Any one know this car NU61ZDS

[Sharpman]

Looking at the above during next few days and was hoping someone might know the car. Moving out of a ST3 fiesta as I now only drive a few days a week so would prefer something cheaper.

Are the engines issues that bad? anyone had trouble free driving? The car is at a Ford dealers so I would hope for warranty, although if the engine gave up not sure Ford would be able to sort it.

Any info, advice would be awesome.

Thanks

[BenS]

Just by checking MOT history, brakes have been neglected a lot, so if they are not already replaced since, make sure it's done before buying.

Interestingly it's failed every MOT first time round. Nothing too big to worry about since it got fixed each time. The exhaust mounts came up 3 times (front, centre, rear), so maybe you'd want a new stainless system.

Now, the engine...

As this is a car forum, we see a disproportionate amount of faults and complaints, but that said the Racing has a bad reputation - loads are fine, but some have gone bang and had complete engine replacements. The quick rundown of fault areas to check are:

Piston cracking/breaking
HPFP failure
Timing chain stretching/breaking/slipping
Cam alignment moving
Carbon buildup on valves (treatable with walnut blast - at current mileage definitely due one)
Exhaust bracket rusting (already happened by the looks of it and fixed)

Might be more I've missed, but these are things to throw at the dealer and see what they say. Definitely look at service history if available.

Now, it may all sound doom and gloom from that, but it's a fantastic car when it works properly. You could never encounter any issues at all (bar the carbonisation - that will need a clean every 15-25k miles), but if you wanted any advice on the above issues there's loads of threads on here if you stick those things in the keyword search.

[Sharpman]

Hey, thanks for the reply...really appreciate it.

How did you manage to check the MOT?

What sort of costs are involved for the Walnut blast and brake replacement?

No idea how I would check the other known issues tbh....I might even give Citroen a call and see if there's any history on the car. I would be more comfortable buying from a Citroen dealer to be fair.

[Funky]

How did you manage to check the MOT?

What sort of costs are involved for the Walnut blast and brake replacement?

There are a number of apps you can get free that allow you to check any cars MOT history provided you have the numberplate. Just put MOT into your app store search and there are a fair few to choose from. A walnut blast can be done by SP Tuning and Jamie will be able to give you a quote if you PM him. He is Jamie@SPTuning on this forum. Not sure on the cost of the brakes. BenS may be able to give you an idea as I think he had his done a few months back.

[BenS]

Don't even need an app, there is an online gov.uk website where you just need the reg and manufacturer.

Brakes I think were about £150 for 2 front discs and £70 for 2 front pads. Expect these to be a bit more as the Racing has bigger brakes.

[BenS]

Also, just have a browse of the forum and read up on some of the issues shown. If I wasn't on my tablet right now I'd go and collect some links for you but it's a nightmare to do without a mouse and keyboard.

Just remember, you are very unlikely to encounter all of the problems listed, but it's possible you might see a few.

[Sharpman]

Cheers guys.

My main concern would be the engine giving up, looks like the bill is around 8k. I car would've some sort of warranty coming from a Ford dealer, but what cover limit etc...would be a concern. As I say I would be doing around 4/5k per year but still need a reliable car.

[BenS]

If there is an extended warranty option, definitely worth the investment just for peace of mind.

[Sharpman]

Through Citroen? I think with most extended warranties you need to take it once it comes of the normally 3 year warranty. I suppose a third party warranty might be worth looking at, although not sure if they're any good.

[Bigfeet]

Without putting myself in hot soup as you don't own this car all I will say is that the engine mount bolts are untouched...

[Sharpman]

Is the a good thing Bigfeet?

PM send mate.

[Dangerousfish]

If I understand correctly Biggy may be suggesting that the car has the original THP 150 which was prone to fault.

[mjogreen]

If I understand correctly Biggy may be suggesting that the car has the original THP 150 which was prone to fault.

Did the DS3R have the THP 150 engine?

[Dangerousfish]

Did the DS3R have the THP 150 engine?

How did you decipher that information from my post? Did you use some sort of common sense?

Yes it did. x

[Sharpman]

There was an uprated engine? when did that role out?? did this sort most of the issues.....sorry guys DS3 virgin - lol.