Potential Berlingo Purchase

[odd number]

Hello all, I've a question that I'm hoping some of you more knowledgable chaps could help with please! I've been looking at Berlingos for some time to use for karting mountain bikes, kayaks and kit around and come across an '08 1.6hdi with 21,000 miles on it and service history. Its a bit pricey, but I was wondering if the low miles would preclude the issue I've read about the sludge in the oil starving the turbo? Could it still potentially be an issue?

If all is ok with it now would frequent changes with the correct oil fend off the problem?

Thank you for any help, it's much appreciated.

[Tomcat3]

As long as its been serviced along with the correct oil I wouldn't have any worries.

[odd number]

Thanks very much Tomcat3. Is it a common problem with these engines? I've seen so many with high mileages on that it can't be THAT much of an issue can it?

[Tomcat3]

AS long as the oil and filter is changed regularly and along with the correct grade these engines will do big mileage. You only tend to here about the horror stories with any car so things have to be kept in perspective. If the car looks well looked after and the service record matches up its down to price. Have you checked its MOT history on line, this tends to show how a car has been looked after and I find you get a feeling how the car has been treated.

[oilyrag]

One possible thing to look out for is whether the van has been serviced at mileage intervals rather than time intervals - on the low mileage it has done the oil may have only been changed every 3-4 years if done on mileage, and cam belts also need changing on time too.  I bought mine, older with low miles, but the lady owner (disabled) had it serviced every year.

[odd number]

Thanks chaps I really appreciate it. The MOT history is very good, with only one fail which was for something pretty trivial as I recall.

I'm not sure about the services and if they were carried out at mileage or time intervals - the seller is looking into it. Similarly the cambelt, I believe that's 100k or 10 years isn't it?

The price does seem steep at nearly £5k despite the history, mileage and only being one owner though. Used cars seem to have gone up in price lately.

[Tomcat3]

At that age it should have had a cambelt and water pump done, if not budget in the price you offer.

[oilyrag]

Only be convinced of the vehicle history by the sight of  the service invoices or close examination of the service book stamps - the blank books were easy enough to get hold of - check the garage rubber stamps as they should change over time, as should the biro used for mileage & date.   
No book or no invoices should ring alarm bells !

[odd number]

It appears that due to the low mileage, the car was only serviced every other year. Would ring alarm bells? The cam belt was done at 14,000 miles in 2015.

I can't get to see the car due to work so I'm buying at arm's length which is less than ideal!

[oilyrag]

Crikey, that's high risk - not so much from service every two years, but you do need to go for a test drive, or at least be driven at least half an hour. If odd codes appear then it could be a very expensive purchase. Also any flaws in the bodywork/paint/interior will reduce any future sale value considerably.
If the price you pay today can't be recovered by selling tomorrow, then you'll be up a certain creek, sans paddle.