L322 Choice of Mileage or Service History

Hey All,

I'm looking to buy an 04ish 4.4v8 Vogue as a run around. Ive got two cars to look at both of a similar age and spec with one on 85k but sketchy Service History and the other on 130k with full history and two owners. I'm in two minds here as am I about to by loads of problems on the 85k car that the 130k will have experienced and had fixed.

Appreciate your views on what you would choose between the two.

Alan

Interpretation of the owner can tell you more.

You could get an 85k mileage car that has been excellently maintained and receipts lost, or work done by the owner that has no reciepts but the car has been cared for, or just ignored.

You could get a 130k mileage car that has been excellently maintained and receipts lost, or work done by the owner that has no reciepts but the car has been cared for, or just ignored.

An owner that takes an interest in the vehicle and attends to things as they are needed is more valuable than a car that goes to a main stealer once a year when the MOT is due.

Fag burns in the carpet and seats or a well cared for interior is often more telling than a bunch of 'get it through the MOT' receipts

Alan Greig said:

Hey All,

I'm looking to buy an 04ish 4.4v8 Vogue as a run around. Ive got two cars to look at both of a similar age and spec with one on 85k but sketchy Service History and the other on 130k with full history and two owners. I'm in two minds here as am I about to by loads of problems on the 85k car that the 130k will have experienced and had fixed.

Appreciate your views on what you would choose between the two.

Alan

Click to expand...

Honestly.

People fuss WAY too much over Service History...

People also fuss WAY too much over mileage.

As a rule, neither will tell you anything useful about a car.


Buy on condition ---> That's why you go and inspect it before buying (or pay someone too if you can't, or can't find a mate to help you).

Buy on spec ---> This is easy, if it's not the vehicle you want, either don't buy, or compromise on what spec you want, including things like colour.

Buy on how it drives ---> Which is why you go for a test drive in a vehicle before buying.

Bought my 2004 4.4V8 (BMW) petrol/LPG with 130,000 miles 4 years ago. didn't even have it checked, paid cash the same day. I knew it had been looked after by the seller and previous owner, had receipts and owner serviced (dealer servicing means nowt!!) Now on 180,000 miles, problem free, only ever had it serviced (inc gearbox, transfer boxes etc. and put tyres on). Look well and you will get a goodie. Leap at the first one who lifts her skirts at yer ...... stand by!! Dealer servicing is worthless IMHO!

My 4.4 is on 170k. Runs like a dream. I've changed the pcv valve and breather pipes etc. And it's already had the timing chain guides done, worth checking is this work has been done