I am thinking of buying a 2007 Fiat Ducatto 2.8JTD, 130bhp. 12months MOT and recent service. Is there anything I should be double checking when I go to look at it? Please>
Mostly same as buying any 17 year old vehicle, just because it may have a shiny camper body it is still a fairly old vehicle though may have done less miles than a general working van of that type, but also may have stood around for lengths of time which is not good for any vehicle.
Good that it has 12 months Mot, but check Gov. Web site for advisories on previous Mots etc.
Get written proof of last time date and mileage cam belt kit fitted, as if breaks it destroys the engine, not just valves it bends con rods etc. So if not 100% sure have it replaced by reputable garage.
I assume no error codes /warning lights etc.
Also get all spare keys and test that they will start the vehicle as immobiliser chipped keys kept separately may get you out of expensive trouble one day.
Others here can advise better re campers but usual things I would have thought , damp ingress, making sure all gas products work safely including heating, cooking and hot water supply, plus electrical hook up and charging circuits.
Give it a good long road test, checking all the gears, brakes, how it pulls up steep hills etc. water temperature and level both before , during and after test, oil level and how clean it is, oil leaks on engine and gearbox.
If it is a trader, what warranty in writing does it include ?
If not mechanically minded, take one with you, as I assume it is more than a few pounds to buy.
Generally I like the 2.8 JTD engine, not a high revving engine but plenty of torque, more than the later 2.3s and 3litre ones, though less economical in my experience which was mostly with those engines in Iveco Daily's which were heavy to start with having a separate steel chassis, mine used to return around 24mpg whether towing a 3.5 tonne trailer or not, where as the one 2.3 Daily I had returned 28mpg though admittedly had £5k worth of brand new engine by Iveco dealers shortly before the owner went bankrupt and I bought the extended long wheel base van at auction for around £1150 including Vat.