Buying Used MC LX hatch .what to look for

[lgc67]

I'm he
Ping my brother in law buy a used car . He is considering an LX hatch .

There are a few around Brisbane yards . A lot of 2014 X hertz renters around with 40-45k asking $13000 to $14000. Seem to be in good nick .
I'm a bit gun shy about an x renter though. Private sellers are asking more for older cars with more klicks ......a lot more even considering the cars a not renters .

What should I be looking out for . Common problems etc .

What is the situation regarding timing belts / chains on the 2 litre petrol ( or what ever size it is )
Thanks

[timmo86]

we just got a 2012 mc lx wagon from pickles auctions brisbane, not a bad car at all considering its an ex lease car with 176,000ks its a tdci 6sp powershift cant really fault it..

from what Ive read in the owners manuel they say timing belts due around 200,000ks for the diesel not sure if its the same for petrol models.

they seem to be really great cars my father has the older ma mondeo and hasn't really had an issue with his

[sailaway]

Originally Posted by timmo86

we just got a 2012 mc lx wagon from pickles auctions brisbane, not a bad car at all considering its an ex lease car with 176,000ks its a tdci 6sp powershift cant really fault it..

How much? Have a mate in Brissie after the same wagon.


To the OP...

I got my MC Hatch with 219K on the clock over a year ago and never had a problem with it so far.(Fingers crossed)

Thanks for reminding me to contact the Ford dealer who obviously did a great job servicing it to see if a timing belt was replaced.

Big Melb > Sydney > Brissie return planned for Sept so would like to be reassured that is not a concern.

[rondeo]

Originally Posted by lgc67

I'm he
Ping my brother in law buy a used car . He is considering an LX hatch .

There are a few around Brisbane yards . A lot of 2014 X hertz renters around with 40-45k asking $13000 to $14000. Seem to be in good nick .
I'm a bit gun shy about an x renter though. Private sellers are asking more for older cars with more klicks ......a lot more even considering the cars a not renters .

What should I be looking out for . Common problems etc .

What is the situation regarding timing belts / chains on the 2 litre petrol ( or what ever size it is )
Thanks

Before test drive run your hand around back of engine to check for oil.
Plus full psychological assessment of owner.

[lgc67]

Are they that bad

[lgc67]

Originally Posted by rondeo

Before test drive run your hand around back of engine to check for oil.
Plus full psychological assessment of owner.

When you say down the "back " of the engine . You mean between the fire wall and engine ? Where is the likely oil leak from ?

[rondeo]

Yes, between engine and firewall. Not sure where the oil is likely to be from but I found some on one I looked at. Not a known common problem though. If you are inclining to buy one I'd suggest have the undertray off to check for seal leaks, again not usual. Easy enough to remove, 7 10mm hex screws, but you need two jacks for convenience.

[cobrin]

Serpentine belt...if it looks remotely worn, change it. It's cheap and easy enough to do. One owner here (on an older model) had it snap but it pushed the plastic timing belt cover onto the timing belt and that in turn snapped taking out the top end. Luckily not harming the bottom end and piston assemblies/ect....

They are still on the road happily now.

[bf2fairmont]

Originally Posted by timmo86

we just got a 2012 mc lx wagon from pickles auctions brisbane, not a bad car at all considering its an ex lease car with 176,000ks its a tdci 6sp powershift cant really fault it..

from what Ive read in the owners manuel they say timing belts due around 200,000ks for the diesel not sure if its the same for petrol models.

they seem to be really great cars my father has the older ma mondeo and hasn't really had an issue with his

Petrol models (both 2.3 and 2.0 Ecoboost) are timing chain so not timing belt. Only diesel has timing belt.

Cheers