Ok, I’m going to try put some perspective and a little more accuracy on this, as it seems I’ve made this one sound like a right bag of nails…
Under the oil cap, it was relatively thick with what I’d expect of a sound running car, nice dark / black oil/carbon deposits. When I wiped my finger around, underneath there was a lighter almost fresh goldy oil deposit. Not a cream water contaminated messs.
The SRS light – could be one of many minor things and is ultimately not going to make the car a bad runner. Could be something simple since it has only occurred since the flat battery, also read that just moving the seat can cause this problem with a loose connection. Easy fix.
The whirring noise, very very difficult for me to accurately describe. Was not loud, was not too different to what I’ve heard on many cars, it was constant and consistent. If could be the alternator, waterpump, any other pulley on the outside of the engine, was most definitely external as far as my ears could tell.
The water loss – I spoke with the guy again last night, occasionally he tops up with water. I haven’t had many cars I have not had to do this with?? Doesn’t always mean a disaster awaits.
Radio code, very easy fix at a dealer.
CD player missing, obviously been removed for some purpose at some time, and needs replacing. Not going to ruin the driving experience or reliability and we have Ebay these days. £100 fix at some point.
Same for the parcel shelf, nothing major at all, £15-20 Ebay fix.
I have just been offered a comprehensive franchise covered warranty for £60pcm to give additional piece of mind.
I’m going to get a compression / HC test done prior to buying, this will give greater confidence or make me walk away.
I am very 4nal about cars and their condition, so small things can sound big coming from me, like what I describe as whirring and has existed on others I have seen.
Am I really taking the risk of my life or my bank account for £4500??