Hello all, I'm new to Townies and Lities and been offered a 1993 (K reg) 2.0ltr diesel auto Liteace that appears in good condition and I wonder if anyone can help me with what to look out for before I part with money. The vehicle has apparantly done only 58K (Jap import) and I noticed three things that I would particularly like advice: 1) I noticed dark oil stains at the very base of the engine / gearbox bellhousing (there is a small grill here - is it some sort of breather?), 2) the seller said the vehicle had just had an engine oil change but the oil was like black treacle, 3) there was a whistle / whoosh on driving and the seller said it is the turbo and perfectly normal. Any advice on this or other things to look out for would be most welcome. Thanks, Bruce

- (#10093) Bruce Adams, 13 Apr 04 17:04

Don't know in particular about your oil stain - if he just changed the oil, it could be some that dripped and wasn't cleaned, but that's clutching at straws. Also check the oil filter for improper sealing - they can leak there if your not careful.
The oil goes black almost instantly, and if it was cold then it will be fairly thick - but if you buy it, change it straight away.
The whostle should roughly correspond to the turbo light - mine comes on song at about 1700rpm.
It should be audible, especially with the window down, but should be too loud - (What's too loud? hard to explain, but not intrusive!)

Hope this helps.

- (#10093) DaveW, 13 Apr 04 19:00

Agree with what DaveW says.
Take it for a long test drive, get it hot and make sure it does not overheat, if it does walk away. We hear so many stories - it was ok on the test drive (round the block) but on the way home......
Once back have a look at the oil stain to check that there is no fresh oil.
Where abouts in the World are you, someone near may be able to have a look with you?

- (#10093) Clive, 14 Apr 04 01:05

As Dave says plus the whistle from the turbo shouldn't be intrusive. If very noticeable then it could be a cracked or blowing exhaust manifold. None of the issues are too daunting to fix. If the price is right then go for it. Ask the seller if he will give some kind of warranty (dealer) or a vehicle check (private).

- (#10093) Ian Dunse (Derbs), 14 Apr 04 01:12

Hello again to all. Many thanks to DaveW, Clive and Ian Dunse (Derbs) for your comments which has put my mind to rest a lot. I've made an offer that has been accepted and I'm pursuing with the the purchase - I think I've offered a bit more than I should to secure the deal but the dealer is doing a few things in the price (mph speedo face, cam belt etc). Strangely the dealer says he doesn't offer warranties. I did take it for a reasonable run until the engine reached temperature and all seemed ok - but not a really long run. I haven't parted with money yet so if there is someone in the Lewes area of East Sussex willing to have look over it with me within the next few days, I would be most grateful.

- (#10093) Bruce Adams, 19 Apr 04 15:28

the whoosh you hear could be the viscous fan but before you buy you should drive it on the motorway for at least half an hour at 65 mph my liteace will drive allday long around town but if i hit the motorway after 20 minutes it boils over, common head gasket problem also worth checking the air conditioning is working as can be expensive to get up and running.
hope this helps
regards keith
- (#10093) keith wright, 20 Apr 04 10:40