306 xnd `93 is it a good buy?

My son is thinking of buying a 1993 5 door 306 XND with 110K on the clock
for £500 from a car mechanic mate. The car starts first time, doesn't look
to bad and drives OK. What sort of things should he check out on the car?
What are the major cost items for repair?

regards,

David

 

David,

Look out for leaking head gasket and that it starts ok when cold, other than
that these engines are fairly bullet-proof.
Make sure the window demister works ok, and there is no damp anywhere in the
vehicle.
If it has power steering, check for leaks.
Listen for loud whining noise from the alternator (there shouldn't be one)
check all electrics.
If it has ABS, take it to a stretch of gravel or very wet slipy road and
test it.
Check the condition of the tyres and exhaust (Good bargaining points)

At that price I suspect the cambelt is due, along with a good service and
seeing too.
Possibly the brakes will need checking too.
(Unless you know the guy very well, do not take his word on the cambelt
'just been done mate')
In my experience, if somebody says the cambelt was done not so long back, it
means 4-6 years ago.

They are reasonable cars at this price bracket.

Andy

 

Hi, Andy

thanks for the advice. I have had a few replies now and all have
suggested that the 306 would be a good buy. On Saturday I had a look
at the car with my son and was amazed at the rust free condition of
the bodywork. The car started straight off from cold, with no black
smoke! The only dampness I could find inside was ’cos his car mechanic
mate (seller) had replaced the heater matrix the day before. There was
no obvious leaks or bits hanging off. The clutch seemed a bit
"heavy" but other than that I reckon that we will be buying, subject
to a ramp inspection and MOT,

thanks again,

David

 

Hi, Andy

If the heater matrix had started to leak, just be aware that it might have
been caused by pressure in the cooling system, which in turn could mean a
head gasket on the way.
The matrix is also aluminium, and will rot away if there is insufficient
protection in the coolant. This in turn will also affect the cylender head -
Guess how I know?