Ama noobster also

[HK_K12]

Hey all, my name is Charley, and I am in Hayes, Middlesex,UK.

I am soon to be looking at a 2004 Micra 1.5 DCi SE manual, 5 door this weekend possibly. Now, this being a diesel, are there any particular things to look for? The car should be cold when I go to check it out. It has full service history in the Nissan service book, however he said there was 2 x 20k miles between services, 20-40 and 50-70 or something like that, all others afterwards were sort of once a year., but 1 previous owner, the current owner only bought it mid November, so only had it less than a month. It has just been serviced in September by the previous 1st/owner.

The current owner says there is no record of the cambelt or turbo being changed, but it must have been done at least once, it currently has 130k on the clock. I know it's a diesel, but it's only a 1.5, should I bother even looking at it, nevermind buying it? It will be used for commuting morning and evening peak times.

 

[Master tech]

If you are going to buy it drive it cold and warm. Also get the timing belt changed if you do buy it. Why are they selling it?

 

[Chris Why]

Hey all, my name is Charley, and I am in Hayes, Middlesex,UK.

I am soon to be looking at a 2004 Micra 1.5 DCi SE manual, 5 door this weekend possibly. Now, this being a diesel, are there any particular things to look for? The car should be cold when I go to check it out. It has full service history in the Nissan service book, however he said there was 2 x 20k miles between services, 20-40 and 50-70 or something like that, all others afterwards were sort of once a year., but 1 previous owner, the current owner only bought it mid November, so only had it less than a month. It has just been serviced in September by the previous 1st/owner.

The current owner says there is no record of the cambelt or turbo being changed, but it must have been done at least once, it currently has 130k on the clock. I know it's a diesel, but it's only a 1.5, should I bother even looking at it, nevermind buying it? It will be used for commuting morning and evening peak times.

I know sod all engine wise mate but I know some people don't have a good word to say about those renault diesel engines

 

[plmval]

HK12 said :
" I am soon to be looking at a 2004 Micra 1.5 DCi SE manual. Service history in the Nissan service book, however he said there was 2 x 20k miles between services, 20-40 and 50-70 or something like that, all others afterwards were sort of once a year., but 1 previous owner, the current owner only bought it mid November, so only had it less than a month."

Renault 1.5 DCI is notorious as a money pit. Complexity of H D I common rail diesel does not make an economical old car due to very high maintenance costs, far outweighing minor fuel economy savings.

Old cars tend to be used for social domestic and pleasure and commuting local short journeys. This is unsuitable use for HDI turbo engine which will quickly block up its DPF with ash that cannot be regenerated.

Any failure of the diesel particulate filter, dual mass flywheel/clutch, turbo, high-pressure fuel pumps disintegration, valve timing belt/plastic pulleys, seized glow plugs, electric power steering, ABS, air bags, LCD dashboard warning lights and EGR valve will quickly render a 2004 Micra beyond economic repair.

This engine turns its oil into black sludge very quickly and needs frequent oil and filter changes to avoid oil starvation of the turbo bearings.

Documented invoices audit trail of any of the above very expensive repairs together with frequent and full service history invoices is essential. If these high-value documents are missing then you must assume that essential maintenance has not been carried out; and walk away. There are plenty more cars around, to pick and choose from!

It goes without saying that you must establish ownership and hpi/payday loans status.
Good luck