Would an engine check light put you off buying a car?
Hi, please help me! I am planning on buying a 2003 Volkswagen Polo, but it has engine check light on. What could be the reason? Is it ok to buy the car?
Mar 2012 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Meenesh,
It's highly likely that this points to a fairly minor issue, though it's impossible to diagnose from here. You most definitely should not buy this car until the reason for the light being on is found and the problem fixed. Most decent mechanics and garages will have diagnostic equipment to hook up to the car, which will tell them what's causing the light to come on.
Insist that the seller does that before you commit to anything. If they do get it sorted out, make sure the engine check light still comes on when the ignition is turned on, but then goes out when the car is started, as an unscrupulous seller could just remove the bulb!
Best of luck
Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Adviser@Shane_O_D