Second hand car - would this be a concern

CarProblem · 21-02-2022 1:00pm #1

Hi all

Testing the waters to maybe change my car. Looking at a 201 reg (can throw up the link if it's allowed? Probably a stupid question.....)

Two things:

car has already has 2 owners
mileage (to my eyes anyhow) is high enough (72,000kms)

Car is 2nd hand from a main dealer. Possibly can only be opined on if I link but would this concern you buying?

Atlantic Dawn · 21-02-2022 1:03pm

Could have been a pre reg car dealer was first owner, a history check would show this. If it's a diesel 72k would be about right.

CarProblem · 21-02-2022 1:07pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118667520#Comment_118667520

Thank you for your reply. I can ask the dealer this - but if they don't answer can perform a history check

Repo101 · 21-02-2022 1:09pm

Have you had someone check it out? Most likely at that mileage and age, its probably ex-lease traded in for an upgrade. What type of car is it? I assume it has a full service history?

At the end of the day, it sounds like you'll need a trustworthy mechanic to check it out to give you piece of mind. Are they offering a written warranty?

CarProblem · 21-02-2022 1:12pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118667541#Comment_118667541

Car is an Opel Insignia - 2.0l model is like hen's teeth. Was going to call the garage today (it's a bit of a drive away) to see re. warranty, history etc (if they answer). At 72k during Covid this surprised me tbh!

Vinnymcdonnell · 21-02-2022 1:24pm

Opel Insignia, it was a company car anyway that is why the mileage is like that. Plus the only people who bought Insignia's new were lease companies and used as company cars. Would have been fully serviced though and being a 201 is still under manufacture warranty anyway

Repo101 · 21-02-2022 1:27pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118667553#Comment_118667553

If you type in the reg, you will get the date it was first registered. Assuming it was registered in Jan, it works out at about 140km per working day, which would be about right. I know lots of people doing much more than that every day.

I would be bringing someone with you to check it out, make sure it has the latest software updates installed and check standard issues with those models like the plug at the bottom of the door, dpf, clutch etc. have also heard of rust scabs due to manufacturing issues.

bazz26 · 21-02-2022 2:00pm

Is it this one, an auto?

https://www.carsireland.ie/3015204

Mileage is a bit high for the year and price is strong given that. Normally with a company car that is only 2 years old it would have had 1 registered owner rather than 2 at this stage. Being an auto Insignia on a D reg being sold down the country it could easily have been as a rental car at some stage. I wouldn't rule out it being privately owned either as some folks still did a fair bit of driving even during the pandemic. It would be interesting to see how long each owner had the car for and also check the service history to see what part of the country did it get serviced in. At that mileage it should have had at least 2 proper services at this point.

Do you absolutely need an auto as this manual in the same spec has 62k km less on it and selling for the same money:

https://www.carsireland.ie/2880372

CarProblem · 21-02-2022 5:12pm

Thanks all for taking the time to reply

@bazz26 you are spot on in your suspicions!

Re the 2nd link, I test drove that car a few weeks ago but have been ill for a while so couldn't follow up. Rang today with a view to travelling tomorrow to thrash out a deal but unfortunately it's been sold

Tbh I'm going off the one you linked first, it's not the auto gearbox that attracts me, I was simply looking for a 2.0l Elite. Unfortunately the 2.0l are very rare. I might drive a 1.6l to see if it's sluggish but coming from a 2.0l/160bhp (older insignia) I have a feeling I'll not be swayed

Others I'm looking at are Mazda 6 and a few 2018 reg Jag XFs. I like the likes of a Skoda Kodiaq (not a saloon/hatch obviously) but they're quite pricey relative to the insignia

21-02-2022 5:35pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118668769#Comment_118668769

Dont go anywhere near a Mazda 6 from 2017-2020.

AVOID unless you have deep pockets

21-02-2022 5:35pm

I'd be very surprised if the car you sent with 72k km is not an ex rental car that has been sold onto the trade or was leased by the rental company for a year or two. I think it's very strong money for that car if it was the case, in my experience they've always had damage that gets repaired before going back as well.

bazz26 · 21-02-2022 6:28pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118668769#Comment_118668769

As said, stay away from the Mazda 2.2 diesel, that diesel engine is a lottery around reliability at best.

A leftfield option:-

Peugeot 508:

https://www.carsireland.ie/3020776

21-02-2022 9:03pm

I'd second Baz's opinion on the Peugeot 508 I think in terms of looks and value for money it's the clear leader in it's class.

I am not sure what the Mazda6 hesitancy is on this forum, I've had one (2017+) as a company car for 3 years and so did many others in the job and none of us had an issue and put up high enough miles on them. They're a bland compared to some of the newer options in my opinion though.

CarProblem · 22-02-2022 8:00am

Some interesting posts to digest

Firstly that 508 is absolutely beautiful, I hadn't considered it at all tbh. A little more than I'd planned to spend but I might drop down to see it today if I can and it's still available

I am gonna test drive a 1.5l/122bhp insignia also but I am kind of hell bent on a 2.0l but can only decide by driving one. Want to bring it onto N road and see how sluggish (or not) it is

Also would be v interested in seeing/driving this but Cork is a fair old drive: https://www.carsireland.ie/3023000

If I did decide to chance it I'll do a search of mechanics in Cork that might do an inspection for me