Cheers

Dave

[moar]

Smoking on start up.
Check coolant for usual signs.
When driving put the car in reverse and reverse at around 10mph, there should be no judder.
Shifts should be smooth.
At 56mph accelerate slightly harder to get the gear to change down. The dhownshift should be smooth, no clunk.
Checking for oil leaks will be difficult due to the undertray, take an LED light and try looking down to the undertray.
Check for coolant leaks, check the expansion tank and see if there is the production sticker still on it. If it's older than 5 years it will be due a replacement.
Tyres should be premium and the same per axle.
Car should not be sagging anywhere.
On a cold start up the engine revs should be at a smooth idle, anything else and it's glowplugs or relay time.
Check the paperwork, look for signs that faults have been found and rectified. Especially from MOTs. If there are no MOT certs from the past, you can get all MOT history online from the gov website. You need the reg and doc ref number.
Servicing should go, oil service, inspection 1, oil service, inspection 2. If an inspection is due you can use it as a bargaining chip.
Panel gaps should be very consistent. Look at the roof for orange peel and match it up against the doors. Anything that stands out can indicate previous bodywork repair.

[Arthur Rabbit]

Thanks Moar, that's exactly the type of help I was looking for.

Brilliant Thanks

Dave

[Reusch]

My penny's worth which I've quoted a couple of times  check even the simple things radio sound comes out of all speakers,blower just any little things because these can also mount up to a couple of £££.

[Zakbelle]

Check cd changer works! Sat nav, check for rust on the inner side of the lower tailgate, lift the plastic boot cover with boot open to check this, mines getting replaced by bmw under warranty even though it looks immaculate from outside.  Also nice to have original tool kits, warning triangle first aid kit


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