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Does mileage matter still?
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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Need a new ride soon and been on the various trader sites.
With the big leap in technology doez it matter nowadays too look at mileage? Ive been looking at bmw, audis& mercs thinking maybe 50k mileage. What are your thoughts fabsters? |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I've had quite a few higher mileage cars (185k being the highest at sale) and find on average they can start getting a bit costly once they start creeping over the 120k mark. current unit has just hit 135k and has needed new brakes, discs, tyres, bearings, vacuum pump and a clutch in the last 6 months. Although some of these need regular replacement anyway, it all adds up and i've spent half the value of the car since xmas in repairs.
Weirdly, the 185k car cost me £600 when i bought it, i stuck 35,000miles on it and sold it 2 years later for £350 (complete with wing caved in, thanks to the old dear over the road) and not a penny spent in repairs.
I think the highest mileage car is somewhere into the 600k or 700k range (an old Volvo) still on it original engine and just well cared for- thats probably the main key, how well its looked after by previous owners and yourself |
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I bought my 15 year old Reggie with 110k on the clock. Apart from a hole in an air pipe he's been looked after fantastically and runs great. As he's my first car, I can't add anything else of note, I just like talking about my car!!! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I'm a mechanic and whilst cars with higher mileage are going to need more money spending on them you can get them a lot cheaper, my work van has just flicked over to 305,000 miles, we've serviced it from brand new it's only a vauxhall Astra diesel but still drives well btw it's the origanal engine, gearbox and clutch!
The most important thing is to buy a car with full service history, it should be at a decent garage not fast fit centres, because they don't tend to worry about oil quality but to be honest 50k is very low mileage |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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If its been serviced correctly ie everything consumable within its age range has been replaced as necessary (intakes, belts, the works) then it should be sound.
Service and good maintenance beat age and mileage |
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By *umourCouple
over a year ago
Rushden |
Our Jag has 215,000 miles on it and is running very well! It had no advisories on the last MOT and I will probably keep it for a couple more years.
I ignore mileage, but do check service record! |
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By *razedcatMan
over a year ago
London / Herts |
Remember, it's not always the mileage that matters, but the way in which the car has been driven over those miles. Naturally, a car that's been driven by a boy racer for 50k miles is going to be far more tired out than one driven 50k by old Mrs. Norris from down the street. |
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By *adybee77Woman
over a year ago
MAMOBA, miles and miles of bugger all (Aberdeenshire) |
I've just not long traded into a VW beetle.
She's got nearly 90K miles on her, but is 14 years old. Runs like a peach.
She has been serviced (only 1 stamp missing) and when I got her, I booked her in for timing belt, water pump, tensioner etc.
I was always told to break down the mileage over the age of the car, and anything above 20K per year is high, but also to be wary of very low, as its likely they will not have been on long runs, and may well have issues due to that (exhaust problems etc)
My car isn't at risk of boy racers, but her previous owners were both ladies, but she's prefect for me. |
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Watch their history and look for evidence that they may be becoming less reliable and cost effective to run. And look for value for money to repair brands. High spare costs and maintenane are killers. Low cost or easy to get from scrap yards parts are ideal. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Need a new ride soon and been on the various trader sites.
With the big leap in technology doez it matter nowadays too look at mileage? Ive been looking at bmw, audis& mercs thinking maybe 50k mileage. What are your thoughts fabsters?"
I would be more concerned about who and how its been driven and serviced as 50k on most isn't worn. My works M3 is on 60k in 2 years and is as fresh as when I got it just make sure you get it checked over all the hpi stuff and a decent warranty. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Mileage is nothing really. As others have said the service history is vital. Just be aware that many cars with, or around 50,000 miles will require the timing belt changing (or it should have just been done), same story for cars approaching 100,000miles. Do some research on which model you're interested in so you can go to the dealer armed with some knowledge that could potentially save you a few quid. Don't be afraid to ask to see documentation and always ensure you get two keys.
Knowledge is key my friend.... |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Need a new ride soon and been on the various trader sites.
With the big leap in technology doez it matter nowadays too look at mileage? Ive been looking at bmw, audis& mercs thinking maybe 50k mileage. What are your thoughts fabsters?"
Well maintained/serviced cars are good for at least 200k these days. I am speaking from experience. High mileage engines are usually fine, so long as regular oil changes have been performed, with good quality oil. I have never skimped on oil. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I bought my current car new but my last one was a Peugeot 207 S16 I got rid at 57k
And it had a gearbox rebuild
Needed a new clutch
Piston rings needed doing
Wheel bearing had just started to go |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Mileage is nothing really. As others have said the service history is vital. Just be aware that many cars with, or around 50,000 miles will require the timing belt changing (or it should have just been done), same story for cars approaching 100,000miles. Do some research on which model you're interested in so you can go to the dealer armed with some knowledge that could potentially save you a few quid. Don't be afraid to ask to see documentation and always ensure you get two keys.
Knowledge is key my friend...."
A good example of this is a 2002 Nissan Micra I bought 2 years ago. Approaching 80k now and engine management light came on. Checked the report and it suggests the timing chain needs replacing at £800.
I'm just going to run it till it snaps as the car isn't worth that now. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Mileage is nothing really. As others have said the service history is vital. Just be aware that many cars with, or around 50,000 miles will require the timing belt changing (or it should have just been done), same story for cars approaching 100,000miles. Do some research on which model you're interested in so you can go to the dealer armed with some knowledge that could potentially save you a few quid. Don't be afraid to ask to see documentation and always ensure you get two keys.
Knowledge is key my friend....
A good example of this is a 2002 Nissan Micra I bought 2 years ago. Approaching 80k now and engine management light came on. Checked the report and it suggests the timing chain needs replacing at £800.
I'm just going to run it till it snaps as the car isn't worth that now. "
Any idea what the error code is? I ask because usually the 'check engine' light doesn't come on for belt/chain intervals unless the chain has stretched and the timing is out (common on the Nissan K11 and early K12 engines). This is more down to the fact that they're not Nissan engines, they're, in fact, Renault engines. If the error code points towards the cam phase sensor then it would suggest that the chain has indeed stretched and it won't be long before you're buying a new car. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Can't remember off the top of my head. It was something about the timing being out. Was only intermittent to start with but is now on all the time.
Only cost £1500 two years ago so not worth the cost to fix. I've got AA cover so when it goes I'll just get them to tow it to nearest scrapyard! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Can't remember off the top of my head. It was something about the timing being out. Was only intermittent to start with but is now on all the time.
Only cost £1500 two years ago so not worth the cost to fix. I've got AA cover so when it goes I'll just get them to tow it to nearest scrapyard! "
If the timing is out it'll be misfiring like mad, drinking fuel and making a complete racket. It also wouldn't last long if you use it regularly. If it's been a while since it started I'd suggest a second opinion may be in order as most cars with timing issues tend to expire pretty quickly. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Actually no. It's fine at the moment. I think it's only slightly out as it's an amber warning not a red one. When it starts sounding like spanners in a tumble drier I'll worry.
Still sounds the same and gives good mpg at the mo. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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55 plate Alfa 156 on 152000 miles just passed mot without a single advisory. Boom. Did have full service, 2 tyres and suspension bushes replaced 2 days before but still.....boom.  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Actually no. It's fine at the moment. I think it's only slightly out as it's an amber warning not a red one. When it starts sounding like spanners in a tumble drier I'll worry.
Still sounds the same and gives good mpg at the mo."
I'd go for a second opinion then, it could just be a sensor issue and an easy repair.
The problem with the advent of EOBD2 is that good old fashioned mechanical problem solving has gone out the window.
Checking the timing is correct is fairly easy and would have been the first thing I'd have done after reading the fault codes. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"55 plate Alfa 156 on 152000 miles just passed mot without a single advisory. Boom. Did have full service, 2 tyres and suspension bushes replaced 2 days before but still.....boom. "
Upper wishbone bushes by any chance?
They eat them don't they, that's why many of us owners club members have switched to powerflex bushes on the upper arms and anti-roll bars.
I've had two 156's over the years and currently have a GT. Alfisti all the way.... |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Actually no. It's fine at the moment. I think it's only slightly out as it's an amber warning not a red one. When it starts sounding like spanners in a tumble drier I'll worry.
Still sounds the same and gives good mpg at the mo.
I'd go for a second opinion then, it could just be a sensor issue and an easy repair.
The problem with the advent of EOBD2 is that good old fashioned mechanical problem solving has gone out the window.
Checking the timing is correct is fairly easy and would have been the first thing I'd have done after reading the fault codes."
I did change the sensor as it was only a few quid but its still there. I'm not that fussed anyhow. Still have my Mazda Bongo running which is my baby. The Micra can suck it. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Actually no. It's fine at the moment. I think it's only slightly out as it's an amber warning not a red one. When it starts sounding like spanners in a tumble drier I'll worry.
Still sounds the same and gives good mpg at the mo.
I'd go for a second opinion then, it could just be a sensor issue and an easy repair.
The problem with the advent of EOBD2 is that good old fashioned mechanical problem solving has gone out the window.
Checking the timing is correct is fairly easy and would have been the first thing I'd have done after reading the fault codes.
I did change the sensor as it was only a few quid but its still there. I'm not that fussed anyhow. Still have my Mazda Bongo running which is my baby. The Micra can suck it. "
If you've done the sensor then it may just want the code clearing from the ECU. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"55 plate Alfa 156 on 152000 miles just passed mot without a single advisory. Boom. Did have full service, 2 tyres and suspension bushes replaced 2 days before but still.....boom.
Upper wishbone bushes by any chance?
They eat them don't they, that's why many of us owners club members have switched to powerflex bushes on the upper arms and anti-roll bars.
I've had two 156's over the years and currently have a GT. Alfisti all the way...."
Yup. As you say it eats them for fun but at least she drives lovely now without the annoying clunking |
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