Looking at second hand E series

[ILLaViTaR]

I've been looking around and don't know how to see if I'm getting a lemon.

Dad wants me to get the RACV to check it over before I buy it but it's around $100 and if it's crap there's $100 wasted.

What exactly do they check?

I'd love to do this myself.

[LTDHO]

Make sure electrics work and look for old damage and repairered damage.

If you have your heart set on a car, then the RACV inspection is good, although it's closer to $160 than $100.

[pHaT`eL]

If your not sure on what to look for, the RACV check is great. It might seem like alot at the moment, but its well worth it.

[klawsterfobik]

$100 or even $160 is better money spent than if something that you can't diagnose is 10k's away from breaking.

Consider that your most likely going to be paying a couple of thousand for this car, and $200 should fail to even register. Its good insurance.

[ILLaViTaR]

Hmmm.

I rung them up and they basically don't do much.

They do for the basic inspection:

Cooling system pressure test, Cylinder compression test, body, interior check.

The only thing they check the engine for is oil leaks.

I can get the comprehensive test where they check the brakes too which is $200.

What do I need to pressure test the cooling system?

I got a rough Idea how to check compression do I just need a compression guage and a remote starter switch?

[mcflux]

Basic inspection? Comprehensive test?

I take it the basic inspection is for RWC matters, and the comprehensive test goes beyong RWC and looks for things that may be costly for you in the near future (ie gearbox fully operational but on its way out, etc)

[ILLaViTaR]

Hmmm when I gave them a call they said the only difference between the basic and comprehensive was that they took all 4 wheels off and inspected the brakes.

It sounds pretty easy to do yourself.

I'm only unfamiliar with a coolant pressure test and even if the pressures bad it won't be as costly as say blowing a head gasket.

[mcflux]

Coolant pressure test = pressurise the system through the coolant reservoir, look for any leaks (follow the coolant lines). This in itself can reveal a blown head gasket. It's handy as A) it speeds up leaks and B) can reveal leaks that would only occur while the engine is running (and the system pressurised) and would otherwise seem liky mystery leaks when the car is off.

[ILLaViTaR]

I found out I need a special guage that goes in place of the cap and I pump it to a certain number and then check for leaks.

[mcflux]

That's it ;)

[klawsterfobik]

and how much does the special gauge cost? If it costs over $100 then your better off getting RACV to use theirs, plus do all the other stuff.

If you know what they do, and can do it yourself then don't pay for it. Pulling the wheels off and looking at the brakes might involve checking disc thickness, inspection of the brake lines etc.

[Polyal]

Second hand e series? Since when.... :

My advice. If its a private sale, then check everything yourself, but if you are paraniod then get RACV to check it aswell.

If you are buying from a dealer, then dont trust the RACV test they setup. Try and be there if you can and get one that you organise.

I got bent over once from a dealer, RACV report said nothing was wrong, $1k later I fix things that were apparently fine.

[ILLaViTaR]

Yeah.

If it's around $100 (which I'm guessing it won't be) I'd still consider it since I'm going to be doing a lot of the servicing myself.

[FRDXR6]

RACV basic test is usually about $140 off memory and definantly worth it unless you have a very broad knowledge of all the different working parts of the car.

They are also VERY good at picking up accident repairs. If you want an even better one use a company called Stateroads, they are excellent they go to extra lengths such as measuring the depth of paint at numerous points on each panels etc...

[steven95falc]

what sort of e series are you after ? mine is for sale any inspection welcome as id tell ya every little detail thats wrong with it 95 ef manual pm if your interested as i dont want to hijack this thread but the racv test is good unless you completly know every little detail about that particualr make ie things that go wrong with that model,
Also dont be to scared as a mate showed me one and there was a huge list of things minor things however but he thaught for his 3 grand he was going to find soemthing with no faults so expect a few things to be wrong and asses and get prices on how much it is to fix them.
Hope this helps.

[JC]

I reckon you should check this one out:

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthr...5&page=1&pp=20

[ILLaViTaR]

Originally Posted by JC

I reckon you should check this one out:

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthr...5&page=1&pp=20

haha 550 000km's no thanks and it looks bad as.

Also my budget right now is only around 1.5k (will have 3k by my 18th but I want some money reserved incase something goes wrong with the car).

There's a nice ED on ebay for $1600 with only 170 000 km's, I'm hopefully gonna check it out on friday.

Oh and Steven my budget is to low for an EF but thanks for the offer.

[elvondel]

as far as things you can inspect youself, check for any tappet noise on start up.
check for any smoke blowing. a good rev doesnt do to much damage lol.
listen for any bearing noises, or any other unusual noises.
check the oil to make sure theres no milky substances.
check the vehicals service history
check for any rust under boot matt, in sills, undercar etc.
check the steering feels firm
check how the car responds/brakes/idles
check exhaust for leaks

if youve thougholy checked the car over yourself and you think its fine, then it might be worth calling RACV.
no point doing it if you can pick faults in the car yourself.