Buying a high mileage diesel - Advice please

[Grimspoon]

I am in the market for a car and have got my eye on a diesel, I am particularly looking at the Golf 4 Tdi. I can get one for a decent price but the mileage is about +- 200 000 Km's. I know the person who owns it and he has been meticulous in maintaining it as he is a car nut. He has recently replaced almost everything that was worn out on the car including all pipes, clutch, bearings and some other things I cant remember, but they were pretty major parts. I trust the guy and I know the car is in good nick and was well looked after.

Obviously there is a risk to buying any high mileage vehicle, but what would your advice be to me regarding buying a high mileage diesel, I have heard that a well maintained diesel can go forever.

Thanks

Grim

 

[Shake&Bake]

What about the turbo?
He replace that yet?
What year model is it?


The general consensus is that diesel motors don't take as much strain as petrol, as they're not high reving engines.
But at 200k, I'm not sure if I personally would be getting into that.
But an AA test, should help to make the decision easier

Though my last petrol car had higher mileage than that and was very good.

 

[Grimspoon]

What about the turbo?
He replace that yet?
What year model is it?


The general consensus is that diesel motors don't take as much strain as petrol, as they're not high reving engines.
But at 200k, I'm not sure if I personally would be getting into that.
But an AA test, should help to make the decision easier

Though my last petrol car had higher mileage than that and was very good.

O yes I think he has replaced the turbo, he also removed the catalytic converter and replaced it with something else, he explained the whole reason behind this and have heard it before. Apparently our diesel in SA is not up to European standards?

It is a 2001.

 

[HapticSimian]

Any car with that type of mileage will have an element of risk to it...

That being said, if the car was driven with some mechanical compassion and well looked after, I don't see anything inherently wrong with the purchase. You'll probably be getting the car for next to nothing, so I would assume that the odd item here & there needing replacement (seeing that all the major work has been done) shouldn't break the bank. I would also suggest the AA test, but perhaps even a step further - maybe you should organise for the car to go to a decent VW workshop (Hatfield VW Bryanston comes to mind) for a once-over...?

Just keep in mind that turbos take increased strain up here in Jhb because of our thinner air when compared to the coast...

 

[Gaz{M}]

May I ask why you are considering such a high mileage, old car?

If it is for financial reasons, then can you really afford to take a chance on a car that might cost a fortune to repair?

 

[Naks]

Obviously there is a risk to buying any high mileage vehicle, but what would your advice be to me regarding buying a high mileage diesel, I have heard that a well maintained diesel can go forever

Grim, your last statement is true.

However, what kills turbodiesels is excessive Exhaust Gas Temperatures (EGT), which can cause long term permanent damage to the turbo/engine block.

See this link for a good explanation: http://www.bankspower.com/techarticles/show/25-why-egt-is-important.

As long as the car was not being driving like a robot racer, you should be fine. If the previous owner is known to 'put foot', then stay away.

 

[Grimspoon]

Any car with that type of mileage will have an element of risk to it...

That being said, if the car was driven with some mechanical compassion and well looked after, I don't see anything inherently wrong with the purchase. You'll probably be getting the car for next to nothing, so I would assume that the odd item here & there needing replacement (seeing that all the major work has been done) shouldn't break the bank. I would also suggest the AA test, but perhaps even a step further - maybe you should organise for the car to go to a decent VW workshop (Hatfield VW Bryanston comes to mind) for a once-over...?

Just keep in mind that turbos take increased strain up here in Jhb because of our thinner air when compared to the coast...

Thanks enigma - An AA test would probably be a good idea. As you said if it has been looked after it most likely will be ok. If I didn't know the guy and know how he treats his cars, I almost certainly wouldn't be considering it.

 

[Grimspoon]

May I ask why you are considering such a high mileage, old car?

If it is for financial reasons, then can you really afford to take a chance on a car that might cost a fortune to repair?

To be honest with you I am not really prepared to fork out R4000 +- a month on a new car, or even a newer low mileage car. The car is a good price and as I said has been well looked after so I feel that it will be a good deal.

 

[Grimspoon]

Grim, your last statement is true.

However, what kills turbodiesels is excessive Exhaust Gas Temperatures (EGT), which can cause long term permanent damage to the turbo/engine block.

See this link for a good explanation: http://www.bankspower.com/techarticles/show/25-why-egt-is-important.

As long as the car was not being driving like a robot racer, you should be fine. If the previous owner is known to 'put foot', then stay away.

Thanks for the link Naks, will read it.

I am no expert on cars, but I do know that turbos pop fairly often. Another bonus is that this guy works on his own cars, and often fixes up cars, if anything did go wrong he would probably help fix it for cheaper.

 

[AveshR]

if you feel you know the car well and its owner, then why not

 

[Grimspoon]

if you feel you know the car well and its owner, then why not

I guess so yeah, obviously I still need to consider certain things, even the most well looked after cars can give up the ghost at any moment.

As I mentioned if it was any other car that I didn't know the history I would be a lot more apprehensive. I guess I need to decide if I am happy to take the risk.

 

[jphegers]

To be honest with you I am not really prepared to fork out R4000 +- a month on a new car, or even a newer low mileage car. The car is a good price and as I said has been well looked after so I feel that it will be a good deal.

Turbos on these cars do not last very long ( between 80 000 and 100 000 KM) and costs a fortune to replace up to R20 000.
You might save on fuel cost but the maintenance and services is more expensive than a petrol vehicle.

 

[Fazda]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with buying a diesel with 200 000 on the clock, provided it has been well maintained.

Please don't listen to all the rubbish being bandied about about the turbos packing up...99% of it is hearsay...provided a turbo is properly driven, and it seems to have been in this case, you shouldn't have any problem at all...NOBODY can predict when a car will finally give in the ghost, so basing your purchase on the advice of a whole lot of people who don't know the car from Adam, is not the way to go.

Just a final word on AA testing...I saw a car get an A1 rating from them a few years back, despite having NO shock-absorber on the left front...I tend to treat their tests with as major dollop of scepticism as a result....

 

[Grimspoon]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with buying a diesel with 200 000 on the clock, provided it has been well maintained.

Please don't listen to all the rubbish being bandied about about the turbos packing up...99% of it is hearsay...provided a turbo is properly driven, and it seems to have been in this case, you shouldn't have any problem at all...NOBODY can predict when a car will finally give in the ghost, so basing your purchase on the advice of a whole lot of people who don't know the car from Adam, is not the way to go.

Just a final word on AA testing...I saw a car get an A1 rating from them a few years back, despite having NO shock-absorber on the left front...I tend to treat their tests with as major dollop of scepticism as a result....

Fazda, I have to agree with everything you are saying, but I did expect most of the comments to be negative ones

As you say, you can never tell when the car will give up. I mean you can buy a 2 year old car that dies, or a 8 year old car that clocks 500 000 K's.

@ the AA testing, that is hilarious. Just goes to show.

One thing I forgot to mention is that this guy actually has a few cars, one of which is a 4x4 which has 600 000 Km's on it and it is still going strong. I think that gives you some idea of how he looks after his vehicles.

 

[Freshy-ZN]

If you really know and trust this guy then maybe. But high mileage diesels (turbocharged) are normally just too high a risk IMO.

 

[Fazda]

Fazda, I have to agree with everything you are saying, but I did expect most of the comments to be negative ones

As you say, you can never tell when the car will give up. I mean you can buy a 2 year old car that dies, or a 8 year old car that clocks 500 000 K's.

@ the AA testing, that is hilarious. Just goes to show.

One thing I forgot to mention is that this guy actually has a few cars, one of which is a 4x4 which has 600 000 Km's on it and it is still going strong. I think that gives you some idea of how he looks after his vehicles.

I am only negative when dealing with idiots!

This guy certainly sounds like the sort of guy to buy from...my advice, based on what you have told us, is to go for it!!

 

[jphegers]

If you really know and trust this guy then maybe. But high mileage diesels (turbocharged) are normally just too high a risk IMO.

+1

 

[MadMailMan]

Diesels can and do run forever. Turbo diesels... Not so much.

You say the current owner works on the cars himself so there will be no warranty on the "new" turbo and other parts that have been replaced? I would be very carefull. From experience with buying a second hand Isuzu 280DT which then cost me the whole purchase price again to rebuild the engine and cooling system I would be very carefull.

Also remember that a car can give problems no matter how well it's been maintained. I've also read quite a few posts of people having problems with the VW turbo diesels but I can't remember if it's the 1.9 or the 2l that has had more issues. Either way best you have a little reserve fund just in case something goes pop. Maybe fone VW and ask what it costs for a new turbo and then base your reseve fund on that? Also what will you drive while it is being repaired. That goes for any car actually, new or used.

Good luck!

 

[Grimspoon]

Diesels can and do run forever. Turbo diesels... Not so much.

You say the current owner works on the cars himself so there will be no warranty on the "new" turbo and other parts that have been replaced? I would be very carefull. From experience with buying a second hand Isuzu 280DT which then cost me the whole purchase price again to rebuild the engine and cooling system I would be very carefull.

Also remember that a car can give problems no matter how well it's been maintained. I've also read quite a few posts of people having problems with the VW turbo diesels but I can't remember if it's the 1.9 or the 2l that has had more issues. Either way best you have a little reserve fund just in case something goes pop. Maybe fone VW and ask what it costs for a new turbo and then base your reseve fund on that? Also what will you drive while it is being repaired. That goes for any car actually, new or used.

Good luck!

Thanks MadMailMan. I hear what you are saying, that fact that it has been well maintained is obviously just a bonus but doesn't guarantee anything. I guess bottom line is I will need to decide if it is worth the risk. Then again I currently driving a older car that has given me a few issues so I potentially would not be in much of a different situation. I will be able to fix it if it broke.

 

[jphegers]

There is a program on Radio 702 every Friday presented by two guys by the name of Sagie Moodly and Adam Ford. Mr Moodly worked for Mercedes Benz before opening his own business. Both these gents do not have a very high regard for Diesel passenger vehicles.do yourself a favour and give them a call before you make your final decision.
Mr Sagie Moodley-- 011 887 7102.
Mr Adam Ford--- 011315 1363