2011 Vito 116 New Engine

[Gruffalo56]

Hi all, newbie to this forum.

I am looking at buying a Vito to use as a daily runner and also to use to transport my motorbike at weekends. I've settled on the 116 Long as the engine seems to have plenty of power and I can easily get the 1 bike in by removing 1 rear seat, 2 bikes if I take all the rear seats out. I also need something that I can put the kids in the back and know they will be relatively safe (Split folding isofix seats).

I've been looking for a while now and have seen some in pretty bad condition, mainly down to the fact they are getting used as intended as work vans rather than the family car/bike transporter I require. I've finally found one that seems to tick all the boxes. It's very clean inside and out, has body coloured bumpers, comfort seats up front, doesn't seem to make any strange engine noises, no excess smoke and it's only 10 miles from where I live.

Now down to the bad bit. It was recorded Cat D in June 2016 due to getting water in the engine. I've had a good luck and can't see any other water damage even under the floor in the rear. The guy (small independent dealer) has since swapped out the 94000 mile engine and replaced with a 18000 mile one he took from another Vito. He's also changed the clutch and flywheel. The van has not been back on the road since having this work carried out. I've had the van for a drive and it seems fine he's also said I can take it to another mechanic today and let them have a look at it.

The van is up for £10500. Can anyone tell me any reason for not buying this or give any good tips on what to look for when going for another test drive.

Thanks in advance

 

[ernie]

Hi there, Welcome to the forum; there should be as much help here as you need. However I would be looking for evidence of work done and how well.

For example, are the looms properly clipped back in place? Are there any obvious non-standard electrical connections in the engine compartment? Do all the electrics work properly? Does the engine rev to the limit in the gears without flattening out early?

Having said all that, it seems that it drove OK, but it is always a good idea to have a second opinion.

~Let us know how you get on.

Ernie

 

[Gruffalo56]

Hi there, Welcome to the forum; there should be as much help here as you need. However I would be looking for evidence of work done and how well.

For example, are the looms properly clipped back in place? Are there any obvious non-standard electrical connections in the engine compartment? Do all the electrics work properly? Does the engine rev to the limit in the gears without flattening out early?

Having said all that, it seems that it drove OK, but it is always a good idea to have a second opinion.

~Let us know how you get on.

Ernie

Thanks for the advice ernie.

I took the van out for a long drive today, hour and a half and stopped in at a garage that I know to get it looked at. They couldn't find any faults with it and the body shop next door said how good the bodywork looked. All electrics work and the electrics on the Witter towbar are all good.

On that information I decided to take a punt and am now the proud owner of my own Vito. Unfortunately I won't be able to use it for a couple of weeks yet as I'm out of country but will be getting to work on it as soon as I get back.

Jon

 

[ernie]

That's great, Jon, hope everything goes OK with it. My son had one of these and it was faultless despite a lot of abuse. The only problem he had with it was when he got one of the back wheels stuck in a ditch in a building site. Also very comfortable as you will have found.

Ernie