I'm currently looking for a used MJ to run as a second car, to spare my beloved Barchetta a daily 130-mile grind (and cut my fuel bills in the process ).

I've seen a 2-year-old MJ that has a low mileage (under 12k) but hasn't yet had a service. The current owner claims that it hasn't needed a service to date because the service indicator hasn't indicated that a service is due. Is this correct? Most manufacturers still require an annual inspection in order to preserve the warranty, even if the mileage is low. I'm anxious to establish whether the remaining warranty is still valid, which it won't be if the recommended service intervals haven't been observed .

My 2-year-old Multijet Sporting doesn't have a service indicator, that I'm aware of. The manual says it must be serviced every year, even if it covers low mileage. Mine has only done 11,000 miles (I don't commute), and is booked in for it's 2nd service next week.

Look elsewhere!

12 month intervals even if low mileage.....

Absolutely, do not buy this car. Firstly, I have never seen a UK multijet with a service indicator. If this car has one is it an import?

Regular servicing on a diesel car is very important. After a time, the oil will degrade and the protection it provides will reduce. As the turbo runs hot, it is essential that adequate lubrication and cooling is occuring. After working a turbo-deisel hard allow the engine to idle for a couple of minutes to allow the bearings to cool and be lubricated.

If this car has had the same oil since new it cannot be providing adequate cooling and lubrication. I would expect increased component wear, particularly to the turbo's bearings. I think there is a good chance this car will suffer turbo failure at some point. Also, not keeping to the service schedule invalidates the warranty. The low mileage is irrellevant. Walk away. Have you considered a new one? Fiatsupasaver knock a lot of list (Presently £5800) and most main dealers will match or get very close to this price.

A great little car that's huge fun and very cheap to run.

Happy hunting,

FP

The guys are right. I have a Jan 05 MJ with 65K miles (or 105,000KM). It is serviced on the button - minor every 10000Km and major every 20000KM.

Would not be happy with this lack of care - unless milage is sus?

Why buy a diesel to do so little miles???

BJ20

Thanks, guys.

Sound advice, as always on this site!

I'll look elsewhere.

BJ20 said:

Why buy a diesel to do so little miles???

BJ20

Click to expand...

At the time, it was the fastest Panda available - and the lowest carbon footprint. It was so heavily discounted that even though it was more than the petrol, I could still easily afford it. The tax is much cheaper, a laughable £35, and it will be exempt from the congestion charging schemes which are set to spring up all over the country.