Is it worth buying a car that has 130,000 miles on the clock, how many more miles is it likely to do?

Question

Car is a Vauxhall Vectra 1.8 16v LS.

1998 R reg.

Car has full Service History and has been looked after very well.

Car is going for £700 (cheap as I know the buyer)

Answer 1

Vauxhall engines are very well built and should last for a while longer if its had a FSH, along with regular use avoiding short journeys.

I'd be wary of electrics though, they often go wrong on Vauxhalls.

Answer 2

A vehicle used a lot for short journeys will wear quicker than a vehicle that is used for long journeys on motorways etc because the engine needs time to warm up and thin the engine oil sufficiently to lubricate all moving parts inside. If used for short journeys this does not happen and can cause premature wear. eg: a car built in 2000 with a mileage of 40000 might be more worn than a car built in the same year with 150000 on the clock.

If they were to fit a counter for how many times the drivers door had been opened, instead of a mileage...

Answer 3

Any car can excell that if you look after it well, service regular, and generally drive it easy. If it has had a rough time with a heavy right footed driver, walk away now!

Vectra's are good as there are plenty which means parts are easy to find, look at the body, any knocks or rust then walk otherwise it should be ok.

Answer 4

130,000 miles isn't alot for a modern car. I have a vectra the same age with 250,000 on the clock which runs like new. And i work for vauxhall and see alot with high mileage cars still running strong.

Answer 5

Depends very much on the car, make and model, and of course service history. We need more info!

If, for example it's a Peugeot 405 Turbo Diesel - then I have seen those cars with 250,000 miles on the clock and still running. Likewise with a lot of diesels, the engines can last a lot longer than the petrol equivalents.

Small runabout cars too might well be worth buying at high mileage IF they are in good condition otherwise. (As they are often cheaper) You'd have to have a good listen to the engine and check things to be in good order before you buy.

And with any 2nd hand car, is it good enough to be worth putting in to have the Cam belt changed? It varies from car to car, but they normally need them changing at around 60,000 miles and 120,000 miles - and this can cost you a few hundred pounds minimum. If one of those snaps your entire engine will grind to a halt and can be very costly to repair. (As my Dad knows - one snapping wrote his last car off)
Do you know when the cam belt was last done?

Answer 6

Yes for £700 it should last for a while>if it has a full Vauxhall service history check that it has had a recent cam belt change.It could do over 200,000 miles ok .Regards Mike

Answer 7

if it has full service history with around 10-15 stamps, bargain. all lot of cars car do 200,000 easy. also vauxhall parts are cheap, lots of garages. and for £700 even if it lasts a year or 2, you've still got your money's worth.

Answer 8

No. Don't do it. Save yourself! The 1998 Vectra had a very bad reputation for its reliability. Try a: Honda or a Toyota, they never break down.

Answer 9

Also depends on te age of the car. If it's done that much in any less than the average 13 years (+/- 10,000 per year) then don't touch it.

People do say that cars beyond 100,000 miles are usually worth scrap.

Answer 10

A well kept and maintained vehicle with 130,000 miles could have years of service left in it. If you can get it for a good price and check it over for any obvious problems first then go ahead. I have personally driven a few vehicles to over 200,000 miles. Good luck!