Advice on buying high milage car.

[W16]

Hi I'm looking at buying a Mercedes E350 Sport 55reg with 140k on the clock. Its only had one owner and Mercedes full history, the car is imaculate but I've never brought a high milage car, deisel yes petrol no and scares me a little. I"ve read a forum on PH somewhere, where most PHer said high milage doesnt bother them. Do you think I'm over reacting the fact it has 140k and its nothing?

Thanks

W16

[LeoZwalf]

Buy on condition, not age or mileage. Just because the mileage is high, doesn't mean the car is knackered. For the age, it's about average and I would be more wary of a 2005 car with, say, 50,000 on the clock. I've seen it myself with low mileage older cars where as soon as they start getting driven properly, stuff starts to break.

Check everything over, check the history, gauge what the owner is like by chatting to them about the car. If it all seems good, go for it

[jimmy156]

It's not average miles at all. Average is what, 12k per year. This has done nearly double that. Saying that if the price is right and it's in good condition it wouldn't necessarily put me off.

[AC43]

Just make sure the dampers, bushes and springs are all nice and tight.

That's really the only issue IMHO.

[W16]

Thanks for the advice guys I'll go and have a another look and have a good chat with the dealer. Thats the main thing I'm worried about with the high milage as things start to go wrong even if its looked after. Has anyone experianced buying a looked after high miler and things start to go wrong?

[jimmy156]

My Alfa is on 118k and it's cost me a small fortune but then I didnt buy very wisely and it is an Alfa!

[Teddye4687]

My BMW E46 is now on 155k (purchased @ 120k)

Only issue so far was the expansion tank split, £40 fix.

Everything else has been serviceable items (brakes, tyres, service etc)

FDSH which I've maintained (I carry out an interim oil change myself between BMW services). I think this, accompanied by previous driving styles, plays a huge factor in the life of a car. I'd personally suggest that a well maintained car would go hand-in-hand with it being treated well.

I'd like to think it'll see another 100k quite easily, nothing to suggest otherwise!

[spikeyhead]

I've found it's been odd ancilliaries that have gone at high mileage, starter motors, alternators etc. Usually with minimal warning. Suspension is well worth a thorough check including all the bushes.