Thanks so much for this fantastic guide. I'm purchasing a 2006 CRD on Saturday, and can't wait to roll up my sleeves (hopefully on preventative maintenance, NOT existing problems).
My first question: where in the hell did mpower69 and bentstrider83 find '06's with only 33k and 42k?! The one I'm buying has 127k, and I've been looking for quite a while (110k was the lowest mileage I've seen in four months). Looks like bentsrider83 snagged his right out from under my nose just last month!!! (your post mentions driving it from Littleton, close to where I am, back down to NM)
I believe all is well with my vehicle (mostly), but the drain plug is stripped, so I'll be adding that Fumoto oil pan drain valve everyone is raving about. I think I'll likely be changing the oil/filter myself, rather than have someone else do it like with the wife's car.
The other thing I noticed when inspecting the vehicle was a good deal of oil dripping down from the turbo on the passenger side. I believe this is the turbo oil drain line issue I have seen a couple other posts on, so hopefully it's not much of an issue ($115 part?). The seller said he tightened the line and cleaned off the residue and hasn't seen any oil in the past four days --but I'm guessing he's a little biased.
Buying a used car is a nerve racking experience --fingers crossed that the leak isn't anything major. Any other major things I should be worried about that people can suggest I check before forking over the cash?
Thanks to all for being active on these forums. They have been an invaluable resource and a major help in deciding to get into the CRD club (previously had a '99 Cherokee Sport that I loved).