Trying a second hand DS3 on Saturday

[Rich007]

Hi All,

I am new on here this afternoon, but I'm due to test drive a used DS3 Dsport Diesel ( 2010) on Saturday and wondered if there is anything to look out for? Its done 43k and the October MOT advises discs all round. I 'm coming froma a SEAT Altea 2.0 TDi, so i am assuming i will miss the quickness possibly, but the SEAT is probably a heavier car anyway. Any helpful tips to look out for would be grateful though.

Thanks

Richard

[Dangerousfish]

Hi All,

I am new on here this afternoon, but I'm due to test drive a used DS3 Dsport Diesel ( 2010) on Saturday and wondered if there is anything to look out for? Its done 43k and the October MOT advises discs all round. I 'm coming froma a SEAT Altea 2.0 TDi, so i am assuming i will miss the quickness possibly, but the SEAT is probably a heavier car anyway. Any helpful tips to look out for would be grateful though.

Thanks

Richard

I think you'll be pleasantly suprised

The 2010 THP's have some known issues but there's no serious faults with the diesels from that era that I'm aware of other than simple things such as:

Corrossion on the centrecaps of the wheels (check them for any bubbling or unusual features)
Corroded exhaust bracket (check the exhaust for excessive play)
Temperature sensor fault - Uncommon, should be covered under extended warranty but check first.

Let us know how you find it!

[JEZDS3]

Second what Dangerousfish said, plus you get a good diesel engined DS3 that is easily good for another 150,000 miles!

[Rich007]

Thanks Chaps, i was worried it wouldn't have the mid range 'ooomph' of the SEAT but i'll give it a go. I do like the look and many years ago i had a couple of new Saxo VTS's so i'm a slightly familiar to Citroens!

[Hyperkev]

It's got plenty of goooo

[charlesthetog]

Things to check for,

Run your hand along the black platic bit of the front bumper, if it isn't smooth (I.E has been caught on a kerb or speed bump or whatever) take £250 off the asking price! You'll need a new front bumper. Also to double check, the panel gap between the front bumper and wing. If they don't sit flush you'll also need a new front bumper.

[Bigfeet]

Take your time to look over the car, look over the service history (full dealer better as it would have been checked for recalls) and general condition of the car. If the dealer is fully approved as if you can see the multipoint check sheet to see what work has been done, any dealer worth his salt would not object to this request.

The other thing is ask to see the HPI report for the car or do one yourself.

[cyclone]

Things to check for,

Run your hand along the black platic bit of the front bumper, if it isn't smooth (I.E has been caught on a kerb or speed bump or whatever) take £250 off the asking price! You'll need a new front bumper. Also to double check, the panel gap between the front bumper and wing. If they don't sit flush you'll also need a new front bumper.

Not germane to the thread itself but for general knowledge that black plastic piece is replaceable separate from the bumper.

[charlesthetog]

Not germane to the thread itself but for general knowledge that black plastic piece is replaceable separate from the bumper.

yes you are correct but if it's been caught then the rest of the bumper will be broken! It only takes a slight scratch on the black bit for the full bumper to be ruined

[cyclone]

yes you are correct but if it's been caught then the rest of the bumper will be broken! It only takes a slight scratch on the black bit for the full bumper to be ruined

A bit of an exaggeration there.

[Rich007]

What about cambelt changing intervals? - time wise or mileage wise? The SEAT was about 70k ( ish) I wouldn't thought @ £43k it was a major concern?, but i may be wrong?

[cyclone]

my service booklet is saying 150k miles or 10 years normal and 110k miles or 10 years for harsh conditions.

[Rich007]

Thanks cyclone, one less thing to worry about then!

[L22]

Check for rust bubbles or blisters just above chrome trim on doors and also around door mirrors.

[charlesthetog]

A bit of an exaggeration there.

not really!
2 ds3's 1 I caught on a speed bump slightly (warped the bumper so the 2 atachments snapped at the bottom and the wheel arch used to fall down)
The other she said she caught a pavement. That has broken all the clips and has had to be glued until new bumper comes.

What I wrote was based on Fact!