Mileage

[Sam_374394490]

Hi

When buying a diesel car, what mileage would you prepare to go up to (eg, what would be the max mileage you were prepared to have on a second hand car if you were buying it). The car will have full service history and one owner.

Thank you

Sam

 

[Lutz]

Isn't the question much like asking 'how long is a piece of string?'. Surely it all depends what sort of reputation the particular model has with regard to reliability, whether the price is attractive, how long you intend to keep it and how many miles you expect to do with it while you're the owner. And last, but by no means least, what your own personal preference is. There are some cars I wouldn't touch even with a low mileage, others with a good reputation are known to go on for ever without much risk.

I therefore feel it's almost impossible to answer your question.

 

[Jaydug]

This won't help you - but there's a guy with a Citroen Xantia on one of my forums whose car has just passed the 300000 mile stage. Diesel engines, if they have been given the correct oil and filter changes will reach phenominal mileages. I sold my last tow car with 100K on it and several people were begging me to close the ebay auction early. These days with sophisticated clutches and electronics, if the service history is there, I would be more concerned about parts other than the engine.

 

[Guest]

Like J D says its down to maintainance.

My Dad ran his taxi Vectra to 445000 miles before it became uneconomical to repair when the engine finally went but he had no major failure before only replacement worn out parts like clutch, bearings etc

 

[Sam_374394490]

It's a Ford Mondeo 2.0 Tdci 130 2005/2006 reg.

I will do @ 20,000 miles per year and intend to keep it at least for the next 5 or more years.

Sorry for being so vague, but this car buying business is all new to me.

Thanks

Sam

 

[Jaydug]

So what mileage has it got on it? When you test drive it, make sure there are no undue noises when you change gear. They have a sophisticated clutch which can give trouble if they have been mistreated.

 

[bazza2]

Hi,I know its not diesel and I wouldnt usually consider a used car with more than 50k on the clock but I just bought a 5 series BMW with 113k and it drives almost like new and I am lead to believe that 200k is not unusual in these cars.

Barry.

 

[bazza2]

Hi,I know its not diesel and I wouldnt usually consider a used car with more than 50k on the clock but I just bought a 5 series BMW with 113k and it drives almost like new and I am lead to believe that 200k is not unusual in these cars.

Barry.

Hi,Further to my earlier post I have in effect swapped my grand cherokee for this bmw and I am still not sure this was a good move,is the steptronic gearbox any use when towing ?

Barry.

 

[Steve L]

Hi Sam.

By looking for a second hand 05/6 Mondeo, you are undoubtedly going to be walking a mine field blindfolded!!

For a start your going to have to weed out the ex taxis, and reps cars that have had the living daylights thrashed out of them. Then there's the ringers rebuilt from write offs.

Sorry for pouring water on your fire, but I'd rather tell it how it is, especially as you say your self that you are a novice.

I'd also steer clear of Vauxhall for the same reasons.

You will need to take a knowledgable person with you to get a good deal I'm afraid.

As for mileage, there should be no real reason to chuck out a 100k diesel so long as it has been serviced properly. Service history is the key words. But don't be fooled by pen'd entries in the service book, any fool can pass a service book round his mates to top up any missing service intervals.

I would definately go to a mainstream franchise dealer for peace of mind. Don't be afraid to ring the previous owner to varify the car. You'll be suprised at just threat of that phone call can defuse the bull from the salesman.

I once bought a Renault 25 with two high security locks fitted discreatly in the top of the boot lid by the aerofoil. The trader was saying the car had one private owner and the 75k miles was genuine. I had my suspisions. So after doing a PNC check via a mate of mine (interplod), I found the car had been owned by cartier the jeweler's, which explained the secure boot and the holes in the boot floor for the safe. I rang them and got hold of the fleet manager who could fax me the service record. The car had actually done 175'000 miles but had been fitted with a new engine at 90k due to a radiator hose going and cooking the motor. I still bought the car, but at half the price the trader wanted and with a new mot and a years tax thrown in to keep me quiet.

Just be carefull Sam, the traders are desperate for a sale these days.

Steve L.

 

[Sam_374394490]

Hi Sam.

By looking for a second hand 05/6 Mondeo, you are undoubtedly going to be walking a mine field blindfolded!!

For a start your going to have to weed out the ex taxis, and reps cars that have had the living daylights thrashed out of them. Then there's the ringers rebuilt from write offs.

Sorry for pouring water on your fire, but I'd rather tell it how it is, especially as you say your self that you are a novice.

I'd also steer clear of Vauxhall for the same reasons.

You will need to take a knowledgable person with you to get a good deal I'm afraid.

As for mileage, there should be no real reason to chuck out a 100k diesel so long as it has been serviced properly. Service history is the key words. But don't be fooled by pen'd entries in the service book, any fool can pass a service book round his mates to top up any missing service intervals.

I would definately go to a mainstream franchise dealer for peace of mind. Don't be afraid to ring the previous owner to varify the car. You'll be suprised at just threat of that phone call can defuse the bull from the salesman.

I once bought a Renault 25 with two high security locks fitted discreatly in the top of the boot lid by the aerofoil. The trader was saying the car had one private owner and the 75k miles was genuine. I had my suspisions. So after doing a PNC check via a mate of mine (interplod), I found the car had been owned by cartier the jeweler's, which explained the secure boot and the holes in the boot floor for the safe. I rang them and got hold of the fleet manager who could fax me the service record. The car had actually done 175'000 miles but had been fitted with a new engine at 90k due to a radiator hose going and cooking the motor. I still bought the car, but at half the price the trader wanted and with a new mot and a years tax thrown in to keep me quiet.

Just be carefull Sam, the traders are desperate for a sale these days.

Steve L.

Thanks for the advice Steve.

It is worrying what is out there in the car market????

I would not touch anything unless it had full service history (stamped), but I suppose they could forge the stamps too.

Maybe I should keep my options open and look for something else??