Which car would you buy?

FlorayG

I've seen two exactly the same make and model and service history
One is 2014 and done 94,000 miles and has a towbar (I need a towbar if I buy this model)
The other is 2013 and has done 74,000 miles but no towbar fitted so that would be an extra expense
The lower mileage one is £250 more than the higher mileage one but fitting a towbar will cost me £480 so in reality £730 more expensive
Is 20,000 miles worth an extra £730?
Budget is tight BTW and the car will have to last me as long as possible, I won't be trading it in in a couple of years

Ayr_Rage

What make, model and engine?

caprikid1

I think it would be good to know the exact model and engine size to understand the likely risk of failure etc.

On an Ecoboost engine those 20K miles could be massive if not maintained correctly etc.

WellKnownSid

Equally you could spend £100 fixing the towbar electrics on the first car so make sure it's all working.

FlorayG

Sorry, they are VW Tiguan

Ayr_Rage

FlorayG said:

Sorry, they are VW Tiguan

Which engine type and size?

fatbelly

I'd go for the 2014 model on the info given. Bear in mind a set of good tyres will cost £600, and do either have advisories on the latest MOT?

prowla

How many miles per year do you do/plan to do?

(eg. If it's 5k then the 20k difference equates to 4 years driving.)

You could surmise that the 90k one has been towing things, whereas the 70k one hasn't.

However, you don't know whether the 90k one has been well cared for whereas the 70k one hasn't.

FlorayG

prowla said:

You could surmise that the 90k one has been towing things, whereas the 70k one hasn't.

However, you don't know whether the 90k one has been well cared for whereas the 70k one hasn't.

I know all the above, that's why I can't decide. They both have full service history at VW main dealer

CliveOfIndia

prowla said:

You could surmise that the 90k one has been towing things, whereas the 70k one hasn't.

However, you don't know whether the 90k one has been well cared for whereas the 70k one hasn't.

I was about to say exactly the same thing.  It's nigh-on impossible to say "this car is better than that one" based on limited information, and certainly not based on mileage alone.

The presence of a towbar is always something of a tricky one to assess.  Yes, the implication would certainly be that the car has been used for towing.  But how much?  Taking a trailer to the skip once in a while, or towing a heavy horse-box for long distances every weekend?  No matter how good a car is, doing a lot of heavy-duty towing will put a lot more strain on the gearbox, clutch, pretty much all components of the transmission.

But even the fact that it's got a towbar fitted doesn't necessarily mean it's better or worse than the other car - you really have to inspect any car thoroughly, make sure you have a really good test drive, and buy on condition, history and to some extend just how the car "feels".

sheslookinhot

Have you looked at the MoT history ?

Have you spoken with or seen the sellers ?

Has either car had a recent cam belt change ?