About To Buy.

[Guest wanderinstar]

Hi everyone,

New on here and about to buy a 53 plate C3 1.4 HDI Exclusive, which I believe has 16 valve engine and discs all round. Are there anythings to look out for. I had read there may have been a problem with ECU on these motors.

What are your thoughts?

Ian.

[Guest wanderinstar]

Well, thank you everybody for your comments. Very helpful. :rolleyes:

[paul.h]

The C3 seems to be a reliable car and most checks are as for any car you would buy. I would scan this forum but some things you may pick up include:

- petrol engines can suffer fuel injector failure due to rain passing through the bonnet holes for wiper washer jets and dripping on the injectors.

- front suspension coil springs break and rarely the rear ones.

- make sure the air con works fully - the gas can leak out and if climate control the temperature may not reduce on one side.

- check the drivers seat has not lost the foam at the side near the door.

- make sure the rear wiper works properly and stops after one wipe.

- check all the electrics work.

- if there is condensation in a headlight it is probably the bulb cover has not been replaced properly.

- tyres do not wear so if old may need replacing due to cracking/perishing.

- check for steady acceleration and no flat spots over the rev range.

- check the exhaust back box retaining strap has not rusted through.

- bodywork should not be corroded.

[Guest wanderinstar]

Thank you for your reply Paul. Very helpful.

Can anyone tell me if, on a 53 plate Exclusive, The rev counter round the top of the speedo should be orange or white. On the car I am about to buy it is orange and as the pointer is also orange, it is very difficult to read.

I tested an 06 Desire a few weeks ago and the rev counter was white background with orange bit that moved with revs. Lot easier to read.