What to check when buying a diesel?

[marzman]

Hey,

 

Im currently trying to find a cheap ass car to replace my zed with, and im looking around the £1.5k mark

 

There seem to be a few diesels available at that price range, but i've never looked at/driven a diesel before - what sort of things do i need to check with the engine? Any hints are welcome!

[rtbiscuit]

most diesels are pretty bullet proof,

 

but once the engines warm if you put it under heavy load you don't want to see large plumes of black smoke out the rear exhaust.

 

should be a fairly clean burn on most modern ones, might get a little cloud, but if its kicking out smoke machine quanitites its means the engines FUBAR

[Woody]

As Rich said, Diesels are pretty much soild. Lots of torque. I had a 1.9TDi Ibiza before the Zed and I loved it. Black smoke from the exhaust is common, but a high percentage of the time this can be put down to dirty injectors. An additive can be purchased for this. Try and stay with German manufactures, as they are better IMO, maybe a Mk4 Golf?

 

Good luck bud

[Tarmac@TarmacSportz]

Reps at work have always had Mondeos and they have been relaible

 

Your Zed sold now bud ?

[sasha@lazytrips]

I'd check all the airways. Have seen a number of cheapo diesels smoke and sound horrendous and each time a hairline crack in something like the intercooler hose.

[marzman]

Cheers all - useful info. I forgot about black smoke!!

 

Nope, mine's not sold yet. I've not even had a single enquiry about it. I think its priced too cheap as its the 5th cheapest in the country on autotrader.

[B16REE]

Hi,

 

I am trying to sell my VW Golf GT TDI 150, but its alot more than 1.5k...3995 ono!

[350ash]

Remember to check the spark plugs, trying to track down new spark plugs for any diesel engine is a nightmare.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Stew]

Remember to check the spark plugs, trying to track down new spark plugs for any diesel engine is a nightmare.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check it revs freely to 7000 - 8000k revs. Wherever the red line is.........

 

 

 

Smoke is bad, also check it from cold. I've only ever owned one dirty derv which was an old 1.7TD Astra and to be honest it was fine. Not exciting but a fine runner.