Hello all,

I've been lurking here for a while and would like to in advance thank everybody for their contributions past and future!

I've recently (3 hours ago) sold my 2016 XC90 plug in hybrid. Had it 3 years. 3 trips to Italy. Great car - but I've always wanted a Full Fat RR, even if it's just for a year or two to get it off my chest!

I've had my eye on a few AutoTrade ads, and have done (what I consider) plenty of research. I was hoping to get your thoughts on the below ad. My budget is max 8-9k.

I live in London and my commute is 12 miles there and back to work. 5k miles a year. I cycle and use a Vespa quite often so fuel spend isn't a huge concern. Some longer trips out of London a few times a year.

I want a 07/08 model as the 09+ model insurance is bonkers where I live (probably as they introduced keyless) and prefer the interior to the 06-previous models. This leaves me with a 4.2 SC as probably my best engine to choose (ULEZ = no diesel), pre-LED headlight models, post-manual hand-break models. I also understand that the 4.2 SC is on balance probably more reliable than other engines.

This has led me to look at this car:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2...p;fromsra.

Reg EF07 CKL

It's being sold by an indy dealer, so there is some protection there in terms of vs a private sale.

Downsides:

- Higher mileage 130k (I know this isn't the be-all though)
- 5 owners
- Previous owner for 2 years lived near me, so I would guess probably shorter journeys as I'm in Zone 2
- Rust - as expected it has quite bad rear arch rust (can't see any on the boot). Local bodyshop quoting me about £800-£1000 to repair both sides, paint and weld etc.
- Service: looks like its main dealer yearly 07-13, then a gap of 3 years and 20k miles to a main dealer in 2016. After that it gets a bit muddy but appears local garage at 2021, 2022 and 2023. I haven't viewed the car yet but safe to assume 12 services minimum in 17 years of life, so not great but there may be more as I haven't seen full logbook.
- Some odd MOT gaps of 16 months in 2013/17/18 - unclear why
- Sagging roofline by looks of it

Upsides

- Not a huge up front cost, I don't think, for this model year/facelift (correct me if wrong); I understand the up front is not the cost with L322's though - its the ongoing maintenance and inevitable breakage! I have 2k to spare on immediate costs / repairs but can put more into it over the next 6 months if needs be to get it tip top
- My ideal colour combo
- MOT's recently no major issues
- Local to me-ish
- New tyres (budget ones though by looks of it)
- Everything apparently works (at the moment!)
- Air con recharged last summer
- TPMS and parking sensor will be fixed and it's getting a fresh MOT and service now (local garage again).

I have of course read the Wiki buyers guide and will do a full run down when I view it - but some downsides are to be expected at 17 years and 130k.

What are your esteemed opinions? Overpriced? Something I've missed?

I don't know anyone with an L322 and I'm in my own echo chamber convincing myself to buy - so some feedback is appreciated!

I would say it is overpriced and that the wheel arch repairs quote seems a bit low - did they take the covers off to inspect the cills ? The suspect areas would be gearbox - has the fluid been changed regularly
Lower arms front struts airbag lights (they take the bulbs out ) heated screens working basically all the electrics - rear diffs can have issues as they used to paint the insides so try and get all the faults read just a few things worth a look at for the age and mileage
Think I would keep looking at that price

Thanks. Haven't seen the car yet but will take a look at this in detail this weekend when I'm there. No idea about gearbox fluids - doubt it, but will ask.

I'll see if I can get an OBD reader for codes.

Seller usually deals with Teslas, this was part ex so he's admitted he's not au fait with L322s.

If its been looked after I wouldn't let the mileage put you off,my latest 4.2 sc has just ticked over 132k and feels as tight as a nut.

It’s not the mileage mine is on 250k it’s how it has been looked after 👍

MY07 onwards Supercharged cars are not easy to find. However I feel that looks strong money for the outward appearance of it. 2005 E60 M5
2006 L322 4.2 SC
2020 Tesla Model S Long Range
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2004 L322 4.4 Vogue, 2019 NP300 Navara, 2016 NP300 Navara, 2002 L322 4.4 HSE, 2006 (MY07) L322 S/C ,2001 330Ci Sport Track Car, 2005 650i Coupe, 2001 P38 Vogue, 2003 530i Sport Touring, 1999 P38 4.6 HSE, 2002 E39 M5, 1995 300zx TT Slicktop, 1997 M3 Evo, 1992 300zx TT Targa, 1998 323i Coupe

Thanks all. I’ll see if I can negotiate down to £5k. That seems a reasonable price to me.

I think there are better ones out there! The rust on the arches is only what you can see, my bet is that when it shows above the plastic trim, the cills have had it! I'm not keen on the saggy headlining either. Drives:
2010 FFRR TdV8 Vogue - Stornoway Grey
2010 FFRR TdV8 Vogue SE - Zermatt Silver
1998 BMW E36 M3 GTII

Decision was made for me. It sold today. Seller didn’t tell me.

Bit deflated, but every cloud - could have been a dud. I’ll keep looking!

Thanks for the advice everyone - nice welcome to the forum.

Yes, there are plenty out there. Good luck with your search 👍

I’ve an 08 4.2sc which I bought 10 years ago with 32k on the clock. It’s now at 107k and still drives beautifully. Just had front suspension, rear discs and pads done for £1380 through a fantastic Indy near me in Kent. I’ve been incredibly lucky with mine with very few probs. We converted it to lpg which has saved us thousands in fuel bills. Ours has a tiny bit of rust on the inner lip of the rear arches and nowhere else. I deliver cars for a living and this still feels far better than most of the 2 year olds I deliver.

Check that the suspension lifting works well, the gearbox oil and filter should have been changed at 75,000 miles and obviously check all electric toys work.

We take ours skiing in France and although we have to have snow socks have never had to use them unlike most others.

Click image to enlarge