Buying and LPG car. what to look for
Discussion
Hi guys
In my search for a new motorway hack, an e60 525i touring has popped up with LPG fitted. I'm going to try and go to see it this week, but I've never looked at LPG cars before.
So, as its a private sale, and its buyer beware out there, anyone any tips on what specifically to watch out for with LPG?
It's a prinz system. Are they reputable?
In my search for a new motorway hack, an e60 525i touring has popped up with LPG fitted. I'm going to try and go to see it this week, but I've never looked at LPG cars before.
So, as its a private sale, and its buyer beware out there, anyone any tips on what specifically to watch out for with LPG?
It's a prinz system. Are they reputable?
I've been looking at buying an lpg converted grand Cherokee jeep lately.
'Prins' are widely regarded as the best system you can buy.
Only advice I was given was make sure it's been serviced regularly and recently, make sure it switches over ok, ensuring the car runs ok on it.
Failing taking someone with you who really knows what they're looking at, I can't offer anymore advice.
I was told a service on most lpg systems is about £90. Maybe you should budget for that in the negotiations on price.
Have you thought about calling Prins themselves and asking them for advice?
'Prins' are widely regarded as the best system you can buy.
Only advice I was given was make sure it's been serviced regularly and recently, make sure it switches over ok, ensuring the car runs ok on it.
Failing taking someone with you who really knows what they're looking at, I can't offer anymore advice.
I was told a service on most lpg systems is about £90. Maybe you should budget for that in the negotiations on price.
Have you thought about calling Prins themselves and asking them for advice?
Prinz are a good brand of LPG kit.
regarding what to look for- you essentially want to check the install for the following:
Neat and secure tank installation
No damage to either the fill line (to the tank) or the feed line (to the engine)
Proper installation of injectors and feed lines into the Inlet manifold- they're usually mounted in holes drilled into the manifold.
Basically, if it looks neat, has a certificate and you cant smell gas, its probably ok.
if it looks like it was fitted by a cowboy, walk away!
regarding what to look for- you essentially want to check the install for the following:
Neat and secure tank installation
No damage to either the fill line (to the tank) or the feed line (to the engine)
Proper installation of injectors and feed lines into the Inlet manifold- they're usually mounted in holes drilled into the manifold.
Basically, if it looks neat, has a certificate and you cant smell gas, its probably ok.
if it looks like it was fitted by a cowboy, walk away!
Also if the check engine light is on and the seller says all lpg cars do that, it's not true. Badly installed kit, running too lean or worn ignition components causing misfires are the usual reasons for it so tread with care.
On the test drive you shouldn't be able to tell what fuel you're running on apart from maybe a slightly softer throttle response on LPG (and I do mean slightly, should be hardly noticeable if at all)
Got a link to the ad?
On the test drive you shouldn't be able to tell what fuel you're running on apart from maybe a slightly softer throttle response on LPG (and I do mean slightly, should be hardly noticeable if at all)
Got a link to the ad?
charltjr said:
Also if the check engine light is on and the seller says all lpg cars do that, it's not true. Badly installed kit, running too lean or worn ignition components causing misfires are the usual reasons for it so tread with care.
On the test drive you shouldn't be able to tell what fuel you're running on apart from maybe a slightly softer throttle response on LPG (and I do mean slightly, should be hardly noticeable if at all)
Got a link to the ad?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...On the test drive you shouldn't be able to tell what fuel you're running on apart from maybe a slightly softer throttle response on LPG (and I do mean slightly, should be hardly noticeable if at all)
Got a link to the ad?
charltjr said:
Looks nice, definitely worth a look I'd say. I was hoping to see some pics of the install, how neat (or not) it is can be a good clue to how much care was taken over the job, but they've not included any.
I spoke to the seller today and I'm off to see it later in the week. I will take a couple of snaps and post them. Although if it is as nice as the guy on the phone describes, then I think I'm inclined to make an offer. He has the certificate for its install and an annual service ever since he had it fitted.Some require a conversion certificate, some don't, depends on the insurer. Even if you've not got one and the insurer requires it you can get a certificate from a registered installer, they will go over the install for a fee and certify it if it's OK. It's basically just to say it's been installed to the correct standard.
Never heard of an insurer wanting evidence of LPG servicing.
Never heard of an insurer wanting evidence of LPG servicing.
Hi, I've been a bit of a lurker on the PH forums but this thread has made me register properly.
I have an LPG converted Astra with a Prins conversion so usually click into the lpg threads to see what people are asking. I saw the link to the autotrader advert for this car you are going to see and I ran the reg number through the conversion certificate register.
I had my LPG installed in October 2009 and was given a paper certificate of installation as it was done in a fully authorised place. As time has moved on the register has gone electronic and can be queried by anyone on http://www.drivelpg.co.uk/i-want-lpg/pre-owned-lpg...
It makes it a little tricker with the private reg on this BMW as putting in KP02 OKP from the advert shows up as "Vehicle KP02OKP, Volvo, V70 has been placed on the Register."
Has the seller given you the proper reg number? or is it going to come with this personalised one?
I understand that insurance firms now use this database to check the lpg certificates and do not ask for the paper certificate any longer. I haven't had to send my certificate off anywhere in the last 4 years.
Ben
I have an LPG converted Astra with a Prins conversion so usually click into the lpg threads to see what people are asking. I saw the link to the autotrader advert for this car you are going to see and I ran the reg number through the conversion certificate register.
I had my LPG installed in October 2009 and was given a paper certificate of installation as it was done in a fully authorised place. As time has moved on the register has gone electronic and can be queried by anyone on http://www.drivelpg.co.uk/i-want-lpg/pre-owned-lpg...
It makes it a little tricker with the private reg on this BMW as putting in KP02 OKP from the advert shows up as "Vehicle KP02OKP, Volvo, V70 has been placed on the Register."
Has the seller given you the proper reg number? or is it going to come with this personalised one?
I understand that insurance firms now use this database to check the lpg certificates and do not ask for the paper certificate any longer. I haven't had to send my certificate off anywhere in the last 4 years.
Ben
Insurers vary on their requirements. Fewer seem to need it "on the regsiter" since they realised it was just a voluntary database set up by some installers rather than some sort of official government certification.
There seems to be a bit of a divide between LPG installers with some refusing to go near it as it has been setup by their competitors and others bad mouthing those who won't deal with it.
There seems to be a bit of a divide between LPG installers with some refusing to go near it as it has been setup by their competitors and others bad mouthing those who won't deal with it.
charltjr said:
See from another thread you bought it then? I'm jealous!
Yep, I bought it. So far it's lush. LPG works well, just gotta play with the range now to know when it's empty!!In terms of tank size, it's a spare wheel tank, I needed it in the wheel well for various undefined reasons!!
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