General croma 1.9 jtd on ebay...hit or miss?

[turbo_pib]

hey guys:slayer:
im still hunting for a new car and i have rounded off to 3
either a stlilo multiwagon jtd 120, an alfa 156 sportwagon 1.9 jtdm 150 or a croma 1.9 jtd 150
i have seen this on ebay and im gonna go test drive it next week

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-Fiat...2807450?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3a6e8c8a9a

what does everybody think?
is priced right?
also what should i look out for on test drive?

many thanks

 

[dave]

its about £1k over priced, if the water pump and tensioners/idlers wasn't replaced with cambelt then even more over priced

have a look on gumtree often cheaper cromas on there, be prepared to travel to find the right deal

 

[turbo_pib]

As a fiat fsh so i presume that they would do cambelt and water pump at same time with a proper kit...
i had a look and i know i have seen some cheaper but i have no cash at the moment so i need to find car from dealer that offers a good finance...

 

[keithglos]

Fiat service is unlikely to replace the water pump. One large Alfa dealer's service manager I spoke to didn't even know about the water pump seizures in the 1.9.

 

[Doofer]

A quick run-down of things to check, based on problems I've had with mine. Possibly not a representative survey, and not show-stoppers but an angle for getting problems fixed or a lump of cash knocked off...

Check the engine gets to hot (vertical needle in centre) and stays there - otherwise the engine thermostat is knackered.

Check the rear wiper works, without making a horrible whining/grinding noise.

Check that the front wipers work smoothly. Judder means that the rods need replacing and are about to fail.

Have a look under and check that none of the shiny heat shields over the exhaust are loose.

While underneath, have a look at the springs to check whether the bottoms have snapped off any. A small mirror and torch may be useful.

Check the tyre wear, especially the rears. It needs a full wheel alignment if any problems.

Check that the tyres comply with those in the user manual (download from this site), especially the load/speed ratings.

Have a look through the grille at the air con condenser (it looks like a radiator). If the fins are crumbling then it will need replacing and a re-gas.

Check the air con works and is cold - mine had hardly any gas in when I got it.

Check the oil grade used at the last service (if they have the invoice) against that listed in the user manual. Mine had completely the wrong grade in, done by a Fiat dealer.

Check for cracks/leaks in the front fog lights - they are expensive.

It looks like a pretty good one in the pictures. I'd have to have a look under those non-standard roof rack fittings though. The fact they've left it fitted may be hiding something, i.e. the paint's been rubbed away underneath. You'd want to take them off anyway, as they'll probably whistle on the motorway.

 

[dave]

i had a look and i know i have seen some cheaper but i have no cash at the moment so i need to find car from dealer that offers a good finance...

better off with a bank loan then go haggle prices down, its a buyers market

 

[turbo_pib]

better off with a bank loan then go haggle prices down, its a buyers market

Well i have tryed a bank loan but they offer 20% interest against 4% interest of this dealer!!!

 

[keithglos]

Dealer interest should be quoted APR or AER, but is usually "flat rate" which is nearly double, so could be just under 8%. If so settlements are quoted by dividing one year into 78 months to calculate.

 

[Doofer]

I think they're required to state the total amount payable, whatever dodgy method they use to calculate the interest.

Dealer interest rates can be better, as the risk for them is less, as the loan is secured on the car - if you don't keep paying a truck will turn up and take it away. Banks have to go to the trouble of court etc.

 

[Radlet6]

I had my cambelt changed by a Fiat dealer and I had to all bit threaten to kidnap the sevice manager's children before they wold change it; saying that it wasn't necessary. So don't assume anything. Ask for a copy of the service history from any Fiat dealer.

It will show you there if the pump was changed or not.

 

[sebasteeno]

This ones been reduced £300 today. Seems very cheap despite its higher miles. Maybe the poo colour puts people off?

 

[Doofer]

This ones been reduced £300 today. Seems very cheap despite its higher miles. Maybe the poo colour puts people off?

It's not the colour that would bother me, it's the 150k miles and the tow bar!

 

[turbo_pib]

It's not the colour that would bother me, it's the 150k miles and the tow bar!

i 100% agree
miles to high and tow bar usually sign of a workhorse car
i like the colour combination thought!!

 

[blueh2steve]

i 100% agree
miles to high and tow bar usually sign of a workhorse car
i like the colour combination thought!!

Mileage is ok depending on what has been done

My Prestigeo has about 130000 but has had the following done to it

Fully reconditioned gearbox £1200

New clutch and duel mass £1000+

New brakes and discs

Great service history as was a Fiat company car

Towbar fitted last year to tow motorcycle trailer.

Thinking of trading it or selling to get a Transporter or Vito size van.

 

[a1300r]

Mileage not a problem as long as it has a history........recently sold an 8v eleganza with 138000........still running well.....original clutch etc.......155 bhp remap...55mpg and 130 mph......in fact more reliable than the 66000 miler i have replaced it with.........

Just had timing belt, water pump and idlers done as someone replaced the belt at 58000 but didn't replace the idlers etc and they collapsed..........

Big warning for anyone thinking of doing the belt only!!!!!!!!!!!

Luckily heard funny noise and turned engine off.!......

 

[FiatFleetFamily]

It's not the colour that would bother me, it's the 150k miles and the tow bar!

And 2 sets of drive shafts!