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[peter.s]

I'm in the market to buy a 1.5 CDI, probably around 2005 model.

Apart from the usual things to look out for in a used car - what should I be looking for in a used Forfour?

[Alex]

EGR and glow plugs are hard to access, if these need cleaning/changing then negotiate the price further down.

Engine stabiliziers/mounts, the 3 cylinder diesel rocks A LOT especially when turning on/off.

Check that the oil pressure light goes off straight after the engine starts. If it lingers on or if you have a trip computer and it says low oil pressure, turn off engine in the first second, I'd be wary.

Get a high spec one that has most of the things you want (it's hard to retrofit things like trip computer with multi function steering, rear electric windows, heated seats, etc. You need the wiring loom and activation, not just the parts. So it's best if the car already has them

You can diy some things, like "lounge concept" or the twinface armerst, or add curtain blinds or other accessories if/when you can find them.

Or get a 1.3 or 1.5 petrol The sparkplugs are easy to change, so is the TVA

[CrazyG]

My AMT has been 99.99999% reliable, so I shouldn't say this...
but go for a manual model.

[peter.s]

How do you know if the EGR and/or glow plugs need cleaning/changing?

How do you know if it's fitted with a trip computer? - Might sound like a dumb question but my last car was a 1966 Mini... and I don't remember the one before that!

My choices here are limited to four (I've seen two, one with dodgy EGR hose and the other with melted wiring) so unfortunately I don't have much say in the spec of the vehicle. The only thing I would want to retrofit (if it isn't already fitted) is the heated seats. What are the chances that could be done?

I'm looking at another one tomorrow 

[Problemchild]

Don't forget there are 2 bhp versions of the 1.5cdi (higher bhp indicated by a red "i")

JJ

[peter.s]

Thanks JJ, but I understand that they share the same motor - so the lower one can get re-maped to be like the higher one. Is that right?

[Brabs]

Yep, lthough both can be remapped for even more bhp/torque.

 

[CrazyG]

How do you know if the EGR and/or glow plugs need cleaning/changing?

I wouldn't worry too much re glow plugs, just so long as the 'coil' symbol
to the top centre right of the speedo goes out once the engine starts, you'll
be ok.  Mine has one dodgey glow plug, but still starts n runs fine...and the
'coil' light goes out after about 1/4mile (1/2km) anyway.

How do you know if it's fitted with a trip computer?

If it has a multi-function steering wheel with buttons on the 4 spokes
then it should have a small digital display in the lower half of the
rev-counter dial. The trip etc displays in there by using the buttons
on the wheel.

..............(one with dodgy EGR hose......).........

That can be replaced/sorted, so not really an issue.

.....(........ and the other with melted wiring)..............

Again , as per the posts made in your other thread.....it could be ok....
just needing tidying up and cables wrapping n tie wrapping etc.
Just check everything works ok and no more melting or disolving plastic.

.....unfortunately I don't have much say in the spec of the vehicle.

Yes you do...take the one that has all the right/good bits.
A 'Pure' and the 'Pulse' are the lower spec....the 'Passion' usually has a lot
more 'goodies than the other 2, but then if the original buyer wanted some
factory fitted extras on the car, then any model could have more 'goodies'
than they should have had. Check them all out, and then decide.

....The only thing I would want to retrofit (if it isn't already fitted) is the
heated seats. What are the chances that could be done?

If not fitted, then to be truthful it wil not be easy finding any spare seats,
plus.....you would also need a new/diffferent centre console switch bank
and quite probably have to have the heating TAN coded into the
electrics (probably).
But....there are companies that can retrofit non factory heating elements
and even wire them in to a discrete switch somewhere (so won't need to
be coded in), but you would have to search for those in your own area
and or country.....so it would be best if you find a car with them fitted.
But again TBH....I never found the fabric/cloth seats to be that cold in
winter, however leather....freezing in winter and scorch the skin off
ya butt in summer !