General Buying Fiat Ducato 2001

[hogroastbbq]

Hi

Looking at a Fiat Ducato this morning, its a 2001 Y reg, only covered 18000 miles, used by local charity. I cant seem to find any reviews or things to check before i buy, can someone help?

Is the low milage an issue i.e. when i drive it on a 200 mile round trip will things go wrong as it hasn't been driven far at all?

Whats the mpg and engines like? Ive read the facelift was 2002

Any advice appreciated!

Cheers

 

[ecunotemu]

What engine? How was it stored? What part of uk? Did it make regular short joirneys? Was it standing for months at a time?

 

[hogroastbbq]

Its the 2.8 engine, looks like it was stored outside and yes i can imagine short journeys and sat for long periods, the guy who is selling it said its been sat in the same spot for the last 4 weeks. Its in Dorset

 

[FreeSpirit]

Hi
I would check to see if the timing belt has been changed even with the low mileage there is a time limit on the age of the Timing belt of around five years regardless of the mileage & it an interference engine meaning that if the belt breaks the pistons will hit the valves causing expensive engine damage.
I have heard of a similar low milage Iveco being sold to the new owner who then did around 7Klm, then the Timing belt broke with expensive damage.
Just something to check on the service history especially the Timing Belt.
Cheers

 

[hogroastbbq]

Thanks for the reply, the timing belt was changed a few years ago, i inspected it earlier and it seems in good order. As you know from my other thread i ended up buying it. Drives really well without fault. One thing i'm looking for is the correct tyre pressures, do you know them? Seems this van is non existent on most tyre or oil checkers!

 

[ecunotemu]

Thanks for the reply, the timing belt was changed a few years ago, i inspected it earlier and it seems in good order. As you know from my other thread i ended up buying it. Drives really well without fault. One thing i'm looking for is the correct tyre pressures, do you know them? Seems this van is non existent on most tyre or oil checkers!

Correct tyre pressure depends on tyre size load rating and axle load at full load you could be up to 70psi more with a camper tyre unladen those pressure would be dangerous and noisy and uncomfortable. will be misery. you should also be aware that tyre shops tend tp fit standard rubber valves which are only rated to 55psI. Tables here for light commercial are a good guide:http://www.puretyre.co.uk/images/banners/motorhome.pdf

 

[hogroastbbq]

Thanks very much