Nice TCT Estate

[xmexclusive]

Hi Allen

Rusting on XM's is a much more common issue than is realised. Roughly half of mine have need some form of minor weld repair in recent years.
None of the rust was easily visible on inspecting the painted bodywork.
Due to the chassis construction method and pre galvanising of most steel pressings the rust tends to be hidden in closed sections until it breaks right through.
That said the rust rate is much slower than on comparable age cars. Not easy to spot and just a bit of a surprise when it turns up.
Paying good money for an XM may not protect you from this problem or even ensure a better condition car.
It is mainly down to how much research and checking you do before you buy and a little bit of luck with the range of cars that turn up for sale.
IMHO the longer you look before buying the better chance you have of getting a good one.
Paying low and having a bit of float for repairs is the way many of us work.
Virtually no XM now on offer is perfect as all are at least 10 years old.

John

[jonathan_dyane]

I don't think you will regret going for an XM; I absolutely love mine, and in many ways it is the best car that I have ever had. With regard to increasing your budget to find a 'better' car, bear in mind that spending more money certainly does not guarantee that the car will be in greatly better condition; most cars for sale (not just XM's) have a number of faults that need rectification, and paying more money (perhaps to a trader) may not be money well spent. There number of XM's has declined, and the secret is as John says, to not be afraid to wait for the right car; it took me the best part of a year from when I first started looking for an XM to find the right car for me. That said, this car does look like a decent example, although the rust on the wheelarch would put me off somewhat personally.

If possible, do try and drive a couple of XM's with different engine/gearbox combinations, so that you know which car suits you most.

If you do bid on the car in question, don't be frightened to walk away if you feel it is not as described or seems to have more niggles than the advert has expressed.

[Ken Newbold]

This one belongs to "verytallbrad" from the old forum, I remember him buying it on ebay when it first appeared.

[minijet]

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Hi allen,

Your speciallist surprises me. He say's the TCT engine is underpowered, then recomends a 2.1td instead .

If the TCT is underpowered you'll need to go for a 2.5td (manual box only), or a V6 (rare and expensive).

I'd keep an eye on this one and see what price it finishes up at.........click here
It's the same year, engine and model and trim as Brads car (the silver estate), and it has only half the mileage (but it is a hatch back of course), so it should give some indication of what Brads car will be worth after the faults have been put right.

One other point. Expect to pay more for the 2.1 (and even more if you find a manual one) than a TCT. The deisels are generally seen as being more desirable (even though the petrol ones are nicer to drive

Take your time.

Paul

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[Dean]

Hi Allan

Im with Paul on this, if the fuel bill isnt an issue then dont bother with the 2.1td the petrol turbo is far more powerfull smoother and cheaper to buy, also parts are readily and cheaply available for the petrol as the engine is so common, reliability wise there is nothing in it, IF fuel consumption comes into it though the 2.1 will start to shine.

D

[Dieselman]

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Hi allen,

Your speciallist surprises me. He say's the TCT engine is underpowered, then recomends a 2.1td instead .

If the TCT is underpowered you'll need to go for a 2.5td (manual box only), or a V6 (rare and expensive).

I wonder if he said the 2.0 non turbo is underpowered....

From experience I would say it is, mine had to be worked hard all the time to make progress.

[Dieselman]

I don't understand the comment about the turbo blowing, that's not what they do. Turbos only fail in one way normally, they leak oil past the bearings into the intake manifold and 'make smoke'
As others, I suspect the gasket or manifold.

[Citroenesque]

I am pretty impressed with the tractability of my recently acquired 2.0 TCT. It might be a big car, but it can shift. Especially rewarding switched to Sport. And economy's not too bad either.

[andmcit]

Looks like the scrapman is going to get that call in the morning then? (again!)

Andrew

[Dean]

dont worry Andrew, that scrapman always returns the car untouched two years later