850 T5 - Common Problems?

[850Chris]

I'm in the market for a cheap 854 T5 for around about £1400. The car will be used as a second car to provide a bit of fun and relief from the daily commute in my Ford Mundane!

I'm aware that the timing belt should be changed every 80000 miles, to steer well clear of any smoky / noisy turbos and to watch out for failed air con compressors, but can anyone advise of other common failure points or mechanical issues to watch out for?

Obviously at this low price the car is likely to be getting on a bit and will not be A1, but I would like to be aware of any likely expensive mechanical failures before I make a purchase.

Finally, as a keen driver I generally prefer manuals, however I've been told that an automatic T5 may be a better buy as it is likely to have been thrashed less and the auto gearbox should go on and on and on. Is this good advise or does the auto box in a T5 get frustrating?

Thanks

[bb54]

welcome to the forum mate.
1400 will get you a tidy older 850 t5.

many things to look out for, i dont have the time to list them all im afraid.
use the search function at the top of the page and spend a few hours reading, youll be an expert by the end of the day.

check the cars for sale on this site, look for someone thats been a member for a while and been partisipating in things , that way youl know their not selling a dog cos they have a reputation to protect.

one thing, autos can take 150-200 k if theyv not been abused and had regular ATF changes.
pull the dipstick and check its not dark brown, if so, get back in your motor.
an auto would have been driven just as hard as a manual.

research rear main oil seal and auto gearbox probs, as they cost the most to sort.
good luck, wayne.

Hi have a look at the for sale section ian collinson one of the main men on here is selling his 850 saloon.

Russ