Potential Van Purchase, how worried should i be about MOT advisories

[WestEndWookie]

Hi All, first post here for a potential new transporter owner.

i have seen a 2019 Transporter Campervan conversion that i am interested in.

I've not been out to see it yet, but I found the following when checking the MOT history.

• Nearside Front Shock absorbers has light misting of oil
• Oil leak, but not excessive Front crankshaft oil seal.

The current owner has said that they have not had these fixed.

How worried should i be about these. The van has <40k miles on it at the moment.

What can i expect in terms of cost, and how quickly would these need addressed?

Thanks.

 

[TrevorK]

You may have seen these posts

Search results for query: Front crankshaft oil seal.

www.t6forum.com

When not if, I think.

Shock absorbers advisory seems fairly common now (and misting is normal).
I understand it will not fail MOT until fluid is dripping onto the floor.

Still you need to start saving…

 

[JumpShip]

Hi and welcome ,
Those 2 things aren't uncommon on a van of that age but use them to 'sweeten the deal' with the seller .
Price up the jobs and add a little for your trouble and deduct that off the asking price .

 

[DXX]

Shock absorbers is wear and tear and could be ‘misting’ for years before it needs replacing, easy just to clean before the MOT. You can get used OEM shock absorbers almost for free as so many are ‘upgraded’.
Free end crankshaft oil seal is unfortunately quite common, if it is very minor there’s no immediate cause for concern but it will only get worse and if it’s an advisory they will be all over it next MOT.
If the routine timing belt / water pump renewal hasn’t been done yet get that done at the same time. As a total guess about 2K inc parts.
I think I’d be inclined to request a £1500 reduction for the oil seal replacement plus whatever reduction you might expect on the initial asking price.
See if they are upfront about the oil seal leak, if not there maybe other factors that are being with held.

 

[WestEndWookie]

I'm going up to see the vehicle tonight, I asked via email if they had fixed the issues on the MOT advisories and they were honest, said "No, but have priced it up and can adjust the asking price". I'm a bit nervous about it as the first van i looked at was a transit custom and i was very close to buying it, and then read all about the fun and games of the 'wet belt' engine. I don't mind having to maintain a vehicle, but I don't want to get something where a) it's an ongoing money sink, or b) it's at an elevated risk of fully breaking.

 

[Badjamin]

Well I reckon you dodged a rusty bullet with the Ford. as far as point a) and point b)... You should probably read the forum from start to finish

 

[Paynewright]

Post some more details / link - I’m sure you will get it critiqued!

Having read lots about transporters on the forum, the only one I would avoid is the BiTDi. Some seem to be fine, others have engine issues requiring replacement engine.

 

[Sasquatch]

TBH, id swerve this one on two grounds.

Firstly, they clearly know about the fault and haven't moved to rectify them, presumably to save the shekels. That would have me wondering what else they know about but haven't repaired, or what else they might have skimped on. These vans bite if you skimp on maintenance and really shouldn't be owned by someone who is unable/unwilling to do wherever is necessary to keep them tip top.

And secondly, there's thousands of these vans for sale, so why not buy one that doesnt have an oil leakand knackered front dampers? There's no shortage of vans for sale.

If its having trouble before you buy it, then the lord only knows what itll be like after you've paid for it. If you go for it id pay the couple of hundred quid for a professional AA or RAC inspection, always money well spent, and I guarantee they'll find more.

Either way, best of luck, hope you get the van of your dreams.

 

[WestEndWookie]

I went to see the van. It was pretty immaculate in and out. I put a £100 deposit down on in as it was by far and away the best condition van I have seen, and managed to talk him down on the price a fair bit. I'll consider the AA inspection too,.

 

[soldas]

I had light misting advisory on an MOT 2 years ago and nothing from the same garage (main dealer) on the last 2. I check under the van every 3 months and nothing.

I'm going to replace this year but I sure has heck won't spend on OEM for the price they want main dealer. BMVS coilovers the only way to go.