406 estates - what to look out for???

[gumby6371]

There's a very tidy looking 51 plate estate just down the road from me, the guy buys and sells cars as a sideline. He's got a sign on it saying new clutch and full MoT (no price tho).
I haven't had a proper look at it yet but mine is in need of some cash spending on it and I'm considering getting shot if the right opportunity presents itself
.
Any pointers if I get tempted to buy other than the usual saloon issues?

It's a HDI but not sure what engine is in it, is the 90 to be avoided with the extra weight?

[highlander]

The HDi 90 is by all accounts fine, but can be remapped to 110 HP if needs be. I've never owned or driven any car with an HDi engine in it though.

At least the HDi 90 doesn't have the dual-mass flywheel, and with a new clutch and a full year's MOT on it, that is a sign the car is in good shape.

Usual 406 foibles apply - water ingress and electronic failures are to be checked for. It's a 51-plate, so it will probably be an early COM2000-equipped car, which isn't the toll of impending doom it's made out to be. My Coupe is COM2000-equipped and I've had no problems with the COM2000 set at all.

[rwb]

If you'll spend most of your time on the motorway then you'd be better off with a 110 as they're longer geared in 5th.
(On the other hand, I did an 80+mph round trip to Oxford yesterday and got about 50mpg, mine's a 90.)

Otherwise, it's a choice between more power in the 110 or the mechanically simpler 90.

I agree with Highlander that the COM200 is really not the catastrophe that some members make it out to be; so don't let that scare you off. Just check that the indicators work and self-cancel. (On hot days I cannot indicate left.)
Indeed, take your time to make sure that all of the electrics work.

This is what water leaks do; the pictures might give you some ideas where to look.

[Doggy]

A 51-plate HDi could also be a 2.2 HDi 136 - (easily distinguised by the silver acoustic cover over the engine, marked '16V').

If it is, do a little research before taking the plunge.