General Buying advice for a Croma - updated

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General Buying advice for a Croma - updated

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Oct 6, 2004
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east London, UK
What to look for / check / ask about, when viewing & test driving a Croma -

Service history with bills -
Have these parts been replaced recently –
• cam belt and water pump, auxiliary drive belt, tensioners and pulleys
• alternator (can fail after 3 years)
• driveshafts
• thermostat
• battery
• springs and shock absorbers
• EGR valve (has an EGR valve restrictor plate been fitted?)
• inlet manifold
• brakes pads and disks

EGR valve and MAP (manifold air pressure, boost) sensor cleaned.

DPF regeneration history ok.

Regular oil & all fluids changes; & oil, air, fuel, & pollen filter changes.

Both oil degradation / change counter & service counter reset.

Mileage (motorway or town driving?).

Test drive to include rough road, quick corners, reversing & speed humps -
• close all windows, turn off radio / CD and fan
• listen for suspicious noises
• feel for a supple ride (driveshaft rumble means vibration in steering wheel / column at 40 - 45 mph)
• power steering and brakes work well at all speeds
• pickup is smooth at light throttle
• no black exhaust smoke when accelerating strongly from low speed
• no dashboard messages nor warning lights
• AC & heating system, all rear parking sensors & all windscreen wipers work ok
• FM MW AM radio and CD play ok

Condition – bodywork, interior, engine bay, underside, boot, tyres, kerbed / scuffed wheels.

There are 2 keys with the car (a replacement coded key is expensive).

All electric windows, all inside and outside door handles work ok, glove box lid opens and closes ok, no loose trim.

Tailgate / hatch / boot lock works OK using both the (micro)switch / handle on the hatch and the key.

Spacesaver spare wheel, jack and tools present.

Fuel filler flap latch release works ok.

Tailgate struts not rusted.

All recalls and software updates have been done (go to any Fiat dealer and ask them to check their SIGI database).
 
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