What to look out for when buying a Elgrand in UK?

[pandaxiong]

Hi all,
I would greatly appreciate any advice and what to look out for when buying one? As mentioned, I intending to get one soon.
And in addition, as I am new to UK, do I buy insurance first then the car, or after paying to the direct owner and then sit in the car and get insurance online?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Holdfast4130]

Look for insurance quotes first and have one set up so that you can just finalise payment when the vehicle is purchased.

Before even looking at a vehicle, go on the government MOT check site and search the registration number. This will give you a basic history of its MOT history and it's passes and fails.

Things to look for when buying
Service History
Mileage
Undersealed
Cat removal
Any insurance category damage
Rust underneath
Working AC and heater
Smooth gearbox
Engine sounds
All tech/gadgets work

Check the fluids/oil. If engine oil is very black, it's not been looked after as these cars need regular changes.

Check transmission fluid dipstick. Should be clear with a red tinge. If it smells kind of like burnt plastic, it is overdue a change.

Open the radiator cap and make sure you can see it full of coolant and it's a clear colour (not cloudy)

Finally on a test drive
Does it drive, stop and change gear ok? No funny noises. Temperature gauge stays around halfway. No suspension knocks over bumps etc. Steering feels solid and doesn't shake/vibrate.

 

[pandaxiong]

Look for insurance quotes first and have one set up so that you can just finalise payment when the vehicle is purchased.

Before even looking at a vehicle, go on the government MOT check site and search the registration number. This will give you a basic history of its MOT history and it's passes and fails.

Things to look for when buying
Service History
Mileage
Undersealed
Cat removal
Any insurance category damage
Rust underneath
Working AC and heater
Smooth gearbox
Engine sounds
All tech/gadgets work

Check the fluids/oil. If engine oil is very black, it's not been looked after as these cars need regular changes.

Check transmission fluid dipstick. Should be clear with a red tinge. If it smells kind of like burnt plastic, it is overdue a change.

Open the radiator cap and make sure you can see it full of coolant and it's a clear colour (not cloudy)

Finally on a test drive
Does it drive, stop and change gear ok? No funny noises. Temperature gauge stays around halfway. No suspension knocks over bumps etc. Steering feels solid and doesn't shake/vibrate.

Thanks alot! very concised information!
Btw, what milage should I be looking at? I saw 1 ard 110k mils, direct owner. here is the link,

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404289145468

what do you think? comments?

Thanks in advance to take up your time! appreciate it!

 

[Michael6457]

Thanks alot! very concised information!
Btw, what milage should I be looking at? I saw 1 ard 110k mils, direct owner. here is the link,

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404289145468

what do you think? comments?

Thanks in advance to take up your time! appreciate it!

Photos show it as E52 these can have issues with the gear box , but other than that it looks ok

 

[Holdfast4130]

Thanks alot! very concised information!
Btw, what milage should I be looking at? I saw 1 ard 110k mils, direct owner. here is the link,

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404289145468

what do you think? comments?

Thanks in advance to take up your time! appreciate it!

Being a Nismo it will have a higher price tag. 110k miles is not high, but you might find something with lower in the same price bracket. Also, it has a very short MOT. I would want a new one on it for that money (and any advisories addressed). Are you particularly looking for an E51? Plenty of E51'S on the market for extremely good prices. Seems to be that everyone has decided to sell at the same time. As @Michael6457 said, E52 gearboxes (well....Nissan CVT in general) is renowned for having their issues. Unlike conventional Auto transmissions, these need to be properly maintained.

 

[Holdfast4130]

And just so you know, they are not very fuel efficient.

 

[pandaxiong]

Thanks all for the inputs. So as you all mentioned conventional gearbox AT, you mean something like E51.. like this one shown in this link?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403288079433

I also do have my reserve for CVT..

As for the fuel consumption, I already set my mind that it will not be good, but its a big practical family car which offset that cons.