Old but low miles or newer with high miles

[RED5RACING]

I'm looking at purchasing a used Audi A4 TDI for commuting. I found several cars that I'm interested in but in some cases there's a difference in mileage.

I've seen these locally

2004 1.9 TDI - 57000 (1st generation 8E) at £2500
2006 2.0 TDI - 111000 (Face lifted 8E) at £2995

My question is would you go for the older car with lower mileage or the newer model with double the mileage?

I'll be doing approximately 50 miles a day and need an estate for family life.

Edited by RED5RACING on Friday 31st July 09:14

[griffter]

There are more variables than age and mileage of course, but all else being equal I’d go for lower miles. Two years younger at 14 years old is neither here nor there IMHO unless it brings a model/spec change which is beneficial.

Things to consider:
How many miles will you add to the car?
How long do you want it to last, and what mileage do you want to run it to?
Have either of them had a life of short journeys?
etc.

[Maracus]

iirc the 2.0TDI around 2005 had issues with the oil pump that was fixed in 2006.

[BlueJ]

Normally I'd say go for a newer car and don't worry about the mileage - it's good for a car to be used provided it is properly maintained.

In your situation however, the mileage of the newer car is significantly higher and that easily outweighs the (mere) two year difference - I'd buy the '04 plate.

[mbwoy84]

With any car, especially an older one, buy on condition and history rather than age or mileage.

In this case though, I think I'd be tempted by the older car (on the surface) as for a cheaper runner I think the 1.9 is probably simpler and more reliable overall.

[5harp3y]

1.9tdi is bulletproof when compared to the common rail 2.0 stuff

[Ben Lowden]

If the 1.9 TDI is the PD engine, that generally has a reputation for being one of the best VW diesel engines made and it won't have a DPF to get clogged up and have issues with.

Having said that, we had a 2005 A3 in the family for years with the 2.0 TDI and we put 100k+ miles on it. There was only one thing that went wrong in that time that cost £300 to fix from memory. Sold it a few years ago and still going strong without any issues!

[Zetec-S]

I'd be paying close attention to the service history on both of those in order to try and verify the mileage is genuine.

That and buy based on condition, rather than age/mileage. If one is covered in scuff marks and on mismatched budget tyres with 1.7mm of tread left I'd be having second thoughts.

[RazerSauber]

See both, buy on condition. Check MOT history, servicing, repairs and all that jazz. Whichever looks like the better car without considering the mileage is the one I'd go for.

[ZX10R NIN]

As above buy on condition but all being equal older with less miles.