Buying a high miler
Discussion
Hi all
Been looking at 8l s3's for a couple of weeks now and ones drew my attention!
Its done 139k! But he rekons it is immavulate and would be suprised if i found a single scratch on the car, including the interior!
He is a big enthusiast and has owned it for circa 8 years and has been a money no object with servicing etc.
Now, i know its a given that your better buying a car with over 100k thats been looked after rather than one with 80k that hasnt as much, but is 139k too much? Ill be keeping the car a couple of years so come resale time its going to be nearer 160k! Itl never sell!
Been looking at 8l s3's for a couple of weeks now and ones drew my attention!
Its done 139k! But he rekons it is immavulate and would be suprised if i found a single scratch on the car, including the interior!
He is a big enthusiast and has owned it for circa 8 years and has been a money no object with servicing etc.
Now, i know its a given that your better buying a car with over 100k thats been looked after rather than one with 80k that hasnt as much, but is 139k too much? Ill be keeping the car a couple of years so come resale time its going to be nearer 160k! Itl never sell!
Condi said:
Depends how much you're paying for it. 306 estate I bought with 145k on the clock for £450, sold it with 170k on the clock for £600!
I have one of these , I reckon it has had a haircut but appears to be well maintained . Not a concern as it is like new inside and out and drives as it should . It will be driven hard until it needs it breaks. Mine keeps throwing up silly warning lights such as icy road and coolant low , which are not the case .
Sorry for going OT but high miles need not be a problem . My xjr has 127k miles on it and mechanically fine , and the x308 is thought of as fragile.
mileage isnt an issue, everyone thinks it is
i sold my 406 diesel in dec 2012 with 330 mls on the clock, never went wrong, looked like a car with 100k apart from the dented door (not me)
I'd say it was in better condition that the average 100k car on the road
However, i did look after it as i used it for big commutes every day, long euro trips for holidays etc
Buy on condition not on mileage
i sold my 406 diesel in dec 2012 with 330 mls on the clock, never went wrong, looked like a car with 100k apart from the dented door (not me)
I'd say it was in better condition that the average 100k car on the road
However, i did look after it as i used it for big commutes every day, long euro trips for holidays etc
Buy on condition not on mileage
Echo the comments above. I bought my 2007 BMW 320d on 91K miles less than 3 years ago
She's now just ticked over 150K and is running perfectly. She's had over £2K spent on her the last 6 months.
It 100% true to buy on condition. I'm full expecting and hoping to get mine up at the 300's if possible
She's now just ticked over 150K and is running perfectly. She's had over £2K spent on her the last 6 months.
It 100% true to buy on condition. I'm full expecting and hoping to get mine up at the 300's if possible
Spare tyre said:
mileage isnt an issue, everyone thinks it is
i sold my 406 diesel in dec 2012 with 330 mls on the clock, never went wrong, looked like a car with 100k apart from the dented door (not me)
I love the whole "not me" thing - see it in so many for sale adverts - as if a buyer takes any comfort in who actually did the damage - "Oh the car's cat b you say? But you didn't do it? Oh no problems then"i sold my 406 diesel in dec 2012 with 330 mls on the clock, never went wrong, looked like a car with 100k apart from the dented door (not me)
I bought my Volvo on 138,000. Two years later it's just about to top 160,000 (next week probably). I've spent some money fixing the suspension and a few other bits but the car hasn't really depreciated in those two years. If it's been enthusiast owned it will have been looked after and is probably in better condition than others the same age. Don't be put off by the mileage!
Alternatively, be put off by the mileage and let someone who can see past the number have a bargain!
Alternatively, be put off by the mileage and let someone who can see past the number have a bargain!
I'd have no problem with buying a car on that sort of mileage but it does alter the things you should be checking. I'd take a close look at how the suspension has been maintained - if it's on its original bushes, they will probably need replacing soon which is a significant job; similarly check for play in the steering that might indicate a worn rack.
Condi said:
ryandoc said:
She's now just ticked over 150K and is running perfectly. She's had over £2K spent on her the last 6 months.
Shouldnt it be running fine after having nearly half the car's value spent on it???I sold my E46 330 with 163K on the clock. Yes, a few jokers phoning up going "you must be mad mate, not at that mileage, etc..."
In the end I had about four people all prepared to pay exactly the money I wanted. The car was quite rare, with a perfect spec.
Just be realistic - you will be able to sell it, but just know what it will be worth.
These days I actively seek out cars with high miles. They're bargains. There are people out there who have lost more money on a new Aston in less than 5,000 miles than I have SPENT on cars, ever.
In the end I had about four people all prepared to pay exactly the money I wanted. The car was quite rare, with a perfect spec.
Just be realistic - you will be able to sell it, but just know what it will be worth.
These days I actively seek out cars with high miles. They're bargains. There are people out there who have lost more money on a new Aston in less than 5,000 miles than I have SPENT on cars, ever.
kambites said:
I'd have no problem with buying a car on that sort of mileage but it does alter the things you should be checking. I'd take a close look at how the suspension has been maintained - if it's on its original bushes, they will probably need replacing soon which is a significant job; similarly check for play in the steering that might indicate a worn rack.
This. Regular oil changes are easy and everyone knows they should be done, but chassis maintinence is not on anyones list of things-to-get-round-to. Perhaps consider a transmission service if that has not already been done. Ask if you can have the car assessed by a mechanic before making an offer?
aka_kerrly said:
look at the sums, he bought the car on 92k it is now it's on 150k so he has covered 60k in 3 years. Having to spend £2k over 60,000 miles is 3p a mile!!!!!
Right? In the world of bangernomics I would suggest that is quite a lot of money. The aforementioned 306 required about £150 of bits over 30,000 miles.
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