V8s and number of keepers

[bp1000]

Does it put you off if a car has had a high number of keepers?

I've always tried to buy cars with a low number of keepers. A high number makes me think the car has problems.

Plenty of v8s might switch hands as much as every 5k. I recently dismissed a nice car for having 4 previous keepers at 33k and another for 3 at 45k. What would you consider high on bigger engined or more niche cars. Or doesn't it bother you?

[jon-]

3 owners at 45k?

Average miles a year 10k.

Each owner keeps the car for circa 1.5 years?

That wouldn't bother me, especially on big engined cars. Filling them can wear very thin.

[GreigM]

bp1000 said:

Does it put you off if a car has had a high number of keepers?

I've always tried to buy cars with a low number of keepers. A high number makes me think the car has problems.

Plenty of v8s might switch hands as much as every 5k. I recently dismissed a nice car for having 4 previous keepers at 33k and another for 3 at 45k. What would you consider high on bigger engined or more niche cars. Or doesn't it bother you?

Why does it matter? With a single keeper they could be the most negligent and non-mechanically sympathetic owner ever. At least with a semi-frequent change of hands there is a chance the car was inspected or otherwise checked out and any issues corrected for the sale.

I can think of lots of reasons not to buy a car - number of owners isn't one of them.

[vrooom]

number of owner doesnt bother me. i couldnt care less. i alway buy on condition rather than fsh, number of keepers...

[jones325i]

I always prefer the idea of 1 previous owner. In my case, the 6 year old v8 car I bought was from the original owner.

But the old argument that new owners often spend a bit of cash on the car when they take it over to get it to a certain standard is a good one. I think it depends a lot on the type of car. I think something thirsty or fun is more likely to change hands often.