Buying advice - Passat estate

**housley1979** · 07-02-2009,07:34 PM

Hi

I'm after some advice on buying a used Passat estate. I've found one that I'm quite interested in and have managed to get what I think is a good deal with regards to px on my current car.

However, there's an issue that's nagging me about the mileage since the last service. It was last serviced at approx 19,000 miles and has now done nearly 48,000. My concern is that it hasn't had an oil change for too many miles for a diesel engine (or any engine for that matter) and I'm worried that it could have done some long term damage that I won't notice until a year or two down the line. The car is a 2006-56 plate, 2.0 (140) Sport.

The car is going for 9900 and the Peugeot dealer has offered me a warranty until the car is 3 years old in case the warranty is void with vw due to the late service and will service the car before collection.

So, am I worried about nothing and should I go for it, or should I walk away from the deal?

Thanks in advance.

**johnloaderuk** · 07-02-2009,08:21 PM

It does seem to show that this car hasn't been as well looked after as it should/could have been. Makes me think what else has been missed, or not done as it should have been. If in doubt, walk away. There will be more bargains around, it's just a matter of finding the right one. I'd look at VW dealers, and beat them down on price. Most are desperate for sales right now.Good luck with your car hunting.

PeterPassat · 07-02-2009,09:01 PM

Sorry but I wouldn't touch it.

**martin1810** · 07-02-2009,09:24 PM

No history doesn't mean no service. "do you feel lucky" I wouldn't buy it.

**zollaf** · 07-02-2009,09:30 PM

with it being a buyers market out there, i would find something that has definately been serviced. 29k is far too long to go without changing the oil. as said, it may have been changed and book not stamped, but no one knows.might be worth getting a vw dealer to check on their records though, just in case. if you cant verify it has been done, walk, or rather run away from it.

**Cylon2007** · 07-02-2009,09:36 PM

Like a few others on here I have recently picked up an 08 (57 reg) 140 tdi SE DSG (admittedly a saloon not estae) with 16K miles on for not much over 10K (in fact one I think got his for under 10K) so I really don't think that the one are you are considering is well priced (obviously no idea what trade in deal you have done).

Personally at that mileage, at that price and with suspect service history I would walk away and find another car.

**housley1979** · 08-02-2009,11:34 AM

Guys

Many thanks for your responses. I think what you're all saying is what I really thought anyway, think I just got carried away after the test drive and maybe it would be a good idea to buy the car.

Cheers

**housley1979** · 09-02-2009,06:49 PM

Following on from this, I've had an e-mail from the garage selling the car to say that it was actually serviced on 40000 miles, but the book wasn't stamped. He says he has confirmation of the service from the garage and will fax that over to me. It seems that the service was carried out at a service centre as opposed to a VW garage.

So, if I can get confirmation that it was definately serviced on 40000 should the fact that it wasn't a VW garage still be putting me off or would it be a safe buy?

**martin1810** · 09-02-2009,07:47 PM

Doesn't matter who does the service as long as it is done correctly using vw specific oil, filters etc. Why not ask the dealer to give it a proper 20k service now as part of the deal. That might put your mind at ease.

**johnloaderuk** · 09-02-2009,10:27 PM

Originally Posted by housley1979

Following on from this, I've had an e-mail from the garage selling the car to say that it was actually serviced on 40000 miles, but the book wasn't stamped. He says he has confirmation of the service from the garage and will fax that over to me. It seems that the service was carried out at a service centre as opposed to a VW garage.

So, if I can get confirmation that it was definately serviced on 40000 should the fact that it wasn't a VW garage still be putting me off or would it be a safe buy?

As you're still not sure about this car, I'd play safe and give it a miss. One will come up that has a full VW history, good condition, and at the right price. I wouldn't like to take this car back to any garage unless it's a VW dealer should it develop a problem in the near future, as unless they've got the correct VW diagnostics and relevant training it could be a nightmare. Obviously there are some other make dealers who do know the Passat well, but most probably don't. I also think it vital that the correct oils are used, which a non franchised garage may charge you for but didn't use it. You've worked hard for your money, put it in a safe purchase, and give this one a miss.