There's a Copen for sale privately with a newly replaced Turbo. The owner says that she burnt it out by going 150kph, and that the oil change cycle has been sticked to religiously. Should this be a red flag and I continue looking, or is it worth the benefit of the doubt? If the latter, what should I be looking out for on an engine with a (formerly) burnt out turbo?
Test her by asking how often the oil was changed. If she says every 3000 miles, that's good. If she says every year that's not so good. She hasn't stuck to the service intervals. I can't see why traveling at 93 mph would knacker the turbo? A failed turbo to me suggests neglected oil changes. Has she got a receipt for a brand new turbo? Plus fully stamped service history or receipts for oil changes. If yes & the price is good, I'd consider it. If bought I'd give it an engine flush, new oil & filter.
I already asked her about the oil change cycle - she says every 6 months. Next up will be a look at the service book. I should point out that there are only 39,000 miles on the clock, so the turbo really shouldn't have burnt out that easily which is what is causing me alarm.
Sadly not. Looks like the car was bought in 2004 in the UK, and then imported to Ireland in 2007 - with two owners since then. Oh... And there's a nice big INSURANCE ALERT from the MotorCheck which I'm chasing up with the reporting company to see why it was flagged. On the plus side, the £570 turbo is brand new, but there's no way in hell I'm touching this with a 40ft poll. *sigh* - Thanks for all your help!
If your not comfortable with it, it's best to walk away. It's sounds like a chequered past to me. Which would make me think the services haven't been carried out every 3K, resulting in the early demise of the turbo. Service history is more important than low mileage. Good luck with your search.
