| C6owners :: Forums :: C6 Support :: The Garage |
<< Previous thread | Next thread >>
|
Daily high mile use? |
    Please Register to enjoy additional Member Benefits |
| Author | Post | ||
DesH
 
|
|
||
  Member No: #3457
Location: Perthshire, Scotland |
Afternoon all, So I've been quietly lurking for a few weeks scouring the site and doing my homework to see if a C6 is going to be the right choice for me. Basically I'm on the look out for something I can use to take the pain out of my daily commute (150 miles round trip) which is mainly motorway driving stuck at 70mph avg speed, pretty much what the C6 was built for. Now the sensible choice is probably something like a Merc S class but I've never been one to stick to convention and have owned many weird and exotic cars over the years for that reason. I've also had a hankering for a C6 for many years having decided it was something I should own at some point in my life. My main question is however as to how reliable its going to be doing those sort of miles, granted its easy motorway miles and looking at whats for sale its going to be a 2.7Hdi. I can handle a few niggles, its not my only car so if it needs to spend a few days off the road from time to time I'm not going to lose sleep, I'm also pretty handy with the spanners myself and quite happy to tackle the more routine stuff. A few £100's here and there in bills will be fine but repeated 4 figure bills will start becoming uneconomical. As far as I can see the biggest, most costly issues seem to be: -Gearbox, seems to be issues with some, preventative oil changes seem to help this. -Cambelt needs to have been done by now on most. -Bottom ball joints, seems to eat those.... -EGR's front and back -Suspension, not clear how miles effect this? -Various other minor niggles Is there anything in addition to the above I'm missing? Weirdly I have also seen a couple of 2.7Hdi's on ebay of late with low engine compression issues, is this becoming a common problem? I live in Perthshire in Scotland so ideally any recommendations for a good specialist in the area would also be a real help. The car will be very well maintained during my ownership which from experience is the key to reliability. Very keen to hear anyones experience with doing high miles in these cars? Ideally I'd be starting with something sub 100k miles and well maintained. Pricing seems to be all over the place, some nice looking ones gone on ebay of late for Sub £3k, others at dealers from £5-8k, suggest I'd probably look to spend somewhere in the £4-5k region for something nice. There are actually 2 at a dealer near me so I'm going to give them both a drive so at least I have a benchmark when looking at others. Just need the snow to clear off first so I can actually get to them! Regards Des |
||
|
|
|||
|
jamescarruthers
|
|
||
   Member No: #1548
Location: Cambridge |
They are more reliable when used regularly. I have the petrol so less delicate than the diesel. However, just so you know in my first year of ownership (only two years ago) I racked up mega miles with a commute of 70 miles a day and occasional long UK trips. The car never ever let me down! It got used hard and every day and lapped it up. I enjoyed it a lot. Welcome and good luck! |
||
|
|
|
||
|
jamescarruthers
|
|
||
|
Member No: #1548
Location: Cambridge |
Oh, and took maine to Scotland last year. Took it easy going up with stops on the way. On the way back though, my wife and I did 10 hours in the car (a few breaks obviously but only for food, drink, etc) and it was magnificent. I wouldn't hesitate to repeat the journey | ||
|
|
|
||
|
C6Dave
|
|
||
  Member No: #1
Location: Northumberland |
Now the sensible choice is probably something like a Merc S class I think you would find the C6 a much nicer ride than a Merc... Most suspension issues seem to be down to potholes, traffic calming measures and as your looking at motorway commuting they shouldn't be an issue. As long as the expensive bits are done like timing belt and the plastic thermostat housing a higher mileage car shouldn't be an issue. Try and find a car that's also had the coolant and suspension pipes 'rust proofed'/changed as that should help negate problems going forward. Oh and 450 miles a day in a C6 is a breeze, 150 you would never notice  |
||
|
|
|
||
|
MGmike
|
|
||
 Member No: #3151
Location: South Queensferry |
Des, the low compression is invariably down to head gasket failure as a result of the thermostat case failure mentioned above. That and the lack of any low water level reporting to the dashboard (easily fixed with a retro fit level sensor, see tech section). I wouldn't class my self as a "specialist" in C6's but I have spent the past year working through most of it's limitations and the past 15 years getting to know C5's VERY well! If you can't find anyone local to you, I'd help you/be happy to maintain whatever you take on. Most of the time it will just be oil and filters anyway! Get in touch if you want a second opinion on a potential purchase, I'm just down the road near Edinburgh. PS. If its a red one... I'll fight you for it.. |
||
|
|
|
||
|
Hattershaun
|
|
||
 Member No: #320
Location: Bedfordshire, UK |
Welcome to the forum Des, We've already been in touch about my Silver C6 that's for sale. And yes, that had it's thermostat housing replaced last year, along with all the vacuum pipes that go brittle over time. If you are worried about high mileage, there's a UK C6 2.7HDi with 297,000 miles on it, I've driven it and know the owner. Bought new by a private customer and driven 30,000 miles a year for 10 years. It had an engine oil change every 20,00 miles, one cambelt at 160,000 miles, plus whatever else needed doing, but no more than many cars have done in 50,000 miles. Top end of the engine is a bit rattly now, possible a worn cam follower, but the gearbox is still smooth and works as it should, as is suspension. Good luck finding the right car for you. |
||
|
|
|
||
|
carlosbeneto
|
|
||
 Member No: #3425
Location: Newbury, Berkshire |
Welcome Des! Looks like you're in a similar position as me, I have a 90 mile round trip commute on the M4 and I picked up my 2.7 about a month ago. So far I can't fault it, however it did need a few bits and bobs doing. Like yourself, I'm relatively competent with the spanners and I've literally just completed an overdue cambelt and accessory belt change (only 64k on the clock but 12 years old, good job I did it). Apart from that, the only other niggle is what would appear to be an LDS leak on the front left cylinder area but I haven't got round to diagnosing it. I bought the car with a 6 month warranty so I'm probably going to fix it through that (depending what 'Approved Repairer' they advise, in my experience Approved Repairer does not always equal Competent Repairer). Besides that I really cannot fault it, and the fuel economy is better than expected on the motorway (you can tell it's not quite as happy in town though). The advice and knowledge on this site is absolutely priceless and the fine inhabitants of this forum have already saved me best part of £200 on parts that I was going to replace but didn't need to! I would say go for it, if you run into any trouble this forum will come to the rescue. |
||
|
|
|
||
|
DesH
|
|
||
|
Member No: #3457
Location: Perthshire, Scotland |
Thanks very much for all the info guys, really appreciated and doing a good job of keeping me away from the Dark side (W221 Merc S class) which is still calling me as the sensible option! Just a few more quick questions if that's ok? How are these cars for corrosion? I tend to buy most of my cars from down south for this reasons as they have an easier life than those that have lived north of the border for several years. Main reason for asking is that I'm going to try and drive 2 at the dealer not far from me, they both actually look rather nice so maybe there will be a deal to be done however any specific areas to look for rot in addition to those outlined above? These are his cars so appreciate if anyone knows them personally?, terrible photos so will get a better idea in person: - Click Here - - Click Here - I have to confess I do prefer the blue / cream combination but looks like I will have to travel for that which is not an issue, I have to shift an aircraft from South Wales to Newcastle in the next week or two so might be a good opportunity to fit in a viewing while I'm travelling. Not in any rush however, just keen to find the right car at the right money since I'll be spending 3-4hrs per day in it most days! Regards Des |
||
|
|
|
||
|
carlosbeneto
|
|
||
|
Member No: #3425
Location: Newbury, Berkshire |
That Exclusive looks nice! I also prefer the cream interior personally... I haven't had mine for very long at all but as far as I understand it they're quite good with corrosion, the place to check though is around the rear windows (someone correct me if I'm wrong please!) Off topic, elaborate on shift an aircraft? Do you work in aviation? |
||
|
|
|
||
|
DesH
|
|
||
|
Member No: #3457
Location: Perthshire, Scotland |
I actually just pulled its MOT history online, looks like its been out of MOT for at least 14 months, I suspect it was part of someones collection. Never a fan of cars which have been sitting for a long time as that's when things start to go wrong! Nope don't work in aviation as a full time job but I've been fortunate that its taken me around the world to do some very cool stuff. By shift I mean ferry a classic jet that's just come out of maintenance, it doesn't like me though as I had to use the emergency gear blow down at the end of last year then fly it all the way to Wales with the gear stuck down! |
||
|
|
|
||
|
DesH
|
|
||
|
Member No: #3457
Location: Perthshire, Scotland |
Gotta love the internet  MOT expired on 22 December 2016 MOT History Date tested 26 November 2015 PASS Mileage 69,783 miles MOT test number 8207 3191 6489 Test location unavailable until further notice Expiry date 22 December 2016 Advisory notice item(s) Nearside Rear Valve stem slightly damaged (4.1.D.1e) Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2) Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2) Date tested 25 November 2015 FAIL Mileage 69,781 miles MOT test number 9524 1750 8665 Test location unavailable until further notice Reason(s) for failure Nearside Front Valve stem seriously damaged (4.1.D.1e) Nearside Front Fluid suspension leaking (2.4.D.2) Offside Headlamp aim too high and too far to the right. (1.8) Nearside Headlamp aim too high (1.8) Advisory notice item(s) Nearside Rear Valve stem slightly damaged (4.1.D.1e) Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2) Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2) Date tested 17 December 2014 PASS Mileage 59,164 miles MOT test number 3079 1175 4304 Test location unavailable until further notice Expiry date 22 December 2015 Date tested 26 November 2013 PASS Mileage 49,862 miles MOT test number 9559 4093 3333 Test location unavailable until further notice Expiry date 22 December 2014 Advisory notice item(s) Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2) Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2) n/s/f tyre is worn on outside edge. Date tested 3 December 2012 PASS Mileage 42,297 miles MOT test number 4970 0833 2387 Test location unavailable until further notice Expiry date 22 December 2013 Advisory notice item(s) Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2) Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1) slight wear on front brake discs damage to inner side wall of nearside front tyre Date tested 1 December 2012 FAIL Mileage 42,243 miles MOT test number 5963 5613 2354 Test location unavailable until further notice Reason(s) for failure Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a) Advisory notice item(s) Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2) Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1) slight wear on front brake discs damage to inner side wall of nearside front tyre Date tested 23 December 2011 PASS Mileage 33,602 miles MOT test number 3593 6715 1389 Test location unavailable until further notice Expiry date 22 December 2012 Advisory notice item(s) Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g) Offside Front suspension has slight play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a) Date tested 20 November 2010 PASS Mileage 24,527 miles MOT test number 7147 4442 0351 Test location unavailable until further notice Expiry date 27 November 2011 Advisory notice item(s) Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1) Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1) |
||
|
|
|
||
|
carlosbeneto
|
|
||
|
Member No: #3425
Location: Newbury, Berkshire |
Nothing too serious in there as far as I can see, the MOT history on mine looked very similar to that. Similar mileage too! My bet would be that you'll have to fix a few bits and pieces to start with and then you'll be fine from then on. What jet was it?? That sounds like quite the experience. If you ever fly in or out of Heathrow say hi, you'll be taking instructions from me
|
||
|
|
|
||
|
MGmike
|
|
||
|
Member No: #3151
Location: South Queensferry |
DesH wrote ... I have to confess I do prefer the blue / cream combination but looks like I will have to travel for that which is not an issue, Not in any rush however, just keen to find the right car at the right money since I'll be spending 3-4hrs per day in it most days! Have I got a deal for you.... I just bought the blue and cream one on eBay with the low compression and it's from down south! I plan to fix it over the summer as a distraction from the world cup in which England will let me down again! Plan is to whip the heads off to see if the engine is repairable (hopefully it's just a head gasket and thermostat housing) if not, find a complete engine to drop in! I'm planning on reselling it when it's fixed and, dependent on what else needs doing, it's likely to be at a good price. I'll keep you informed on here as I repair it. |
||
|
|
|
||
|
Dan595
|
|
||
 Member No: #299
Location: Wiltshire |
Hi Des, I think you have most bases covered. I've only had one four-figure bill in 200,000 miles and that was for dual-mass flywheel so not applicable to 2.7. You mentioned having another car and this is a point I sometimes make to those considering a 6 - if it needs a C6 part, it may not be on the shelf and parts availability is likely to get worse rather than better. My car has had a few garage stays waiting for parts or part repair - dashboard, driveshaft and most recently suspension pump (although this was because I opted for refurb rather than new). They are a bit heavy on tyres which may get tedious @ 3,000 miles a month. Servicing is very reasonable. 'Fixed price repairs' from main agents are sometimes downright cheap as C6 owners pay the same as C1 owners. Pricing is all over the place as there are so few about. Low mileage examples seem to command decent money. There is no excuse for any C6 not having a full history. If you are wanting a 'late' car, check the RP code as many cars sat around for ages before being registered. If you have a hankering for one, go for it. Still love mine after 10 years. |
||
|
|
|
||
|
DesH
|
|
||
|
Member No: #3457
Location: Perthshire, Scotland |
carlosbeneto wrote ... What jet was it?? That sounds like quite the experience. If you ever fly in or out of Heathrow say hi, you'll be taking instructions from me Nothing too exciting I'm afraid, a Jet Provost, however if I'm talking to you on my way back from St Athan to Newcastle I've got seriously lost! That and I'll be expecting a knock on the door from the CAA for flying VFR in Class A airspace! |
||
|
|
|
||
Go to page >>
|
|
 User Colour Key:Head Administrator, Administrator, C6 owner, Technical Expert, C6 Premier Discount Club |
|
Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Site Disclaimer | Contact Details | Warranty | Sitemap | C6 Insurance | Quick Facts | Re Call Info | Downloads | Error Codes
| Site and Graphics created by: C6Dave Forum Icons by Axialis Emotes by Seb |  |
