Picasso 2.0 Blue Hdi -- is water loss an issue ?

[onthecut]

After 6 years odd of outstandingly reliable service, finally time to pension off my faithful 206sw. Have decided to go for a Grand Picasso 2.0, 2015 on ( to meet the city charging zones). As I want a leather interior it narrows the field somewhat. First one I went to see (private seller), nice car until I lifted the lid --- expansion bottle bone dry, despite an allegedly full service history. Seller said there was no issue because there were no warning lights on -- I'm afraid I don't have that much faith.

Yesterday, went to look at one on a car dealer forecourt -- just 55k on the clock. Again -- nice car, but opened the lid and bone dry expansion bottle; filler cap lying on the scuttle. Do used car dealers really not bother to open the bonnet anymore, or do they just not look at the boring stuff that keeps the car going ? Either way, I find this an uncomfortable coincidence. Based on many years good service of PSA diesels, I would expect a 55k one to be just about run in and spot on -- not losing coolant.

Any thoughts / advice most welcome.

Mike.

[moizeau]

I wouldn't touch a car that had a dry expansion bottle, especially one that young which will be costing a few quid. A filler cap in the scuttle would suggest a failed headgasket, frequent refills and the fact it's open to the atmosphere means it doesn't overpressure and throw water everywhere. If the rest of the car is good and it's an honest overlook ask to top it up. See how much it needs, run the engine up to temp, checks for bubbles and look at the colour of the recirculating 'antifreeze'. It's it's a long standing issue, the 'antifreeze' will be water.

[admiral51]

I would be doing the quick step back to my car and trusting my instincts the same way you are doing.
There will be better cars out there, unfortunately someone will buy that car and maybe get stiffed but you have done the right thing IMO

Colin

[citroenguy]

My fathers has done 250000km without engine issues.
Only leak was the aftermarket block heater.

Coolant being low is ok, many cars will puff out the min/max range during the summer during the length of a year. But it should stay there.

Empty reservoir indicates a leak