Well, I went to see a 65 plate FFRR yesterday



Unfortunately, by the time that I arrived, I was told that the wheels had been repainted in silver - effectively turning them into the standard 21" rims. This was a little odd, as the dirt caked on to the inside, the rust in one of the nut recesses and the state of the tyres would tend to suggest that they'd been simply swapped from another, lower spec, car The full size spare had also been swapped for a, well used, space saver

They looked like these:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-21-Range...3000126834

Of more importance was the banana shaped gap (that's visible in the photo) along the sides of the bonnet. The bonnet's rubber bumps stops were screwed all the way in, so much so that there was virtually no gap above the headlamps and the paint on the top of the radiator grille had been abraded by the underside of the bonnet, yet there was still a space big enough to fit fingers in halfway along the bonnet edge. I was very concerned that this might be the result of a less than perfect accident repair

Other than these problems, it was a beautiful car, but I felt uncomfortable about what I was finding, especially as they were asking about 5% over book price, were reluctant to negotiate and they weren't prepared to let me drive it for more than about 5 miles.

Does anyone have any experience of the "banana bonnet"? Is this likely to be a poor accident repair, or is this a common thing from the factory? I'd really appreciate your collective thoughts and help on this please!

If they've swapped the wheels and tyres for an earlier set, I'd walk away and find a more honest seller.
Why would you pay over book price? Why won't they let you drive it for more than 5 mile? Why is there a gap in the bodywork? Why aren't they willing to negotiate?

Why are you still even contemplating this?  Got - 2017 SDV8 Autobiography in Loire Blue
Had- 2008 TDV8 Vogue SE in Java black
Had - 2007 S/C in Stornoway Grey

Good questions all!

On paper, this car looked good. One owner, sold by this dealer and all service work carried out by them from scratch. Darn near perfect spec and colour combination (which is proving near impossible to find) and nearly all the bells and whistles that we wanted. All this came as a bit of a shock yesterday morning, but I have sadly dismissed it.

What I'm keen to learn about, for future reference, is if this issue with the bonnet is a known problem, or not.

run Forest RUN!!!

theres plenty more out there , these issues will play on your mind forever

Just do a search for L405 on Google Images, you will get your answer about bonnet fit! .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999

I would walk away. Another car will come along sooner than you think!