opinion on buying slightly oily van ***DON'T DELETE***

tattoodaisy · Post by **tattoodaisy** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 7:11 pm

Hi All,

First post as potential bongo owner.

I went to view a bongo to buy and as I don't know much about engines took some photos to show my dad -he didn't like the look of the oil and the fact that it did drip a few spots of fresh oil on the road after a short drive. Could I ask those of you who have some experience to look at my photos too. The rest of the van is in pretty good condition -it's done about 69,000m and is a turbo diesel 2.5.

The bongo owner took it to her garage and they said engines of that age are expected to leak a little oil. She has kindly agreed to get another opinion tomorrow but we'd appreciate some unbiased opinions from the forum too.

(pics no longer available).
Thank you.

Daisy

Dabs · Post by **Dabs** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 7:21 pm

Think Id err on the side of caution tattoodaisy!! I too dont like the look of that oil and if its dripping there must be a fair bit.Had mine 12 mths and not a drip so Id just be carefull.You could always have a vehicle report done on it but its only worth the cost if you really are keen on it.There are plenty of others about so dont jump at the first one,its just a concern looking at the slick and its position underneath.

Im sure others will chip in!!

Good Luck and Welcome to the Forum

Dabs

BongoJim · Post by **BongoJim** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 8:04 pm

I would hate for you to dismiss a good car, But I would hate even more if you got a bad one.

It's really difficult to give an honest view with out looking at the car and from two photographs very difficult to diagnose a problem. Could be as simple as the oil filter not tightened and leaks under pressure or it could be much more expensive. Mine doesn't leak a drop.

As Dabongo said there are plenty of other cars around, but if your keen get a report I think the AA or RAC will do it for a fee. Ask someone to go with you who does know about car engines usually for the cost of a few pints.

But go with gut feeling, if you have to ask. You already know the answer.

BongoJim

francophile1947 · Post by **francophile1947** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 8:06 pm

I agree that old engines can seep a little oil (mine has a small leak from the rocker cover), but that seems very excessive.
Also, the top picture is the rear axle - not clear where leak is from (could just be level bolt) but it's not the sort of thing you check often.

Post by **westonwarrior** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 8:10 pm

It could be as simple as the filter on the other hand it could be very expensive.
there does seam to be alot of oil I would recomend an inspection by the aa /rac or you take it to am independent garage and find where its coming from, as to my untraind eye it looks more like a spray of oil than a drip.

Can they supply a milage certificate or import docs to support the milage/

does the inside look ok, seats comfy and not flat and worn.

Is it a reasonable price , if its cheap you can allow a repair in the equation.

If its very cheap why?

Mostly what was your gut feeling If your not confident walk away

Post by **westonwarrior** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 8:15 pm

look what happens when you take you time composing a reply you get beat to it

Naughtydog · Post by **Naughtydog** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 8:25 pm

Dont listen to the sales patter, that they are flying out the shops, there are plenty around, so take your time. trust your gut. I doubt i would buy it, but i would be just as careful with one that is gleaming. the bongo is usually around 8+ years old, you would expect some oil around it.

but one that is dripping oil i would suggest that your buying someone else's problem.

as a rule of thumb, any item on a car that requires oil, should never loose its contents, unless there is something wrong.

ChrisEm · Post by **ChrisEm** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 9:14 pm

I'd certainly be investigating that leak, could be something very simple. If it is something simple ask why it hasn't been fixed?. I don't buy the old engines leak theory!. Looked like rather too much oil for a small leak!

tattoodaisy · Post by **tattoodaisy** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 9:19 pm

Just go to show that dads are often right !

But we don't always want to believe them. I'll keep looking and hopefully join you all on the road soon.

dp bradford · Post by **dp bradford** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 9:44 pm

Too much oil for my liking. Just looked at the photos and it seems to have multiple problems (engine and diff). Mine's dry. I'd leave this one alone

maxheadroom · Post by **maxheadroom** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 7:40 am

tattoodaisy,
bargepole spring to mind and think of the mess out side you home?

Harry · Post by **Harry** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 9:44 am

Mine's done 200,000km+ and doesn't leak a drop except for a tiny bit of seepage around the rocker box cover.

If you like the bongo tell her to get it fixed and you'll reconsider...otherwise walk away.

H

BongoJim · Post by **BongoJim** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 2:21 pm

westonwarrior great minds think a like

Post by **westonwarrior** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 3:55 pm

yes bongojim
I took a while writing my post, looked long and hard at the photos.
Then posted it and found you had copied what I wrote but how did you get it to look like it was posted before mine?

tattoodaisy · Post by **tattoodaisy** » Sat Jul 28, 2007 3:24 pm

Two garages said they couldn't find anything wrong -so the owner has had the underneath steamed and taken it to a third garage, they said that the oil filter hadn't been tightened up,they are going to replace it and she's going to send me some more photos.

I was just wondering what DP meant about multiple problems.

I will get a proper check done before I offer any money.

The van is in Portsmouth if anyone wants to take a glance at it for a couple of drinks -just to see if it's still dripping.

opinion on buying slightly oily van DON'T DELETE

opinion on buying slightly oily van DON'T DELETE

Thank you chaps