High Mileage v Older Car

Dades

Am looking to upgrade the familywagon and am tempted by a couple of ex company cars with long mileage (for the year). Obviously, the lower mileage you are willing to accept, the older the car will be for your cash.

First on the list at the moment is a 2006 Passat with 120,000 or so miles on it.

My thinking is that motorway miles on a car with a full service history (and a bit of a warranty) isn't something to be scared of with a 2006 car? Better in a way than a familywagon that's been used for short school and shopping runs.

Am only going to be putting about 5K miles p/a on any car I buy, too (have second car).

Any thoughts?

EPM

If you plan on keeping it until it dies then it can be a good plan. I would sometimes favour a higher mileage car with a FSH over a lower mileage one without. As you're going to be doing a low annual mileage it might be a smart idea, but around the mileage you stated things can need doing on a car through wear and tear that may eat up a lot of that saving. Also, I wouldn't be too hot on the idea of a high mileage newer model Passat diesel as they have been troublesome in some areas. You would probably get a lower mileage mondeo petrol for similar money. They are pretty reliable and as you don't really need a diesel the running costs wouldn't be too bad either

aero2k

I've owned a few cars with over 100k miles and I wouldn't have any problems buying one - in fact my current car is at 98k. You do need to have the car looked at by someone knowledgeable about cars if you're not yourself, and you will need to budget for replacing items like brake discs and pads, possibly clutch if it's a manual, and suspension dampers and maybe bushes. Evidence of regular oil changes is important too.
Buying a high mileage car can be a great way of getting a luxury car for relatively little money, and even more so if you can do basic maintenance yourself. I'd certainly chose a well maintained 100k miler over one that's only ever done lots of short journeys.

Dades

EPM wrote: »

If you plan on keeping it until it dies then it can be a good plan. but around the mileage you stated things can need doing on a car through wear and tear that may eat up a lot of that saving.

Would be planning to drive it till it croaks probably!

Can look after some bit myself, which might save a few quid, and have a decent local mechanic who looks after all the local barges. Couldn't bring myself to get a Mondeo - besides am looking at estates mainly.

aero2k wrote: »

you will need to budget for replacing items like brake discs and pads, possibly clutch if it's a manual, and suspension dampers and maybe bushes. Evidence of regular oil changes is important too.
Buying a high mileage car can be a great way of getting a luxury car for relatively little money, and even more so if you can do basic maintenance yourself. I'd certainly chose a well maintained 100k miler over one that's only ever done lots of short journeys.

Will take a good look at any history file alright, thanks. I do tend to think short trip family cars go through a lot of wear and tear.

galwaytt

I bought our last car at 141k miles, and now with 156k. Goes even better, now

Previouse one, bought at 110k miles, now at 118k. Not an issue.

Brother bought 99 9-5 2.0 with 97k, sold it at 127k, still perfect.

It's a historical throwback to 'soft' engines, and de-cokes, etc etc.