High mileage VW Passat

dryjoy

Hi

We're considering buying a 2011 VW Passat 1.6 diesel from a friend. It's done approx 189k miles - at least 120k of those mainly on the motorway, I believe. There's a full service history, it's been regularly serviced by VW and has generally passed its MOTs, with more recent issues involving the expected consumables such as tyres etc.

The only serious issue I am aware of is that the water pump developed a leak, which caused an issue with the electric handbrake. Apparently the garage asked if she hadn't noticed that the water was going down; she'd just kept topping it up and simply thought the car was thirsty.

I hope that the car didn't overheat during this episode; I'll need to ask her that. I'll check the engine oil and coolant for any signs of head gasket leakage.

The car has a few minor scuffs and scrapes, but this is actually a plus for me as I am always loading musical instruments in and out, and prefer to have a car that I don't need to worry about keeping pristine.

We'd intend to keep up a regular service regime, and I know with a car of that age and mileage there will be things that need repair at times.

We're planning the retirement of our 21 year old Astra, because of a) what may be a crack in the engine block (head gasket has been replaced but coolant water still slowly going down) and b) we failed the MOT on a leaking petrol tank, which is a part no longer available (the garage did a temporary repair, and referred us to eBay - with parts now becoming scarce I think its time to let go).

So my question - are we mad for considering this car?

TLDR - am I mad for considering buying a 2011 VW Passat 1.6 diesel with 189k miles on the clock.

motorguy

It would need to be cheap - very cheap.

Heres one with a little bit more miles @ £2695

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201904187116305?onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&make=VOLKSWAGEN&postcode=bt622hb&model=PASSAT&sort=price-asc&advertising-location=at_cars&year-from=2011&minimum-badge-engine-size=1.6&radius=1500&year-to=2011&page=1

Heres one at a little bit less miles @ £2,995

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201905037606461?radius=1500&year-from=2011&model=PASSAT&minimum-badge-engine-size=1.6&sort=price-asc&advertising-location=at_cars&make=VOLKSWAGEN&postcode=bt622hb&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&year-to=2011&page=1

Both those are with dealers who would be obliged to warrant the car and provide a level of service.

It could well be fine. The key to high miles is maintenance and servicing so as you've said, continuing that is a must.

The risk you run is if you do average miles or less, things like the DPF - which may already be near end of life - might start to give trouble.

Bit of a roll of the dice really - advantage is you know the car / the owner so you'd hope they're being honest about the current condition of the car.

motorguy

My 2012 Golf 1.6TDI had a water leak from the water pump quite early in its life. Seems to have been a common fault. Didnt do it any long term harm, once replaced.

dryjoy

motorguy wrote: »

It would need to be cheap - very cheap.

Heres one with a little bit more miles @ £2695

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201904187116305?onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&make=VOLKSWAGEN&postcode=bt622hb&model=PASSAT&sort=price-asc&advertising-location=at_cars&year-from=2011&minimum-badge-engine-size=1.6&radius=1500&year-to=2011&page=1

Heres one at a little bit less miles @ £2,995

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201905037606461?radius=1500&year-from=2011&model=PASSAT&minimum-badge-engine-size=1.6&sort=price-asc&advertising-location=at_cars&make=VOLKSWAGEN&postcode=bt622hb&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&year-to=2011&page=1

Both those are with dealers who would be obliged to warrant the car and provide a level of service.

It could well be fine. The key to high miles is maintenance and servicing so as you've said, continuing that is a must.

The risk you run is if you do average miles or less, things like the DPF - which may already be near end of life - might start to give trouble.

Bit of a roll of the dice really - advantage is you know the car / the owner so you'd hope they're being honest about the current condition of the car.

Thanks. I am certain she is honest about the current condition of the car, in so far as she is able (doesn't know much about cars).

About average miles or less - do you mean it's better if we do more miles in the car, e.g. not just running around town? We do about 14,000 miles a year, my commute is a little over 20 miles each direction, most of this at 60 mph or more.

We'd probably have to negotiate on price; she's hoping for about £4k I think (I should add that it is an estate which seems to command a little more value).

motorguy wrote: »

My 2012 Golf 1.6TDI had a water leak from the water pump quite early in its life. Seems to have been a common fault. Didnt do it any long term harm, once replaced.

Thank you, that is somewhat reassuring.

dryjoy

Double posted in error.

wgl2014

4k seems expensive for a high mileage example with cosmetic issues and a water leak.

Autotrader has quite a few cars of similar spec for several hundred pounds less with much lower mileage before you even start any haggling.

Maybe if it was 2.5k it would be a good deal....

dryjoy

Thanks, yes I have concluded I am interested in the car, but only for the right price, which is considerably less than she is looking for.

k6chris

Use WBAC to get a rough idea of what is is worth - although I would expect a private sale to be 10% or so higher than the price they give you.

motorguy

k6chris wrote: »

Use WBAC to get a rough idea of what is is worth - although I would expect a private sale to be 10% or so higher than the price they give you.

WBAC are going to be offering trade prices minus their margin. I think its unrealistic to set the expectation that it's worth/ should be bought for their raw trade price +10%.

For info, they are valuing it at around £1,600

motorguy

dryjoy wrote: »

Thanks, yes I have concluded I am interested in the car, but only for the right price, which is considerably less than she is looking for.

Even estates can be bought for those miles for under £3k from a dealer.

£2500 would be a more realistic price for hers but certainly under £3k

MEM62

dryjoy wrote: »

So my question - are we mad for considering this car?

No. It is known to you, which may offer some assurances in respect of it's recent history. However, with that mileage its worth nowhere near £4K.