How hard is hard

Hi All
I've been looking at a '98 HSE 4.6. I haven't as yet taken it for a road test. But whilst I was looking the car over the engine was running on idle for some 20 to 30 mins without any problems and had obtained running temp as per the gauge. When I checked under the bonnet I squeezed the top hose to see if it was rock hard as advised by you guys and there was no doubt that there was pressure in the hose but I could compress the sides. So how hard is hard to indicate a possible problem. There was no other indication of a problem that I saw.
Thanks Roger 47

Great cars but get the best you can afford with as much history as possible.

Hose sounds ok to me.
Go for a test drive and check expansion tank for discolouration,mine is clean and always has been.
Scum inside may indicate problems, also check inside oil filler cap for mayo, although this can occur if too many short runs in cold damp weather.
The temperature guage on mine is just past the vertical and never moves even on a long run, check yours.

While engine is ticking over listen carefully for knocking sound from deep within engine, this may be due to cracked block.

I can give you a list of what to look out for when buying a p38 if you like.

Good luck

Hi redrenger89
Thanks I will accept your offer greatfully
Roger 47

Hi Roger

These views are mine from memory and what I checked for when I looked for mine.

Before Test Drive

Get as much documentaion as you can and ask for MOT test notices if any.

Outside
1, Check car is level
2, Check lights for damage including no. plate (Grow algae)
3, Check body for damage / Bi-metallic corrosion - Around wheel arches and lower tailgate under large plastic flap. Ripple in bumpers means it's been bumped.
4, Check wheel/tyre condition and type of tyre. Some are direction sensitive so your spare may not be any good.
5, Check for water damage in wheel well.
6, Shine torch underneath and look at chassis. ( Should be only lightly rusty at worst)
7, Shine torch to look for oil /water leaks

Under bonnet

8, Check Radiator for damage shine light through it and look for damaged fins
9, Check hoses for damage / leaks in particular cruise control near tee section.
10, Check expansion tank for clean coolant and signs of spllage. While still cold remove expansion tank cover and check water is being returned via small hose. (Engine running)
11, Check condition of oil, is it clean and topped up properly
place some on finger tip, it should feel smooth and silky
12, Take a screwdriver and remove a pollen filter, this with condition of coolant and oil will give indication of how long since service.
13, Check condition of battery and terminals, Is the battery cover in place with all the fixings?

Start her up
Get in and shut the door, dont touch the foot pedals and select park.
14, Have you got 2 keys Nos 1 and 2?
15, Did she start without problems? V8 can clunk on initial startup only
16, Did you feel the car raise?
17, Check what lights are lit on the EAS selector. Then Select
top position , then lower down and make a note of how long it takes. When lowering did you feel any rough spots? If the access positionis selected when you pull away the car should rise straight away to nrmal ride height.
18, Check all the lights and buttons for correct function while watching and listening for any faults being reported on dash.
19, Check radio for correct function on radio panel and on steering wheel if HSE etc. Pay particular attention to the LCD are all segments working?
20, Is the ABS light on? This should go out at about 7mph
21, Check HEVAC, Is the outside temperature correct? Sensor failure? Check correct operation of flapper motors by selecting facial and footwell positions
22, Check aircon selct coldest setting, should blow very cod air quicky. Light on iarcon selector works back to front. Light onmeans aircon off.
23, Check rear view mirror, If auto does it work? £150 or new one if it doesn't
24, Check heated seat and widows if fitted.
25, Check door mirrors dip when you select reverse (This canbe switched off)
26, Check footwell lights, front and back
27, Check cubby box lid stays up, if it flops new damper £25
28, Check sun roof funtions.

Check under bonnet again
Should be constant speed and quiet, V8 is smooth
Odd clicks cold be aircon pulley being selected so don't worry if you hear and see that happen as long as the aircon works well.

Check for leaks

Take her out for test drive

Check for
Abs light out at about 7mph
Car raises to normal ride height quickly, Drive over 50mph to check car lowers to motorway setting.
Gears should be very smooth no real jerk when autoshift takes place.
Try manual gear changes from standstill and listen for any strange sounds
Check cruise control actually works and maitains steady speed, touch brakes and cruise should drop out.
Watch temperature guage it should not move at all even when driven hard
London to Liverpool and my guage stays the same.
Trip and petrol guages working properly?
Car should drive without any pulling to one side or other with steady wheel, no wobble or steering wheel pulling (Damper fault?)
Try brakes, car drives straight and not pulling to one side etc.

When you get back check again for engine noise and leaks etc.
Car should not smoke or be spitting any condensation from exhaust by now just hot gas

Now check footwell carpets for damp, could be leaking heater. If damp lft carpet and check for rust

A lot to check but worth it

Good luck
Fred