[davids3511]

I'm going to look at a van tomorrow. It's a 2004 with 100k on the clock.  I know very little about mechanics. What do you guys do, have a look and a drive and if it seems ok go for it or do you get a mechanic to look it over before you shell out?

[LWC]

What van is it? You got any mates you know who know a bit more than you?

[davids3511]

It's a Toyota Hiace and no, I have no mechanic friends.

[Lee GLS]

what van, how  much, how old, any history, cambelt been changed?  Depending how much it is, if it drive well, no funny noises, then you should really go wrong.

[davids3511]

It's a Toyota Hiace, 2004, no history, no clue about cambelt but would get that done straight away anyway, £2400.

[monkeyboy950]

Hi ace will have a timing chain,I have one it's a older one but reliable and does everything I need,carries 800ltr no problems

[davids3511]

That's why I want to change. Need to get an 800ltr tank into it.

[monkeyboy950]

I Have a 1000ltr tank in it
The resin bottle
19kg gas cylinder
A Peter fogwill hot wash system
2 poles a 31ft and a 25ft
100m hose n reel
My trad stuff
And ladders on top

Got pulled over by police to be weighed and I was still under weight for my van capacity,cracking vans they don't look great but are workhorses

[Perfect Windows]

Hi ace will have a timing chain,I have one it's a older one but reliable and does everything I need,carries 800ltr no problems

Depends on the exact age.  My Hiace has a belt.  Only cost £60 to have it done (which it needs at 100k miles).  I bought mine three years old with 100K on the clock and you'd never have guessed the mileage.

Very nice to drive, two batteries (which is handy) and bulletproof as long as you have it serviced.  And probably if you don't.

Vin

[davids3511]

Did a vehicle check on the reg and ......


We have the following mileages recorded for this registration:

•24,839 miles recorded on 8 Sep 2009

•50,000 miles recorded on 2 Apr 2006

[davids3511]

Will still go and look at it. Will get the mot number and check online to see the story with mileage.

[Sean Dyer]

i ve bought an 04 vivaro with 100 k

seems fine

Modern vehicles dont die at 100k , ive seen lots of decent vans for sale with 200 k +

[Perfect Windows]

Did a vehicle check on the reg and ......


We have the following mileages recorded for this registration:

•24,839 miles recorded on 8 Sep 2009

•50,000 miles recorded on 2 Apr 2006

Are those the right way round?

If so, something's deeply amiss.

Vin

[davids3511]

That's what the report said. Looks like it was clocked in 2009 or a little before. The mots will tell the story.

[Perfect Windows]

OK.

The problem given the knowledge you share above is that the van could have done almost literally any mileage you can think of.  Get someone to look it over VERY well indeed and let the seller know that you know it's clocked.  Adjust your bid downwards a great deal to take the information into account.

Vin

[davids3511]

cheers guys. I will get a mobile mechanic to have a look.

[NJWindowCleaning]

When looking at any vehicle you should sit in the drivers seat to get a rough feel as you might not like the driving position but do ont start it lift the bonnet and look for any oil leaks and take the oil filler cap off and the cap for any white creamy which might indecate sign of some serious problemsand to confirm this check the dip stick for any water in the oil and the thickness of oil.then get out and check wheels by pulling back and forth for listen for any knocking on all wheels and look at the line of the vehicle sides roof as you will see any ripple which might indecate and crashes it might of had check all electrics works like they should be and press down on the vehicle on each corner for return on suspension and check if it has a prop shaft where there is a differential that drives wheels and when first start vehicle check exhaust pipe for smoke coming out of it whether its bluey and once warm if it clears etcand with a peace of paper with the bonnet up hold peace of paper around where the head gacsket is fitted for any leaks of air. and when test driving listen for any rumbling from road wheels prop shaft and if everything pass your testing and if you like it haggle on the price etc.

Sorry this is long but try and do as many tests as possible as its an investment for you.

Many Thanks
Nigel

[davids3511]

Been and had a look today. The van drives good, no play in the wheels, no smoke, no ceamy residue on the oil cap or dipstick. Clutch works quite high up, doesn't need to be pressed to the floor. Engine sounds good, all looked good.

Checked the mot online -
30/06/08 177500 miles,
27/06/09 235000 miles
28/06/10 273000 miles

Today clock was reading 99400 miles. He must have being doing alot of reversing.

[Pope vader]

has it had a new engine, so will reset teh millage when they swap engines

[davids3511]

Don't know and the guy didn't know either.