Urgent Questions Re: Buying Car

[cujo_r33]

Hi Guys,

I was looking at buying a used 2009 FG XR6 Turbo with 33,000km on the clock today, and although generally in good condition, a couple of things got me worried so I pulled out of the deal. I have listed the issues below, and I was hoping someone could "sanity check" my decision, and let me know if I was right to run, or if I'm just being too picky and worrying about nothing or "normal" things:

1. The drivers and passengers' seat frames were rusting on the innner side just behind the seatbelt clasp. I would call it a "medium" amount of rust, and it was enough that the rust dust had rubbed off onto the seats. I have seen this on another XR6, but it wasn't as bad and had not rubbed off on the seat;
   
2. The dust/stone covers for the rear brakes were quite rusty. It wasn't just surface rust, I.e. you probabky couldn't clean it off. I know it's not an overly important part, but was shocked at how rusty it was for a 2-3 y/o car. I haven't seen this on any other XR6s I've looked at;
   
3. The frontside of the main fan belt pully looked rusty, as did a number of bolts throughout the engine bay, and a reasonable number of other parts throughout the engine bay that were probably made of the same, specific type of metal;
   
4. There was very minor rust around all stone chips in the paint;
   
5. All aluminium parts within the engine bay were covered in a light coating of white "dust". It was quite splotchy like it was water related, but it was not centered around the radiator or any hoses. It was just everywhere. It seemed like you could wipe it off with your finger, and the salesman proposed it was probably some kind of residue from their cleaning process, but of course salesmen will say anything to get a sale, so I'll take that advice with a grain of salt;
   
6. The coolant looked clear - not green;
   
7. The log book only had the 5,000km courtesy inspection stamped. The 15,000km and 30,000km services were not stamped. There was a sticker on the windscreen advising the next service was due at 37,500km, so perhaps someone other than Ford did the servicing, but if there's no stamps, would that void the manufacturer's warranty?
   

Thanks for any help,

Caleb.

[Paulie2256]

That car obviously lived near the ocean and the rust might be a lot worse that appears or might have had flood damage.

Also, coolant should be green or yellow/orange. If its clear its most likely water.

I would stay away.

[Never had any say Panda]

That white residue could either be salt or coolant spray if it's as clear as you say.. The rust on the seat rails would worry me a bit though.. But 09 and 33,000km sounds like alot can be done under warranty...

[Paulie2256]

Maybe it's had a mishap at the boat ramp.

[Azid]

yeah id be suss on that good call imo

[helbz]

Is the car from QLD ? might be a casualty from last years floods.

[cujo_r33]

No, it's from Warrnambool VIC I believe (but as an interesting coincidence it's being sold in QLD )

[helbz]

Might be easier to just give it a miss, Once you own it you are stuck with all inherent possible problems. You have the power as the buyer to chose what ever you like. Just take your time and find the right car for you mate.

[cujo_r33]

Thanks guys. Will keep looking...

[FPVPSI]

The cars made from old washing machines , so what do you expect they are all disposables from falcon to fpv go Jap much better quality just been honest iv got an xr quality is o compared to the jap car I have.