High mileage question

[Dave40]

As I mentioned in my question re central locking I have my eye on Passat estate: 2.0 SE 130, 2003. This is to replace my old trusty old Passat of some 10 years.
I know these cars have a reputation for handling high miles well especially if well serviced. The one I'm looking at has done 130k as a former fleet car and seems very sound. It has a full vw service history and the asking price is just over 4k which seems ok- yet the miles still make me a little nervous (even though mine still runs sweetly at 210K).
Anything I should be particularly cautious of when I go back for a second look tomorrow or words of reassurance?

Cheers,
Dave

[guyg]

From my experience and spending a bit of time on this forum, I would say many of the typical Passat problems are not specifically mileage related.

The only thing I would say is to walk away if it hasn't got an immaculate service history. Regular oil changes with the correct type are essential. It should also have has a new cam belt kit [inc tensioner] at 120k. This will cost you £400 at a dealer if it hasn't been done.

Don't know about thr price; get someone to get a mileage adjusted price from Glasses guide for you. There seems to be an increasing trend for dealers to ask near retail prices on cars that are way over 'normal' mileage. They get away with it because too many punters don't realise how much extra miles eat into the residual value - it pays to research thoroughly...

Cheers

Guy

[Dave40]

That's great advice. Thanks Guy.
I remeber seeing reference to a cam belt change in the service history- I'll scrutinise that tomorrow.
From searching around on the net the price does seem to take some account of its miles but I'll delve deeper before tomorrow.
Thanks again!

Cheers,
Dave

[Dave40]

Well, the good news turned out to be that the cam belt had been changed at 90k according to the service history and everything seemed nice enough for me to part with my cash.
The less than good news came by way of a very faint whine/whistle whilst accelerating through 50-60mph in fourth gear about half an hour into my trip home. Never heard it on either test drive.
A little worrying!

[guyg]

May be nothing, but get the gearbox oil checked, I don't think this is on any of the service schedules.

Hopefully all will be well and you'll have lots of trouble free miles...

Cheers

Guy

[Dave40]

Good call, Guy!
I took the car straight to the mechanic that had looked after my previous Passat over the last few years and after a quick drive he assured me it really wasn't anything to worry about. We then booked it in for a check on the oil level in the gear box.
Phew!
I finally managed to relax and enjoy the car today. Terrific cockpit and a very smooth ride.
Thanks again for your help and patience.

All the best,
Dave

[adamss24]

Well, the good news turned out to be that the cam belt had been changed at 90k according to the service history and everything seemed nice enough for me to part with my cash.
The less than good news came by way of a very faint whine/whistle whilst accelerating through 50-60mph in fourth gear about half an hour into my trip home. Never heard it on either test drive.
A little worrying!
Hi, i reckon that's the turbo spooling ! The pd 130 does make this noise from 1800 rpm all the way to the redline( if you can hear it over the noise of the engine !) but its worth going to a specialist to double check.

[Turkster]

i cant add much more than whats already been posted, as long as belts and oil have been changed then alls well,

my B5.5 130bhp tdi is about to have all 3 belts done by a VW service at £317 inc vat, my cars just turned 140k and should have been done at 120k but was never done even when that seller promissed me it was, i got my car on a sunday and had now way of seeing of he was telling porkies, but not a real issue as at least i will know its all been done for sure,

[Dave40]

Hi, i reckon that's the turbo spooling ! The pd 130 does make this noise from 1800 rpm all the way to the redline( if you can hear it over the noise of the engine !) but its worth going to a specialist to double check.



Thanks for that adamss24, I'll mention that to the mechanic on Tuesday. He's going to give the car a general look over.

Hi Turkster,
Thanks for your help. I agree - better to err on the safe side :beerchug:

Cheers,
Dave