Too high mileage?

[robby]

What is considered too high mileage on a TDi (either 1.9 or 2.0 140sport)?
I've seen a dolphin grey (colour i really want) 06 plate with s-line kit but it's got 80k - if it's got fsh should i still steer clear?

 

[N8]

Whats your budget?

 

[paddy]

I dont think mileage is so important these days if under 100k on a TDi.To be honest its just down to luck, I have the most unreliable Audi ever made at 40k miles but i did 200k miles in a petrol Cavalier without any problems. Its just luck. you cant buy reliability by buying a badge, i have learnt that ! A Skoda will probably be a lot more reliable than a Audi if only because its far less complicated. Look at its service history, drive it, look at the price, If it all seems ok, buy it........there really isn't much else you can do.

 

[devonmikeyboy]

Other then the turbo and clutch nothing else on the engine/transmission side can really go wrong. If the head gasket was going to go it would have happend by now so depends on price and condition really. Madluke`s PD140 has done 140,000 miles + and still runs great with no problems.

 

[Lee_R]

A Skoda will probably be a lot more reliable than a Audi if only because its far less complicated. Look at its service history, drive it, look at the price, If it all seems ok, buy it........there really isn't much else you can do.

How did you get to that conclusion considering they use the same engines, chassis, brakes, running gear and electrics? Yes the trim pieces in skodas are not Audi quality but does that make them less complicated?

 

[paddy]

How did you get to that conclusion considering they use the same engines, chassis, brakes, running gear and electrics? Yes the trim pieces in skodas are not Audi quality but does that make them less complicated?

Reliability surveys put Skoda Fabia on a rating of 60, the A3 on 130, lower being better. These people rate cars for warranty insurance purposes so have an idea about reliability.

http://www.reliabilityindex.co.uk/search_results.html?apc=3128339010848601#

 

[robby]

Budget wise i'm looking at £11k - current car (Focus ST2) worth approx £8800 p/x + top up of around £2k

I'm looking at sport versions which i think differ with sports seats/ suspension (not sure what else) but these seem to be fetching £2k over the se, etc versions - might be worthwile buying a "lesser" model and adding bits?

This was a previous A3 2.0TDi Sport i had a couple of years ago, had it for a month as it didn't feel right (sure it was flood damaged due to always damp inside and poor running?)

 

[SAiLO]

Adding bits might be expensive and it's just better to get the car with the options you want. Saves you time as well.

 

[V6Pete]

Sports shouldn't fetch that much of a premium over an SE, as they were the same cash new (until recently) - Dave R will discuss this at length if you let him

S-Line's do fetch a premium, but they were more cash new. Retrofitting the bumpers, suspension, interior etc is very unlikely to work out a cheaper option, so you're best to buy the best you can.

An 06 plate S-Line will generally go for more than £11K, so to do that, you are going to need to look at one with a few miles on the clock. 20-25k a year on a diesel isn't unusual though, lots of people run these as company cars putting motorway miles on them, which isn't particularly hard on the suspension, transmission, etc.

If you're going to be doing low to average mileage, that'll bring the mileage closer to average. If you're going to put 20k+ a year on it, then in 3 year it'll have 140k on the clock, and will be a pig to sell, so bear that in mind.

 

[N8]

Listen to Pete, he's the man in the know