DMF dilemma

[Shrimpy]

Hi everyone.

New to this forum and still lacking a Veccy to get my hands oily with !

Im looking at a high mileage ex cop 55 plate 1.9 cdti sri tomorrow and having searched the forums dilligently I cant work out if once fixed the DMF is permanently sorted as a component issue or if it will return time and again with mileage as a bad technical design.

I say this as on the phone the seller has stated the DMF was replaced as early as 19k but not since.


Thanks in advance for the help

Pete

[alanv6]

They can go anytime really, just had a zafira 1.9 in today, 39k its done and the DMF is hanging already, A lot of stop starting, engine on and off doesnt help either..

[Shrimpy]

Cheers Alan , Yes the car will probably have been heavily used but it doesnt hurt to look (hopefully)

For some reason even after reading reams of issues with the Vectra I still love the look of it over the Mondeo Passat and Audi !?

[alanv6]

Dont let the "ex cop" side of it put you off, mines an ex thames valley 3.2 and besides them being tatty, mechanicaly the are sound, only genuine parts used and only the best tires if its only just been decomissioned. What force was it from. It should have a full police service print out which is always interesting.

[Shrimpy]

The seller hasnt said which force, but has stated it comes with the full printout. Im not too concerned about it being rough around the edges as its going to house two dogs and charge me up and down the motorways mostly.

I think yours was traffic or motorway based so will have been looked after. Im not sure which forces use the 1.9 Cdti SRi or which role they perform.

Will keep my wallet at home with the missus tomorrow !

[alanv6]

Mine was traffic, worked with proactive unit and was on Roadwars. Is it white? Some forces use those 1.9s for area cars etc..

[Shrimpy]

Remember, the cars are the stars of Roadwars not the cowboys in em!

The vectra is white so Im guessing like you its an area or response car.

Any hints when looking at it tomorrow. Ive looked all over the site and will be looking for.

Knocking from front mounts or broken springs.

Rattling tail and rear pillar

Lumpy running from EGR (check printout for any replecement)

Judder under gentle pressure on Clutch for indication of DMF issue

Poor start and running due to inlet manifold swirl bar ( check history for replacement).

Alternator . Run car with lights and accessories on and look for any dimming of dash display.

Wiper linkage repacement on drivers side.

Poor running due to injector (3rd) issues. Again on printout hopefully.

Temp sensor. check it rises steadily and holds fine.




Apart from the above have I missed anything ?


Cheers.

[alanv6]

I think youve got most things covered, upper rear suspension arm bushes tend to wear, but like i said mechanical stuff always gets changed so more than likely its had most of that stuff anyway, just be prepared for no radio, screw holes and few bits of trim missing,it may also being police have a full size sri alloy spare and a funny wooden boot floor cover, also police spec usually comes with no alarm no cruise, but usually climate and xenons..

[Shrimpy]

Thanks for your help, hopefully let you know how it goes. Catch up with you on the forums later