General Test drive - are they normally like this??

[mart360]

Hi all,

i took a test drive of a Marea 1.9TD 100 elx weekend this evening, and am not sure if what i encountered was the norm, or as i think was just an isolated poor vehicle

If i list he faults you may be able to help (i hope!!)

dashboard... code key lamp was lit, i guess because the guy had disconnected the battery to do work on the car.. and the radio clock was flashing also.

Clutch..
VERY heavy, almost no bite until the top then a sharp snap into the top position, made the car a bit prone to wanting to lurch away, concerns over this carrying out parking maneuvers.

Brakes..

felt very fierce, but almost like no servo pedal was odd in feeling, no pressure, but almost like direct braking, and the stop symbol and lamp on the dash kept comming on everytime the brakes were applied.

Turbo
had a whine, unlike the turbo on my petrol car which had a slight whistle, this sounded loud, and i havnt heard many TD,s whine..

Steering, bit heavy at low speed, but fine whilst on the move

Also the car had done 120k but the guy selling reckons its between cambelt changes,, according to what i could find, it should be due.

Have i just picked a rogue vehicle, i like the look of the car, and the weekend would be superbly practicle. I,m hoping that you experianced owners can help and advise me accordingly


Many thanks

Mart

 

[HP]

Sounds a bit of a dog - code light means there's a fault with the immobiliser side of things.
Admittedly mine's a petrol, but the clutch and brakes are smooth and progressive.
Stop lamp could be low fluid or pads, I'd guess.
I'd think a whining turbo was probably at death's door....

Hope this is of some help.

 

[polecat]

Clutch and brakes sounds like the fluid is low, they are both fed from the same cylinder.
Steering should be light when stationary after about 10 secs following starting the engine. Again suspect fluid, they have auto bleed, turn wheel to full lock in each direction several times.
Radio clock sounds like batt, get the code off him. Code lamp should not be lit, you must obtain the red key or get him to discount cost of ECU code. £300 to £800 depending on codemaster or Fiat job.

I would get an independant check if you are keen on this vehicle as it seems to have a few problems.
Cambelt should be replaced after about 50k. Check when it was last replaced.
120k is a long way for a turbo.

The weekend is a good car generally.

 

[mart360]

Many thanks guys,

I had my suspicions, i had read your reviews and comments, so was quite surprised when i found these faults..

It had the red key, or it looked a pale version of red!!

worst case scenario, new clutch / immob system & turbo..

more ouch than the car was up for , and it seemed a bit steep too!!

Ill keep looking

Mart