Would this put you off a car?

Would this put you off a car?

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Discussion

benjijames28

Original Poster:

1,702 posts

107 months

Saturday 18th February 2017
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I went to see a 2007 a4 Avant with 2 litre diesel engine.

The car is black, s line and has done 75k. It has service history including a recent service with invoice etc... Most services seem to be small garages.

What makes me suspicious is the MOT history. For about 3 years running the car only did around 1500 miles per year. Maybe less. The current owner says the last owner was a mechanic and did his own servicing and hardly used the car, in fact he let slip the last owner was an auto electrician.

The car itself is in great condition, I can't see any signs of excess mileage, but yet again it was dark and I'm not a trained mechanic.

The seller wanted over 6 grand for a car online valuations say is worth closer to 4500. I made him an offer of 5k still above market value for a private sale.

This was all about a month ago, the car is still listed now. I was considering going and having another look at it. It does fit my needs quite well.

Only other issue is that I do short journeys so usually buy petrols. Will I really have that many issues with a diesel? I can give it a motorway blast every few weeks.

Matt UK

18,075 posts

215 months

Saturday 18th February 2017
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So it did many miles in its early years and then only a few in recent years?

No, wouldn't put me off. When I bought my Merc it looks like it spent the first 4 years of its life as a reps chariot clocking up over 40k/yr. Then it went to an old couple and did very few - she used it once a month to visit her sister.

As long as the price is aligned with miles, history and condition, that's all that matters to me.

And personally I'd never get a diesel if I didn't do more than 20k/miles per year.

krisdelta

4,635 posts

216 months

Saturday 18th February 2017
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Don't buy a diesel if you do lots of short journeys. Don't overpay (assuming it's above the market average for that car) unless it's something special. Plenty of A4 avants around to choose from.

Ahbefive

11,657 posts

187 months

Saturday 18th February 2017
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I have 3 cars so 2 of them rack up very little mileage. Probably less than 1500 a year each.

Monty Python

4,813 posts

212 months

Saturday 18th February 2017
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Personally I'd avoid the potential DPF problems and get a petrol.

Nickbrapp

5,277 posts

145 months

Saturday 18th February 2017
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Make sure it's had the injector recall done