Pensioned off

As a pensioner my aged and trusted Mondeo is on its last legs. A local garage has a low mileage 2003/03 Rover 75 18T numbered. One mechanic at the garage I attend said leave it alone, while the other tells me it is OK. The logbook and case history appears honourable and the asking price is £3,600. I know that this is often not the questions you have to reply to - but could you advise?

Asked on 29 August 2011 by IM, via email

Answered by Honest John

This engine is a potential time bomb because it has a turbo that can get red hot, a very small coolant capacity and a tendency to lose that coolant from failure of the 'O' ring gaskets between the heated inlet manifold and the cylinder head. Besides which, £3,600 is £1,400 more than it should be for an 03 manual Connoisseur at full dealer retail prices. So my advice is to give this one a miss.

Tags: buying used cars

Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:

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