Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspections Central Coast and Hunter

Van & Camper Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspections Central Coast and Hunter

Pre-purchase vehicle inspections for campers, vans, and light commercial vehicles can be conducted by OnlineMechanic.net. Our highly experienced mechanic recently inspected a 2018 LDV V80 and a 2002 Mercedes-Benz MB140 Van and provided customers with an in-depth report on the condition of the vehicles they were considering purchasing. 

We check for any mechanical or electrical issues that could cause problems down the road and provide a fair market value estimate for the vehicle. This gives our customers peace of mind knowing they’re getting a fair deal when purchasing a vehicle.

2018 LDV V80 Panel Van Inspection Hunter Valley

While inspecting the LDV80 Panel Van we found that it had a fair body condition. The rust and damage indicated that it may not have been cared for or well-maintained. Some damage may be common and expected given the commercial nature of these vehicles, but the age of the vehicle should always be considered. 

We found that two tyres and brake pads needed to be replaced and the vehicle showed excessive motor noise. We advised against purchasing the vehicle because it may lead to more problems.

Slight Interior Damage
Rust and Paint Damage to Exterior LDV80
Rear Latch Repainted with touch-up after incident
Front End Paint Chips
Inspection of rear damage
Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspections Central Coast and Hunter

Common Issues with LDV Vans

The LDV80 is an affordable van that is popular with budget-conscious consumers. However, it is not without its problems. One of the most common complaints about the LDV80 is that it is of poor quality. 

The LDV80 has several common issues that have been reported by owners. These include problems with the engine, transmission, suspension, brakes and electrics. These issues can lead to many problems for the LDV80, including decreased performance, increased fuel consumption and a shorter lifespan for the van.

Engine: There have been some reports of problems with engine vibration, oil leaks and engine noise. 

Transmission: The transmission is generally reliable, but there have been some reports of problems with transmission slipping, harsh shifting and transmission shudder. 

Suspension: The LDV80 has an independent front suspension and a live rear axle. Problems include suspension noise, suspension sag and poor ride quality. This can make journeys very unpleasant, and can even lead to back pain.

Brakes: The LDV80 has disc brakes all around with reported problems including brake noise, brake fade and brake judder. 

Electrics: The LDV80 has had reports of many problems across all electrical systems in the vehicle. This includes electrical faults, system glitches, and system crashes for the engine management system, the transmission control system, the suspension control system, and the infotainment system. 

Fuel Efficiency: The LDV80 is not particularly fuel-efficient. This is a major problem for many business owners, as fuel costs can quickly eat into profits.

Final LDV80 Verdict

Many owners have reported that their LDV80s have developed faults soon after purchase, with some even breaking down completely. This is a major concern, as a van is a vital tool for many businesses. If it cannot be relied upon to get the job done, then it is simply not fit for purpose. In conclusion, the LDV80 is a van that is best avoided. It is of poor quality and is uncomfortable to drive. It is also very expensive to run. If you are in the market for a new van, then you would be better off looking elsewhere.

Advising our customer of the common issues with this make and model vehicle along with what was discovered during our Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspection they decided against the purchase. They continued their search and found an Iveco Van which was a much better product. Some reasons why Iveco can be considered a better brand than LDV include the fact that Iveco vehicles tend to be more reliable and offer more features and amenities than LDV vehicles. Additionally, Iveco vehicles typically hold their value better, meaning they may be a better investment in the long run. Iveco has a strong reputation for quality and reliability.

2002 Mercedes-Benz MB140 Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspections Central Coast

A pre-purchase vehicle inspection on the 2002 Mercedes MB140 Van revealed that it was in good condition for its age. With the vehicle being 20 years old, it is common to see minor exterior damage and rust. Our inspection determined that these issues were superficial and the van had been well maintained. However, it did have a noisy alternator issue which would require repair or replacement.

Van Front Exterior Condition Inspection
MB140 Engine Bay Visual Inspection
Slight rust and paint chips
MB140 Underbody Inspection
Van tyre check
photo of vehicle exterior windscreen, side body and roof
Good Condition Interior MB140 Van
Condition check sheet for MB140

The cost of replacing an alternator on a 2002 Mercedes b140 Van can vary depending on the quality of parts and labour costs. On average, it can cost anywhere from $200 to $1000 to replace an alternator for this vehicle, whether you’re choosing second-hand parts, brand new parts, professional installation, or if you’re mechanically inclined, replacing it yourself. It is always best to seek professional assistance or follow up with a vehicle system check to ensure you’ve installed it correctly.

OnlineMechanic.net advised the purchaser on the issues and provided information regarding the origins of this model. 

Origins and Common Issues with the 2002 Mercedes-Benz MB140

The Mercedes-Benz MB140 that arrived and was sold in Australia was manufactured under license from Korea by SsangYong Motor Company with a licensed Mercedes engine installed.

One of the most common problems with the MB140 Van you should look out for is engine failure. This can be a costly repair, as a new engine will likely need to be installed and may exceed the cost of purchasing the vehicle. Another common issue with this vehicle is transmission problems. The MB140 Van is known for having a finicky transmission, and it’s not uncommon for owners to experience issues with it. But, with proper maintenance and care, you can keep your Van running smoothly for years to come.

Ssangyong Istana is the same vehicle as the Mercedes-Benz MB140

Final Verdict

After relaying the information to the purchaser, they decided to buy the vehicle and happily drove it to Adelaide without any problems.

If you are looking to purchase a new or used vehicle, be sure to contact us at OnlineMechanic.net for fast, efficient and informative Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspections on the Central Coast and surrounds. We offer expert advice, so you can SAVE!

Get Your Central Coast Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspection Today!

Robin Baldwin is the owner and operator of OnlineMechanic Pre Purchase Car Inspections. He is a qualified automotive technician with over 43 years of hands on experience in the motor trade.

If you wish to book an inspection please contact us now for same day inspections. Call Robin Baldwin on 0425 210 188 or follow our links.

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