What to look for in a 500, and what to avoid?
Discussion
My wife's current 2.0 Tdi VW Tiguan is approaching 190000 miles and getting a bit long in the tooth. Our kids are at an age where the youngest will be driving himself later this year so she's going to be doing way fewer miles and doesn't really need such a big car anymore. She likes the look of the 500. I know nothing about them but will be responsible for servicing and repairs as I do with all our cars.
So with this in mind what should we look for or definitely avoid with regard to engines and spec?
So with this in mind what should we look for or definitely avoid with regard to engines and spec?
Looked at 3 over last couple of days. All 500 S model 1.2s.
First was a 2015? Rusty around front and rear arches and drove like a dog with a distinct aroma of burnt clutch. Not prepped for sale, filthy and seats damp and mouldy!
Second a 2019, Looked lovely in photos, a bit grubby sitting outside on the forecourt but a clean and tidy car obviously, 32000 miles with good service history. Clutch failed during test drive. Owner came and picked us up very embarrassed. He's going to have it fixed and give us a call. Immediate thought was "no way" would we buy that but if its only a slave or master cylinder needs replacing its not a big fault but seems strange to fail at such low mileage. Suppose if its been sitting unused for a while it's not inconceivable that a seal has been a bit sticky and failed? Not completely ruled it out.
3rd was a 2018. 45000 miles. Very clean, couple of wheels scratched and a few minor blemishes which dealer was happy to sort. Of most concern was that at 45000 miles it has only had 2 services and had no oil whatsoever showing on the dipstick. I pointed this out to the dealer who basically shrugged and said he doesn't service cars until they are sold, and the low oil warning light (low oil pressure light?) wasn't on anyway. I assumed he'd go and get its oil topped up but no, happy for us to take it for a test drive like that with no oil. So no idea what previous neglect its suffered and continues to suffer. Lovely looking car but alarm bells well and truly ringing. Derisory offer of trade in price too. Its a no.
First was a 2015? Rusty around front and rear arches and drove like a dog with a distinct aroma of burnt clutch. Not prepped for sale, filthy and seats damp and mouldy!
Second a 2019, Looked lovely in photos, a bit grubby sitting outside on the forecourt but a clean and tidy car obviously, 32000 miles with good service history. Clutch failed during test drive. Owner came and picked us up very embarrassed. He's going to have it fixed and give us a call. Immediate thought was "no way" would we buy that but if its only a slave or master cylinder needs replacing its not a big fault but seems strange to fail at such low mileage. Suppose if its been sitting unused for a while it's not inconceivable that a seal has been a bit sticky and failed? Not completely ruled it out.
3rd was a 2018. 45000 miles. Very clean, couple of wheels scratched and a few minor blemishes which dealer was happy to sort. Of most concern was that at 45000 miles it has only had 2 services and had no oil whatsoever showing on the dipstick. I pointed this out to the dealer who basically shrugged and said he doesn't service cars until they are sold, and the low oil warning light (low oil pressure light?) wasn't on anyway. I assumed he'd go and get its oil topped up but no, happy for us to take it for a test drive like that with no oil. So no idea what previous neglect its suffered and continues to suffer. Lovely looking car but alarm bells well and truly ringing. Derisory offer of trade in price too. Its a no.
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