T5 V70 1999 - Buying

[RailwayRev]

Sadly I need to replace my 940 saloon. I really do not want to part with her but needs must as I now need an automatic
I went to have a look at a V70 T5 at a local garage, where it had been taken in as a part-ex. I also know the car has been sat for a few months.
Not to bad looking, a few scuffs but had obviously had work done recently, new brakes all round and a new alternator. I was slightly concerned about a couple of things. The EML light was on and I know that this is soon to be an MOT failure. Slightly more worrying was the puff of white smoke that came from the exhaust when she was revved, nothing major but it was definitely there.
The car is cheap (£600) and only has 100k miles on it. The garage is going to scan the OBD and let me know what the issue is before I go any further.
What do people think? I know that this is banger motoring but I am looking at a shot turbo, never mind what the OBD says?
On test the car ran very well, quick and easy through the gears and no nasty knocks, rattles or bangs.
Do I need to reach for the bargepole?

[RailwayRev]

The garage have just rang and the code was P0562, which appears to me to be related to a low voltage in the main electrical system, possibly the reason for a new alternator.

[rudi dudi]

What colour is this car ? Think it might be the one I rejected on a few things.
Being a 99 your looking at Potentially Ets issues which can be expensive.

[RailwayRev]

Metallic Red, with a black leather interior.

[rudi dudi]

Sounds like the one. Guy at a place close to a retail park and sports stadium by any chance?
I thought it was a piece of crap myself if we're talking about the same car.

[Alpine]

I'd be wary of buying from a trader at that price, what profit is in it for him? Have you checked the MOT history on line? 100k mileage sounds low, could be worth a punt if you can afford to write off the purchase price if it turns out a bad one. I'd be inclined to keep looking.

[RailwayRev]

Originally Posted by rudi dudi

Sounds like the one. Guy called Conrad at a place close to a Steelworks ,retail park and sports stadium by any chance?
I thought it was a piece of crap myself if we're talking about the same car.

That's the one.

What were your concerns about it?
I must admit that I am not overly familiar with T5's although I have had a couple of V70's before (Tdi's wonderful beasts).

[RailwayRev]

Originally Posted by Alpine

I'd be wary of buying from a trader at that price, what profit is in it for him? Have you checked the MOT history on line? 100k mileage sounds low, could be worth a punt if you can afford to write off the purchase price if it turns out a bad one. I'd be inclined to keep looking.

I got the impression that it had been in stock for a while and they wanted shot of it. I don't think that petrol swigging barges are that popular around here.
Mind you that sets alarm bells ringing

[rudi dudi]

In short it's just a bitty, scabby old shed. Not really loved .. it's sat there for months for a reason..
Better examples out there.. I didn't bother and think many others have had the same view.
Your money and your call at the end of the Day...Wasn't overly keen on the place itself on another front...

[RailwayRev]

Originally Posted by rudi dudi

In short it's just a bitty, scabby old shed. Not really loved .. it's sat there for months for a reason..
Better examples out there.. I didn't bother and think many others have had the same view.
Your money and your call at the end of the Day...Wasn't overly keen on the place itself on another front...

Thanks for the advice, I think I will steer clear.
What was your other issue with the place? I only ask as a colleague of mine was thinking about buying a more modern car from there.