Mileage and care...

[Clark]

Hey guys. I'm lookin to buy an s2 at the moment, and as I consider cars coming up for sale I'm just wondering what is most important, mileage or care? I mean there are some cars that are nearing 200k miles, but have been modded and no doubt lovingly cared for, but there are also those with half the mileage, but non-"enthusiast" owned and hence probably not kept as well.

Am I wrong in thinking there are things that are just inevitably gonna go wrong with 170k mile cars, no matter how well they've been cared for? I just can't imagine a car with that many miles running as well as one with, say 90k. As usual I appreciate any info/opinions.

[S2 Ant]

In my opinion mileage isnt something to be afraid of, if you consider the care the car has had then you can judge accordingly.
A low mileage car (100k or there abouts) will have had a cambelt done but will still be a 10-15yr old car, depending on plate, so suspension wears out over time and needs replacing, clutches die etc etc etc

a car with a few more miles will have likely crossed these hurdles already so have the more long term items replaced as well making the car as good as new.

VAG Engines go on forever if looked after as well, i wouldnt worry too much about FSH either, my car never went to a dealer for a service if it did it would have cost me the earth because i changed the oil every 5k or there abouts and because i got healthy discounts thru either forum contacts or friends the car wanted for nothing, im not the most financially able person on here so a lot of others on here would have cared even more for there cars.

Basically i would say balance up the receipt collection when considering the car as it will speak volumes about the car

[SR71]

This is my car with 185K miles on it.

Not many would guess the car has that kind of mileage on it.

Apart from gobbling the juice, this year the only money I have spent on the car are cosmetic upgrades (Porsche brakes, RS6 rims, 3" turbo-back SS exhaust - cosmetic?) and the relevant necessary servicing costs.

I lie.

I recently replaced the aux water pump after the housing split.

The clutch is original.

The MAF has only ever played up once.

I did replace the Hall sensor - this was the one time the car let me down and would not start.

The knock sensors have been replaced.

The WGFV has also been replaced.

The entry to the IC has the additional Mark Halligan mod done to it to mitigate against boost leaks in the location they most normally develop.

I have recently developed a ticking noise with one of my brakes which may prove to be only a loose clip.

The engine seems like it could go on for ever.

IMHO, its the running gear that'll let you down before the block.

Just depends on the car.

I'll be keeping my mine until it's got well over 200K miles on it. I've done 60K miles on it in 2 years.

Its testimony to the strength of the car that I'd even think of getting an MRC map with this kind of mileage on it.

My $0.02.

[stevieyid]

Mine has just tonight hit the 180k mark I had a remapp done at 167k and appart from the normal items that need to be replaced over time it has been fantastic

[Markarina]

had mine for 7 years now and done 140k miles giving it a total of about 225k, have done shocks all round and clutch in the last couple of years, I drive it just about every day and it feels like it will go on for ever, about to put some SAMCO's on otherwise it's stock.

Mark

91 S2 3B pearl white

[iain1067]

It's generally the suspension that wears out long before the engine, provided you keep on top of maintenance and can do a lot yourself you will be fine.

[Fat Audi 80]

You should completely ignore the mileage and go on service history, overall condition. attitude of the current owner and if you don't see a folder full of bills and reciepts for work done, walk away.

These cars need looking after to the tune of £1k - £2k ish per year. If the previous owner has not done that then IMHO, they will not have looked after it properly.

With all that said, I have another relatively high mileage (158k) S2 coupe that is in excellent condition.

There are things that go wrong, but generally these are not the highly expensive things, just wear and tear over a number of years.

As I said go into S2 ownership with your eyes open. You will spend £1 - £2k per year maintaining one and more if you are like me and want it as new!

Good luck - its the best car you will ever own....

Cheers,

Steve