I am looking at buying an 05 RL. Everything about the car looks very clean, except I noticed a puff of blue smoke from the exhaust when the dealer started the car from cold.

The car has around 69k mikes on it.

Is this normal for the RL, anything to be concerned about, what is the experience of other 05 RL owners out there

Thanks

 

blue smoke = engine is burning oil

 

If it was one small puff after the car has been sitting for some time it may be O.K. If it was large, or happens frequently, I'd be concerned. Still, it may be a gamble.

LL

 

^ still a gamble i wouldnt wanna take, regardless its burning oil from somewhere. if its the head gasket or rings its gonna be a horrible, costly gamble

 

Verify is was actually blue vs a little white smoke normal during a cold startup from the condensation. As stated above blue=oil, and white=water, black=fuel.

 

It was defintely a puff of blue smoke, and was fine once running. I will take it from the replies that this is not common on the RL.

 

Sounds like the car has been sitting for some time which would allow oil to seep past the valve seals and blow out at start up. If your really serious about it, I would go back and check the car a few more times after it has sat for a day or two. Even then I would recommend looking elsewhere. RLs are a dime a dozen these days much like everything else. Why bother on lingering questions, find something with a documented past and no what ifs.

 

^ doesn't white smoke usually indicate burning coolant if its consistent?

 

If it continues after the car has warmed up and the outside temp is not too cold, there could be an issue. If it is cold outside, the car will smoke the same as we see it from breathing in the air.

If there is consistent white smoke in moderate temps I recommend checking the oil for any mixing (potential head gasket,block,etc) and the coolant level.