Bringing a code reader when viewing a car

TheKaiserChief

I'm going to view a car at the weekend, and I'm thinking of buying one to bring with me, a friend said I should.

One thing though, if I buy one (cheap enough one), will it tell me the following:

1. Current code faults
2. Stored codes that were erased (in case the seller is trying to hide something)
3. Dates and times of the codes?

I just want to be able to see if there have been any recently, so I know to walk away or not.

Is it bad form on the seller to bring one and ask to plug one in?

Oh, the car is a 03 Polo by the way (if anybody wants to offer any "what-to-look-for" stuff)

Alanstrainor

What engine is it? 1.2 I'd guess?

TheKaiserChief

Alanstrainor wrote: »

What engine is it? 1.2 I'd guess?

Ya that's the one

biko

TheKaiserChief wrote: »

Is it bad form on the seller to bring one and ask to plug one in?

I wouldn't say so. And it's not like they can say no.

JohnBoy26

TheKaiserChief wrote: »

Ya that's the one

Buy a code reader if you may, but avoid those polos like the plague the 1.2 engine in them gives timming chain trouble and the also give other niggley quality issues no amount of code reading can prepair you for.

challengemaster

TheKaiserChief wrote: »

Is it bad form on the seller to bring one and ask to plug one in?

If you're buying it, you have every right to ensure it's to your satisfaction IMO. The seller isn't the one that has to worry about fixing issues once it's sold.

Guy:Incognito

TheKaiserChief wrote: »

I'm going to view a car at the weekend, and I'm thinking of buying one to bring with me, a friend said I should.

One thing though, if I buy one (cheap enough one), will it tell me the following:

1. Current code faults
2. Stored codes that were erased (in case the seller is trying to hide something)
3. Dates and times of the codes?

I just want to be able to see if there have been any recently, so I know to walk away or not.

Is it bad form on the seller to bring one and ask to plug one in?

Oh, the car is a 03 Polo by the way (if anybody wants to offer any "what-to-look-for" stuff)

Codes that are erased wont show up. If he clears them 5 minutes before you get there and none show up then your reader will just show no codes.

SouperComputer

1. Current code faults
Yes

2. Stored codes that were erased (in case the seller is trying to hide something)
No, it will not show any codes there were erased, it may shot "pending" codes, thats about it.

3. Dates and times of the codes?
No, but you may be able to access "Freeze frame" data that will show the stored parameters when a code was thrown. These parameters include coolant temp, engine load, road speed, RPM, throttle position, ignition advance.

Most important thing is make sure the check engine, ABS, ASC, oil pressure, battery blah blah lights come on before the engine is started. Then they should go off within seconds once the engine fires up. The oil pressure one especially.

Pull the codes after you take it for a test drive. Keep in mind a generic code reader will only pull codes specific to general engine performance and emissions. If you want to delve into the ABS, climate and other modules you will need a VAG-COM cable (or a clone)

Don't overthink it. Unless you are experienced with diagnosing codes they may give you more questions than answers!

TheKaiserChief

Thanks for all teh answers

So do people think I should forget about the Polo? It's my first own car and wanted something decent

Also, I have a friend whose a mechanic and he has a really expensive diagnostic setup, will that tell me about past faults and history of faults?

carefull now!

No equipment can tell you codes that were erased, VAG or not. The polos do give some problems but they may have already been addressed and don't often re-occur. Why not spend the money you would have used buying a code reader on a mechanic to check the car over, if your friend has all the VAG stuff I assume he'll know the common issues and how to check for them.

Del2005

TheKaiserChief wrote: »

Thanks for all teh answers

So do people think I should forget about the Polo? It's my first own car and wanted something decent

Also, I have a friend whose a mechanic and he has a really expensive diagnostic setup, will that tell me about past faults and history of faults?

Go look at the car, make sure your mechanic friend comes along, and judge it on it's merits.

Plenty of cars have a bad reputation, and if you search the net that's usually all you'll find about them, but plenty of people manage to run the cars with no issues. You can get a dog Toyota/VW/Subaru or a gem of Fiat/French car.

Do your research on the car you want to buy and be aware of the faults so as to check them out. Bringing a code ready may not give you any useful info on the car but it will on the owner/seller.