Hi there. Looking at a specific Verada to buy.... Has 120k on the odometer.

Everything checks out except:

1. Engine oil is a brown color (not very transparent) even though 120k service just done.
2. 90k service missing from the service book but 120k has been done (dealer checking on this).
2. Engine dipstick has a brown stain on it.
3. Checking in the top part of the engine (removing the oil cap) the engine components seem to have a glazed browness to them (same is dipstick).
4. Coolant reservoir only has water in it- no coolant. Radiator has coolant.

Any help appreciated.. Need to make a decision soon. Thanks..

Doesn't sound good if the service has supposedly just been done - I would want receipts for that.
90k service includes timing belt, major item and cost, I think it will screw the engine if it keys go and its supposed to be done at 90 km so it'd be 30k overdue ...

How much and what model? Does it have any sort of history?

Hi b1. The service history is ok except for the missing 90k stamp. Maybe the dealer missed it? That can be checked though.

Its a 2001 Verada Xi sedan. $8750 drive away.

brown stain sounds like varnish which is usually due to overdue oil changes in its life. If the 90k service was missed then this may do it.
Find out when the coolant was changed last. The overflow bottle should have some green colour to it.
At $8750 the price sounds ok but try to bargain them down a bit :).

REgards
Epitrochoid

brown stain sounds like varnish which is usually due to overdue oil changes in its life. If the 90k service was missed then this may do it.
Find out when the coolant was changed last. The overflow bottle should have some green colour to it.
At $8750 the price sounds ok but try to bargain them down a bit :).

REgards
Epitrochoid

Hi Epitrochoid, The dealer can check for me if the 90k service was done. If it wasnt, then its game over. If it was, then comes the oil color delimna. The overflow bottle is clear water. They are firm on price. I offered $8.5k and they said thankyou but goodbye.

For me personally the price is too high - if they say service is just done, and oil appears old, reservoir is not showing coolant indicating it lost coolant and had to be topped up, what kind of guarantee will they give that the 90k service was actually really truly done?
Price I think is a personal thing (edit particularly because they said no to $8500), but for me id keep looking - there's plenty om the market...

Not an XI but I love my gtvi...
http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/mitsubishi-verada-2003-11005656?cr=22&eapi=2&Page=2&silo=Stock&sort=default&Range=Price:5000,10000~1&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%201282%204294964597% 204294964081%20903&vertical=Car&distance=25

For me personally the price is too high - if they say service is just done, and oil appears old, reservoir is not showing coolant indicating it lost coolant and had to be topped up, what kind of guarantee will they give that the 90k service was actually really truly done?
Price I think is a personal thing (edit particularly because they said no to $8500), but for me id keep looking - there's plenty om the market...

Yes, the 120k service was done a week ago and its just been sitting in the yard, yet the oil color is a caramel brown. Checking to find out if the 90k service was done should be easy enough. I can call the mechanic tomorrow to double check.
Unfortunatley there are not many Xi's on the market- only a handful. They are all around the same price for a car that age and that many k's. Funny that redbook values these cars at around 4-5k private and thats about all I can get it insured for. Whereas a Nissan Maxima of the same purchase price, age etc, the redbook price is 10k+ and I can insure it for that much..

Not an XI but I love my gtvi...
http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/mitsubishi-verada-2003-11005656?cr=22&eapi=2&Page=2&silo=Stock&sort=default&Range=Price:5000,10000~1&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%201282%204294964597% 204294964081%20903&vertical=Car&distance=25

Is that your car for sale or are you just showing me an example?

You're right not many XIs, a few EIs... I was originally after one but settled on the gtvi... like I said buying cars comes down so much to personal gut feeling, so good luck - hope you get what you're after!
Cheers Ben

:happy:nsh just an example , not selling mine

:happy:nsh just an example , not selling mine

I would settle for a GTVi also..

I would settle for a GTVi also..

Think GTVi is fairly close in spec, not sure what you miss, but you get the nicest (imo) alloys, sport suspension and exhaustetc.. personally best looking Magna/Verada...

When I bought my KH Verada, Xi model too, they were asking $7,000 with full service history, timing belt, A/C service, transmission service and plus the car is in amazing condition. I got them down to $6K cash with 7 months rego. Drives like a champ and I couldn't be happier.

The KH and KJ are much the same, feature wise. Have you looked at any other models apart from KJ's?

When I bought my KH Verada, Xi model too, they were asking $7,000 with full service history, timing belt, A/C service, transmission service and plus the car is in amazing condition. I got them down to $6K cash with 7 months rego. Drives like a champ and I couldn't be happier.

The KH and KJ are much the same, feature wise. Have you looked at any other models apart from KJ's?

Hi Myk. Yes i have looked at KH's also. Im open. As long as its got reasonalbly low k's and in very good condition and the right price. Planning on doing a lot of k's so will convert to Lpg..

As b1benno already mentioned, the timing belt is due for a replacement at 90k, or every 8-10 years.
The fact that you have no proof that it has or hasn't been done would mean that if you bought this car, that would be top of the list of things to do (as you are probably well aware, if that puppy breaks, it leaves 1-2 grand worth of damage to the engine).
So you should be able to use the belt as a little leverage to get 200-300 off the price, or ask if they will have it changed for you for the price, as it is essential maintenance.

Personally I think the price is a little high, $7000-8000 and you'd be talking.
Also is there any indication that the car has been thrashed around a little by one if the previous owners??

One other thing to ask the dealer to put your mind at rest is to say ill take it for 8750, if you have the belt replaced, and sale comes with a minimum 3 month warranty. (ideally 6 month).

At the end of the day though, do what you feel comfortable with.
For me, if I'm buying from someone who I'm not comfortable with, or who can't look me in the eye, I wouldn't buy from them.

Just my thoughts.

As b1benno already mentioned, the timing belt is due for a replacement at 90k, or every 8-10 years.
The fact that you have no proof that it has or hasn't been done would mean that if you bought this car, that would be top of the list of things to do (as you are probably well aware, if that puppy breaks, it leaves 1-2 grand worth of damage to the engine).
So you should be able to use the belt as a little leverage to get 200-300 off the price, or ask if they will have it changed for you for the price, as it is essential maintenance.

Personally I think the price is a little high, $7000-8000 and you'd be talking.
Also is there any indication that the car has been thrashed around a little by one if the previous owners??

One other thing to ask the dealer to put your mind at rest is to say ill take it for 8750, if you have the belt replaced, and sale comes with a minimum 3 month warranty. (ideally 6 month).

At the end of the day though, do what you feel comfortable with.
For me, if I'm buying from someone who I'm not comfortable with, or who can't look me in the eye, I wouldn't buy from them.

Just my thoughts.

Thanks for your thoughts. Much appreciated. The car comes with 12 months warranty. Dont think that is to be relied upon though. Covers first $500 or something like that.

So what did you end up with Feff? :-)