General: your advice plz before I commit to purchase

[eddycass]

Hi guys

Could anyone dispel my last seed of doubt before i commit to purchase and advise me as to whether or not this sort of damage to the intercooler matrix is consistent with a 2007 xc90 with 83000 miles on the clock, assuming they are mostly motorway miles?

thanks

sorry guys tried to upload an image or two but but keep getting upload failed message, your help with this plz

[Ducklakeview]

Just wondering how you can see the intercooler, as it's sandwiched between the A/C and coolant rads, well it is on mine?

[eddycass]

Originally Posted by Ducklakeview

Just wondering how you can see the intercooler, as it's sandwiched between the A/C and coolant rads, well it is on mine?

I knew the rads were in a bank of three, Just assumed the front one was the intercooler, correct me again if I'm wrong but is the front one the air con radiator? Thanks

[ianu]

If u have an oily mist around the top/bottom of the rads - that would indicate a leaking intercooler rad. Age and mileage - depends but is feasible it could have gone. But it is another of the weak points.
In the scheme of things not too expensive especially if you can do it yourself. If I recall correctly about £130ish from FRF and a mornings work diy.
The intercooler rad is the middle of the 3 sandwhiched between aircon (front) and water rads.

Cheers
Ian

[eddycass]

Originally Posted by ianu

If u have an oily mist around the top/bottom of the rads - that would indicate a leaking intercooler rad. Age and mileage - depends but is feasible it could have gone. But it is another of the weak points.
In the scheme of things not too expensive especially if you can do it yourself. If I recall correctly about £130ish from FRF and a mornings work diy.
The intercooler rad is the middle of the 3 sandwhiched between aircon (front) and water rads.

Cheers
Ian

I don't recall seeing any oily mist in those areas, fingers crossed.

There seems to be a lot of damage to the aircon rad matrix/fins (got it right this time) and is more prevalent to the left and right side of the radiator to the point where the fins have almost been flattened and touching one other.

Seems like a lot of stone damage to me and was Just wondered if this was consistent with the age and mileage?

I took pics of the vehicle the last time I viewed it but I can't seem to upload it to the forum for some reason.

[ianu]

Originally Posted by eddycass

I don't recall seeing any oily mist in those areas, fingers crossed.

There seems to be a lot of damage to the aircon rad matrix/fins (got it right this time) and is more prevalent to the left and right side of the radiator to the point where the fins have almost been flattened and touching one other.

Seems like a lot of stone damage to me and was Just wondered if this was consistent with the age and mileage?

I took pics of the vehicle the last time I viewed it but I can't seem to upload it to the forum for some reason.

I wouldnt say it was typical - but I know some others have indicated what seems to be quite a hammering to the aircon rad. Mine has done a lot of motorway miles and seems to look ok - so guess some have just been a bit unluckier than others !!
Not a show stopper in my opinion :-)

Cheers
Ian.

[eddycass]

Originally Posted by ianu

I wouldnt say it was typical - but I know some others have indicated what seems to be quite a hammering to the aircon rad. Mine has done a lot of motorway miles and seems to look ok - so guess some have just been a bit unluckier than others !!
Not a show stopper in my opinion :-)

Cheers
Ian.

Thanks for you input Ianu.

All the history checks were ok but looking at the aircon rad I was beginning to doubt whether the mileage was genuine, a few reassuring words from yourself and roymacdonald in another one of my posts has made me feel a whole lot better, especially as we're handing over our hard earned cash this evening!

Dodgy mileage correction companies have a lot to answer for and in my opinion makes buying a used car an absolute nightmare!

[ianu]

Your welcome - it's what this forum is all about (although I don't offer any warranty :-) )

One final thing though - DO make sure the air con is working and the rad hasn't leaked all the gas.
Turn both the temp dials to min and expect a chilling blast from the vents.

Cheers
Ian.

[Ducklakeview]

Originally Posted by eddycass

Dodgy mileage correction companies have a lot to answer for and in my opinion makes buying a used car an absolute nightmare!

Which is the precise reason I'd always choose a high miler WITH fully documented history, rather than a lower mileage example that may have had a "haircut"

[eddycass]

Originally Posted by ianu

Your welcome - it's what this forum is all about (although I don't offer any warranty :-) )

One final thing though - DO make sure the air con is working and the rad hasn't leaked all the gas.
Turn both the temp dials to min and expect a chilling blast from the vents.

Cheers
Ian.

LOL. This forum is more useful than some warranties, at least you didn't take any money and run!

Checked it on the test drive but definitely on the todo list now i know what I'm looking for around the slam panel area.