1996 2.1TD AUTO Estate SILVER Northern Ireland

[thoasha]

I've a modified (front end) estate as above which I'm either going to fix or would sell if anyone's interested.

Our esteemed friend Robert Smart knows the car so I can't get away with any porkies but will describe totally honestly!

I've had car since March 2010 bought with 120k on clock and now reading just over 170k (I say reading as speedo intermittently doesn't work - mostly works though). During my ownership engine has had oil changes every 5k-7k without fail. It's had ATF changed twice. It's had spheres (all) replaced once. It's had diesel pump refurbished (2014) due to it leaking. Mechanically it's had it's discs/pads/cv boots/drop link arms replaced as required (needs front wheel bearing at moment and new brake pads at front). Exhaust is tight and clean having been "custom" piped/welded early spring. Hydraulics are all sound.

I've had about 8 XMs (all autos) in last 15yrs and this along with a previous estate has been used as a daily workhorse for my job as a gardener. So it's rarely idle. It has to stop and start without fail. It has to be on the road pretty much every day. I can confirm it is/has been reliable.

The downside of the car is its cosmetic condition - it's tatty. It was bought in reasonable condition but, because of the use to which it has been put, the bodywork and interior (not the leather though) is shabby. All panels have marks/dents/scrapes. My only external work has been to have sills all redone and then filled with grease about 4 years ago along with all of the underside. It's worked and there's only one small bit starting to go again. Also there is the electrics aren't great - sunroof stuck and central locking not working. Heated seats don't and NSF window only works on one switch.

All of the above said, I repeat, the car is and has been a great workhorse and it's engine and autobox are superb. It just gets up and goes every day! The autobox is the smoothest I've had in all of my XMs and that includes the V6 24v (reg M4XXM) which I owned and I see is for sale yet again.

Finally, and not least, I mentioned the modified front end. The car unfortunately was in a slow speed accident on an onslip to motorway three weeks ago when two cars in front decided they suddenly couldn't make it onto said motorway so jammed on brakes causing a three car incident. Mine was last in line and the front end is badly damaged on offside although not irrepairable. Insurance have written vehicle off so it is Cat B. If a new owner isn't looking perfection but rather wants to use as a hack, the car needs a new bonnet, new front bumper and grill, new OSF wing, new OSF headlamp unit PLUS a bit of re-bending of metal inner guard. The car drives - I drove it home - but isn't legal obviously.

If anyone is interested in preserving the car as is OR wants a really nice engine/gearbox, just let me know. PRICEWISE it has to be £450 complete and would be sold as such rather than broken - in other words if you just want engine/gearbox you get the whole car for that!

No pics but can mail them if anyone really interested. Car located near Ballymena

[Dieselman]

I've a modified (front end) estate as above which I'm either going to fix or would sell if anyone's interested.

Mine was last in line and the front end is badly damaged on offside although not irrepairable. Insurance have written vehicle off so it is Cat B. If a new owner isn't looking perfection but rather wants to use as a hack,

A Cat B car can't go back on the road, it must only be used for parts.

[thoasha]

You're sure about that? I was told by insurance company otherwise! I'll check with DVA

[Dieselman]

Cat A = car to be crushed, no parts useable.
Cat B = Car to be scrapped, parts can be used.
Cat C = Car can be reused, needs SVA test before V5 is issued.
Cat D = Car can be reused, no SVA test required.

[thoasha]

thanks for that - well plenty of good parts then