What to look for on a ZX
Moderator: RichardW
-
- Posts: 138
- Joined: 21 Jun 2005, 03:17
- Location: Scotland
- My Cars:
- x 2
What to look for on a ZX
I am off to look at a zx tonight. It is a 1.9D elation 3dr 97P. It has 127k miles and a short MOT but I reckon it could be a good cheap runner. It is the same engine as my Xantia so I know that 127k is getting to headgasket failure time, so look out for those signs. Are there any other things that I need to look for especially with the short MOT?
-
- Moderating Team
- Posts: 11563
- Joined: 02 Apr 2005, 16:11
- Location: Charmouth,Dorset
- My Cars: Currently:
C5 X7 VTR + Satnav Hdi estate Silver
C5 X7 VTR + Hdi Estate 2008 Red
In the past: 3, CX td Safaris and about 7, XM td estates. Lovely cars. - x 1199
The head gasket is probably the most hated job, so one or two checks to make:
Check for antifreeze, if it doesn't have any it could be because its been blowing water out. Just dip your finger in the coolant and taste it, it should be sweet if not be suspicious.
Check around the header tank for signs of water having been blown out of the overflow.
Start the engine and run it for a few minutes and remove the filler cap, CAREFULLY, there shouldn't be any appreciable ammount of pressure, if there is and especially if it blows water out, forget it.
If thats OK try the same thing again after driving for a few miles, there will be some pressure but again, not enough to blow water out unless it has just been topped up, if so ask yourself, why?
Check for antifreeze, if it doesn't have any it could be because its been blowing water out. Just dip your finger in the coolant and taste it, it should be sweet if not be suspicious.
Check around the header tank for signs of water having been blown out of the overflow.
Start the engine and run it for a few minutes and remove the filler cap, CAREFULLY, there shouldn't be any appreciable ammount of pressure, if there is and especially if it blows water out, forget it.
If thats OK try the same thing again after driving for a few miles, there will be some pressure but again, not enough to blow water out unless it has just been topped up, if so ask yourself, why?
Where the heck did i get "auction" from?
I would get on the floor and check the condition of full length of the exhaust for any severe rust or rust holes.
Any knocking noises at the back, could be the arms and what about the front (anti roll bars), if theres slight knocking it could be a good ground for negotiation.
I remember when i went to view the Xantia, it had a leaky radiator, was slow to lift, dodgy window and basically read a long list to the owner
I would get on the floor and check the condition of full length of the exhaust for any severe rust or rust holes.
Any knocking noises at the back, could be the arms and what about the front (anti roll bars), if theres slight knocking it could be a good ground for negotiation.
I remember when i went to view the Xantia, it had a leaky radiator, was slow to lift, dodgy window and basically read a long list to the owner
Volkswagen Golf 59' 1.6TD S