VW Tiguan 2. tdi SE, What Mileage??

[rdshough]

Hi Guys,

We are looking to purchase our first car, and have narrowed it down to a VW Tiguan 2.0 tdi SE to give us enough space for the family.
Ideally we want to spend max £4k which is possible but the cars usually have high mileage, 160 000 and above and are 08 plates.

My biggest concern is the mileage we will do. We currently live in Central London, car will be used on mainly short journeys will a longer run every few weekends when we head out on day trips. I know short journeys will not be great for the car as it is a diesel.

So first question is the diesel a good option? if not, what else would you recommend for our price bracket?
Essentially we want a small family SUV big enough for babies and all their kit. We will be travelling away for the odd weekend so will be taking more stuff than usual.

Secondly is there a massive risk buying such a high Mileage Tiguan?
I will only buy a car with a Full Service History and one that has clearly been loved, but even doing that issues will still be encountered due to age and mileage. I have heard some talk about engines (in general not specific to this car) nearing end of life and getting expensive around the 180 000 to 200 000 mark.

[ZX10R NIN]

I'm not saying these are bad cars but any car with 160k on the clock will be pretty much need a suspension overhaul components will be worn (A/C pumps etc) or getting close. I ran a CLK upto 170lk it needed an alternator & injector seal in that time but it also had two suspension overhauls.

You'll get people who'll say that there 200k car feels as good (suspension wise) as a 40k car, it won't.

I'd be looking at some of (unless the badge is more important) these with half the in some cases half the mileage of your 160k Tiguan.

Subaru Tribeca

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Kia Sorento

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Lexus RX300

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

CX-7

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

XC90 D5

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

All will take your families kit with ease & as long as you are taking the car on longer runs every few weekends a diesel will be fine (most of these won't have a DPF) to purchase.

I have to say this, with your needs & budget the vehicles below are more suited to your needs:

Mazda5 Sport (sliding doors make these very practical where babies are concerned)

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

S Max

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Or if the above is a step to far then an estate would be another good option.

Mondeo Titanium

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Saab 9-3 (one of these has 100k less miles than the Tiguan your considering)

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Mercedes C200

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[rdshough]

Thanks for the input ZX10R NIN.

You have pretty much confirmed what I thought so thanks for that.

I will check out your suggestions. Badge snobbery is not an issue, although the wife hates estates, I love them.

A lot to go through.