Thinking about buying a vRS but its got no paper and a cat D BUT its only got "46000 miles" but if the DVLA mot checker says the last 3 mots are correct do you think its worth a punt? give it a service and a cam belt just for piece of mind?

Probably worth a punt but depends what you pay for it and why it was a Cat D

I'd walk away if it's more than £2000

Probably worth a punt but depends what you pay for it and why it was a Cat D

I'd walk away if it's more than £2000

Even if its a case of traffic light bump or whatever? I really want one thats done less than 100,000 miles ideally but they are mostly around that figure.

Your assuming a lower mileage car will be better even though it's one that's already been written off though, which may not be the case.

Even if it hadn't been written off a low mielage isn't always an indicator of a good car.

 

100k isn't a ceiling that these cars hit and everything falls off or they explode.

I've owned my first VRS since 38k and have done almost 100k since then and all i've done other than standard maintenance is replace the suspension and had to replace the turbo (which given the car had done mulitple trackdays during it's 125k life wasn't a surprise)

That said we bought a second one for my other half and the turbo went pop at 45k.

The big consumables that cause horror stories on here are mostly a lottery of when/if they will happen.

 

It does depend on what you are planning on spending though....

Even if its a case of traffic light bump or whatever? I really want one thats done less than 100,000 miles ideally but they are mostly around that figure.

I REALLY don't want to come across like a ******, and I am honestly trying to be helpful.

That said, I REALLY don't understand your point of view. You're so keen to get a low mileage car that you'd buy an unhistoried insurance write-off?

BUY ON CONDITION, NOT MILEAGE.

There are plenty of average mileage vRS's with years of life left on them that have been LOVED by their owners. Please be patient, look at a lot of cars and buy a good one once you know what you're looking at.

I have a 38,000 mile dashpod I can stick in mine if you really want a low-mileage one. I promise you, you'd never know the difference between mine and a new one. Except mine has a service book with a stamp on every page. Two stamps on every page near the back!

There are loads of good vRS's. You might have to travel to find one, and it's probably worth setting aside £1000 of your budget to get the car you buy 100% the way you want it! and if you buy on condition! you might end up with a higher mileage one. It will be a joy though when you do get it.

Your assuming a lower mileage car will be better even though it's one that's already been written off though, which may not be the case.

Even if it hadn't been written off a low mielage isn't always an indicator of a good car.

 

100k isn't a ceiling that these cars hit and everything falls off or they explode.

I've owned my first VRS since 38k and have done almost 100k since then and all i've done other than standard maintenance is replace the suspension and had to replace the turbo (which given the car had done mulitple trackdays during it's 125k life wasn't a surprise)

That said we bought a second one for my other half and the turbo went pop at 45k.

The big consumables that cause horror stories on here are mostly a lottery of when/if they will happen.

 

It does depend on what you are planning on spending though....

 

 

I REALLY don't want to come across like a ******, and I am honestly trying to be helpful.

That said, I REALLY don't understand your point of view. You're so keen to get a low mileage car that you'd buy an unhistoried insurance write-off?

BUY ON CONDITION, NOT MILEAGE.

There are plenty of average mileage vRS's with years of life left on them that have been LOVED by their owners. Please be patient, look at a lot of cars and buy a good one once you know what you're looking at.

I have a 38,000 mile dashpod I can stick in mine if you really want a low-mileage one. I promise you, you'd never know the difference between mine and a new one. Except mine has a service book with a stamp on every page. Two stamps on every page near the back!

There are loads of good vRS's. You might have to travel to find one, and it's probably worth setting aside £1000 of your budget to get the car you buy 100% the way you want it! and if you buy on condition! you might end up with a higher mileage one. It will be a joy though when you do get it.

 

Your both right. But i was looking at it in the way i want to go down the bigger turbo route to 200bhp-ish and wasnt sure about sure about a 100k+ mileage diesel engine with 200bhp-ish. Also its going to be my first diesel so i dont know how they cope at high mileage with decent power.

The turbo is the main weak point on high mileage cars (and low mileage ones to a certain extent) so if you are planning on ripping the standard KKK out and putting a hybrid on there anyway mileage is of little or no consequence.

If you are going 200bhp plus you'll also need an uprated clutch anyway which is the 2nd on the list of mileage related wear and tear.

 

The only other thing that would need changing on a high mileage car would be the suspension but again if you are going hybrid you're probably going coilovers so again not really problem.

 

That said if the Cat D has been repaired properly and is cheap it might be worth the punt, but why do you feel safer replacing new parts with new parts, rather than old parts with new parts

from my experience with Cat D's, you never quite get it looking/feeling the same after an accident, panel lines are always a little off and other problems, such as leaks into the car from the back or leaks from the car in the front, that said my VRS is on 138k and is running 185bhp on standard turbo and smic with recently added uprated clutch, like the guys say, a well looked after car is probably going to be a safer bet than one that has already been written off

 

that said i've had a couple of "mot" failures over the years that i've bought for a few quid and done up and they've gone on for years, just keep your eyes open, does depend on how handy you are around a garage mind

 

Pete

That said if the Cat D has been repaired properly and is cheap it might be worth the punt, but why do you feel safer replacing new parts with new parts, rather than old parts with new parts

 

Was just thinking along the lines of engine internals.

Never heard of any engine internals having issues.

I think the later newer BLT engines did have some piston issues and a couple of highly tuned cars did crack either a piston or the block but it's not a common issue

If its a recent cat d it wouldnt take much damage to write them off

Some old cars get car d's for being in a fender bender and getting a bashed in bumper

Another reason why a cat D can have lower mileage is how long has the car been sat around the salvage yard waiting to be sold and then repaired?

I take it, its was Cat D and now repaired.

Not one being bought, ready for you to do the repairs.

 

But the no paperwork needs explained.

Same with any Declared Category vehicles, not just this vRS.   Where is the paperwork?

Where did the seller get the vehicle, do they have an Invoice or Receipt for what they paid?

 

? Where are you buying it from,  is there a V5 available to check the Engine Number/VIN against.

 Any Receipts for parts, new or used, if not, why not?

 

You need to be sure if airbags went off, not only that they are there, replaced,

Does the Airbag Light go on for a check then go out again.

 

If you are going for it, then ask the Seller if you can put it in for a MOT at a place you choose before you buy.

or before even leave a deposit.

Can be £54 well spent by you.

 

george

Never heard of any engine internals having issues.

I think the later newer BLT engines did have some piston issues and a couple of highly tuned cars did crack either a piston or the block but it's not a common issue

 

Inst it the SE that has the BLT engine? Also if that's the case my mates selling this vRS that's done a little over 120k but its got pretty much brand new seat front mount and milltek exhaust and a new clutch when it was remapped at dark side if i recall correctly will full service history just had cam belt done . That do you think its worth?

 

If its a recent cat d it wouldnt take much damage to write them off

Some old cars get car d's for being in a fender bender and getting a bashed in bumper

 

Yeah my mates polo TDI was write off a couple of months ago because someone reversed into him only dented front wing and popped indicator lense.

Edited 24 December, 201312 yr by MartM

I take it, its was Cat D and now repaired.

Not one being bought, ready for you to do the repairs.

 

But the no paperwork needs explained.

Same with any Declared Category vehicles, not just this vRS.   Where is the paperwork?

Where did the seller get the vehicle, do they have an Invoice or Receipt for what they paid?

 

? Where are you buying it from,  is there a V5 available to check the Engine Number/VIN against.

 Any Receipts for parts, new or used, if not, why not?

 

You need to be sure if airbags went off, not only that they are there, replaced,

Does the Airbag Light go on for a check then go out again.

 

If you are going for it, then ask the Seller if you can put it in for a MOT at a place you choose before you buy.

or before even leave a deposit.

Can be £54 well spent by you.

 

george

 

Its a dealership it was taken in as px, and it has an mot but from what pasty and wja96 are saying i really dont need to count on buying a car thats done below 100,000 mile car.

What paper work does it not have then?

You get another copy of the MOT print out, or at least a check shows it is current.

You need to check the Engine Number matches the car/V5.

No point looking at Mileometer readings when only the dash says the miles and it has a different engine fitted.

 

The dealer is selling it,

are they giving any Warranty, even 3 months, or 30 days?

 

Who MOT'd it,

them, or is it the remainder of what is on it.

 

Just get a new MOT done elsewhere and if the car suits what you want then all should be fine,

 at least then someone independent is casting a professional eye over it.

'What is the worst that can happen'.

 

If you are buying as a Keeper, it does not matter if it was a 'Car D', if now repaired correctly and all is legit.

& not over priced.

 

george

What paper work does it not have then?

You get another copy of the MOT print out, or at least a check shows it is current.

You need to check the Engine Number matches the car/V5.

No point looking at Mileometer readings when only the dash says the miles and it has a different engine fitted.

 

The dealer is selling it,

are they giving any Warranty, even 3 months, or 30 days?

 

Who MOT'd it,

them, or is it the remainder of what is on it.

 

Just get a MOT done elsewhere and if the car suits what you want then all should be fine,

 at least then someone independent is casting a professional eye over it.

'What is the worst that can happen'.

 

If you are buying as a Keeper, it does not matter if it was a 'Car D', if now repaired correctly and all is legit.

& not over priced.

 

george

 

It has non at all lol, not an mot not any service history nothing. And its on a private reg and Skoda have nothing on there system on it.

It is what the DVLA have on their system 'Database' that matters,

Skoda Service History really has little importance, other than confirming first Registration, Country First Registered in etc.

Obviously service record, but thats not much importance is it?

 

Best see if the car is in the DVLA records and on what Registration Number.

** If you PM me the Reg No.on the car  i will see what i can see on the car.**

 

Well then you need to do the same checking with that as you will buying any car privately even with Paperwork.

Buyer beware.

Take a trained and trusted mechanic with you when looking.

 

A Licensed Second Hand Car dealer has legal responsibilities & needs to protect them shelve and their customers and not be resetting a dodgy motor.

THERE IS PAPERWORK, IF THEY TOOK IT IN A TRADE IN, THEY KNOW THE SELLER, WHAT CAR HE GOT FROM THEM.
& IT IS ON THEIR RECORDS, THE vRS IS NOW 'IN TRADE' OR SHOULD BE.

 

Service History in a Service Book with all the receipts means nothing,

you can buy those hooky ones made up for you anyplace.

 

Have fun looking for your new car.

 

george

It sounds like a 'cut 'n' shut' or a 'ringer' to me, I wouldn't touch it with a bargepole.

 

The fact that the dealer is trying to sell it to you speaks volumes, it means that all his trade contacts who would normally buy the PX's have run away laughing like drains.

 

Don't touch it.

 

Get one with a FULL history in superb condition and use mileage as the bargaining tool, the only thing that knackers these engines is irregular or incorrect oil changes.

The 'Personal Registration' is now on another Car & that car is Insured.  (a 2010 VW Golf S)

 

so basically you need to find out from the Dealer the new Registration Number allocated to the vRS by the DVLA.

You will be able to find out from the DVLA the original Reg Number, and any other information.

 

The car can have a 'VIC' done by VOSA, (Vehicle Identification Check') and then be be Re-Registered if any doubts or problems.

The vehicle can be Legit, or as bent as a 9 bob note.

Always interesting to find out which.

 

If a Straight car it can be a Bargain,  

or it can be seized and scrapped if not.

 

george

The 'Personal Registration' is now on another Car & that car is Insured.  (a 2010 VW Golf S)

That alone would make me run a mile.

Inst it the SE that has the BLT engine? Also if that's the case my mates selling this vRS that's done a little over 120k but its got pretty much brand new seat front mount and milltek exhaust and a new clutch when it was remapped at dark side if i recall correctly will full service history just had cam belt done . That do you think its worth?

All vRS since about August 2005 had the BLT engine. On paper it's 130bhp, in reality the cars were running at least 140bhp and I have seen people quoting rolling road numbers over 155bhp from standard engines.

Unfortunately you don't say what your mate's car is like but assuming it's in reasonable condition then it's worth somewhere between £2000 for an 03 plate to £5000 for an 07 plate. Darkside are a well known tuner and do good work. The modifications actually reduce the value of the car in the normal market, so don't pay any extra for the FMIC or Milltek. To most people a tuned car is a thrashed car.

Does it have other performance modifications? Rear anti-roll bar, 312mm brakes, lowered suspension, 17" wheels? What are the tyres like? Does it use oil? Does it use coolant? Does the air conditioning work? Has he sealed the rear doors?

As he's your mate you'll know how he drives. If you're prepared to buy his old car, then go for it, otherwise buy a standard car and modify it yourself. Why is he selling it? Would he sell it to you? I personally wouldn't ever sell a FRIEND a car as I would always feel responsible if anything went wrong. Even years afterwards! That's just me though.

Can only echo what Pasty and wja96 have said, ALWAYS buy a car on the history and condition. 

 

I bought my Fabia at 5 years old and with 116000 miles but full service history at the original supplying dealer. It was clean inside, few stone chips on the bonnet but not too bad otherwise. I'd had one owner from new, a IT company. They gave all their employees a company car, all but one chose PD130 Octavias, the one young lad wanted the vRS. 

 

Anyway, 5 years on, it's running about 220bhp, full spec is in my sig. The engine has never been opened up, it doesn't smoke, it doesn't use oil, it doesn't make any funny noises. The only time it failed me was when the starter motor earth lead broke, a roll down the hill and bump start and I was off. 

 

These cars are slowly becoming increasingly difficult to pick up and good original nick, I'd rather one with 130/140/150000 miles on and full history than one with 50000 miles and no history. Unless the cat D is mega cheap I wouldnt bother, these PD engines like to be looked after, if they are they will go forever but chuck in cheap oil and let it run on the stuff for 3 years between changes and they'll soon start giving issues. 

As he's your mate you'll know how he drives. If you're prepared to buy his old car, then go for it, otherwise buy a standard car and modify it yourself. Why is he selling it? Would he sell it to you? I personally wouldn't ever sell a FRIEND a car as I would always feel responsible if anything went wrong. Even years afterwards! That's just me though.

 

I know I certainly wouldnt buy some of my mates old cars 

All vRS since about August 2005 had the BLT engine.

 

Mines a 55 plate registered 13/10/2005 but has the asz engine code so maybe a few older engines slipped through the net