What are your thoughts on buying a high mileage car?

SpeedracerIndy · 01-09-2005, 03:49 PM

My daily driver is getting up there in mileage, and I am tired of having two, two door cars. My daily driver is a Mitsubishi Eclipse, and the back seat is only slightly bigger than my 911's back seat. I am looking at a four door car, and I have decided I want a German one. After driving several different types of sedans, there really is no substitute for German engineering. I have looked at several Passats and A4's, and I really like the A4's (all 99-2001 versions). Would it be a huge mistake to buy a high mileage (around 75000 miles) A4? The three I have looked at are the 2.8 quattro version, 5-speed. i am really in love with the ones that i have driven, but I'm a little leary of the mileage. Unfortunately, I can't afford a lower mileage one at the moment since I'm looking at buying a house. I am sure that i can do 90% of the maintenance myself. The only thing I would not be able to touch is the AWD system. I have steered away from the 1.8T version because of the oil sludging issues. Any words of wisdom before I make a huge mistake?

I only drive about 5 miles to work each day, and have a company truck to use for work most of the time. I probably put less than 10k miles on my daily driver every year.

VaSteve · 01-09-2005, 04:48 PM

No Bimmers?

SpeedracerIndy · 01-09-2005, 05:12 PM

Too expensive! The A4's of the same year are quite a bit cheaper, and the AWD is very attractive, especially after all of the snow we have been getting.

tabascobobcat · tabascobobcat's Garage

For high mileage I'd look to the land of the rising sun.
I have owned several (4) Audi Quattros in my life. It seems that the problems come more frequently as the mileage adds up where as the rice burners seem to have their problems early if they have any at all.
I bet that you can find a 2000 Acura TL or Nissan Maxima for about the same price. Like I tell my wife, it's not a 4 door, but a luxury touring sedan.

morganb · morganb's Garage

Look for regular services to show the car was looked after and if possible understand how the owner drove the car. I had a car with 260,000 KM's on it and would still have it except I left the country. The one I has was a Mitsubishi.

red-beard · red-beard's Garage

My old Honda Accord had 235,000 on the clock when I sold her.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

I wouldn't buy/own a high miles Audi. Toyota or Honda? Yes.

SpeedracerIndy · 01-10-2005, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by nostatic
I wouldn't buy/own a high miles Audi.

Why? Reliability? I haven't heard anything bad about them, especially the 2.8 V6.

RallyJon · 01-10-2005, 09:21 AM

For a higher mileage car, the most important thing is the availability of reliable, honest, reasonably priced service. There may be competent Audi dealer service departments somewhere in the world, but I've never heard of one. So if you have a good independent shop that works on Audis, go for it. Otherwise, no way.

Tim Hancock · 01-10-2005, 09:27 AM

I have 235,000 on my wifes BMW 325i and it runs and drives excellant! It uses no oil and still has it's original clutch. I have owned it for the last 100,000 miles. I had to replace the struts, heater core and brakes soon after I bought it.
The only other problem was that the brushes on the voltage regulator wore out so the VC got replaced about 40k back. (I have never replaced the spark plugs which amazes the hell out of me.)

I hope to get to 300k then buy her an E46 (99 or newer) with about 100k on it. These cars are solid and if you can do your own work, they are worth having even with high mileage.

SpeedracerIndy · 01-10-2005, 09:41 AM

I plan on doing all of my own work, and I wouldn't consider taking it to a dealership. Like I said, the only thing I have no experience with is the AWD system. I have a good independant shop IF I needed to take it somewhere. I may have to check out some older BMWs. They are just so pricey though. And the AWD is mighty nice with the snow around here.

Tim Hancock · 01-10-2005, 10:00 AM

I like the newer Audis also and my wife wants 4wd, but really, percentage wise, there are very few days when 4wd is needed. I am afraid of the added complexity when coupled with the high mileage. My wife wants BMW's XI model which is 4wd, but I think I will stick w/ 2 whl drive. E-36 (92-98) models can be had for as low as 5K and I plan to buy an E-46 (99-05) in about a year for 8-10k w/ high mileage. I hope to never make car payments again yet still own nice fun cars.

FastDave · 01-10-2005, 12:11 PM

I always look at the availability of a car when searching for another to park in my driveway. It seems to me there is always a reason every other car lot in town has the same vehicles for sale. The Audi isn't on every other car lot around here....must be a reason! Desirable cars are hard to find, especially at a good price. I always take EVERY vehicle to my mechanic and ask him what he thinks of it. When he asks if I'm still keeping his business card in my wallet I know that means I will be needing to call him if I buy the one I'm showing him! ha