Hi, I put a deposit down on a citroen xsara picasso 2002 on friday with 99,500 miles on the clock. I don't really know what I am looking for in a car in all honesty so I'll list the points I thought were good first then tell you my concerns.

No rust under the car or at the bottom of the doors, very very small amount of spotted rust on front wheel arch but nothing compared to my last rust bucket, wasn't too concerned about this.

Interior near enough immaculate, very clean and no smells, exterior has what seemed good body work, just a slight dent above one of the handles but didn't seem important.

Car started perfectly and fast first time (although whether it had been warmed up before I got there is another thing).

All manuals and spare key with it, full spare wheel also. I did a quick HPi check, not stolen, amount of owners correct (1 previous owner - seller I spoke to had only had it 4 months, seemed he bought it for his wife but she didn't like it).

Went round the block for a few minutes, engine seemed very smooth and very quiet, couldn't go further as no petrol and garages are still empty here due to panic buyers.

Passed MOT recently with no advisorys at all, seller had fitted a new exhaust and told me he had serviced it recently, filters, oil etc but obviously no proof of this.

Forgot to look at the service history which is a bit silly of me but as I said, I don't really have a clue.


THINGS BUGGING ME:

I noticed where the back bumper joined the car it had a very bright white kind of sealant showing on one corner, I know I should have asked but I didn't, does this suggest some repairs have been done?

I have no idea if he has fully serviced the car or not recently, just his word for it. I'd obviously have to check the service history before handing over the full amount.

Forgot to check the stereo and windows/lights.

He also said he had recently put new brake pads in which is why they were squeaking slightly when used, should I be concerned about this?

99,500 mileage, is this a bit too much? Am I likely to start getting expensive repair bills past the 100k miles mark?



As it looked in immaculant condition I decided to put a deposit down (private seller) as I know good deals go quite quickly. But sitting here thinking about it I am starting to worry. I don't have anyone to ask or come with me but need another car quite quickly as mine is on the way out.

I suppose I just want someone to tell me if I am an idiot or not and if I should pay out the rest (grand) or if I should lose the deposit (50) and put it down to a bad experience, look around more and try and find something with slightly less miles on the clock and a full service history.

Need to decide by tomorrow really. Really appreciate any help or advice anyone can give me. Even if to tell me if this make/model/year is any good anyway and reliable, is it likely I'll get a few years out of it at least without anything major going wrong?

Thanks :)

Edited by unsure on 01/04/2012 at 16:27