I am looking at getting another fabia (after 2 mk1 vrs's). Thinking of another or a mk2 estate in elegance spec but my budget will only allow for cars with over 100k. I have found an estate with 140k that I like, is the 1.6td cr engine ok or should I bide my time for a lower mileage one.

imho - go higher still or wait.

Engines these days are generally good for 200k or more if well looked after, especially on a diesel 100k is nothing. However, a lot of other parts - suspension, brakes, hoses etc are starting to get a little long in the tooth by then. A lot of people see 100k as 'oh dear it's all about to explode' and promptly offload. By the time it's got to 130k or more, most of that will have had to be replaced.

One of my neighbours once had a 250k BMW 5 Series. Other than some slightly tatty leather, it was basically like a new car as everything had been replaced at some point.

I service my cars every 10k, which is about every 6 weeks. My current Vw Caddy has 210k on it and it's running mint, it's just a little rough on the road, suspension isn't as tight as it obviously once was and it rattles like mad...... it's a taxi, I don't particularly care about it, but I'll still look after it and ensure it's serviced regularly.

The trick is knowing how to look for a genuine high mileage car that has been looked after that you will get some decent service out of.

 

Buy a high mileage car that needs another £1000 of bits and bobs and you might as well of added that amount to your budget and bought a better car in the first place.

With a high mileage car as with any try to see what the windscreen looks like in the sunshine.

Star spangled ones are a PITA, and it is handy if recently replaced rather than having to have 'an accident' soon after purchasing the car.

The obvious little things are good tyres on and wipers as you inspect the car.

Then the little bits and pieces, like needing to replace Belts, Water Pump, Chain / Tensioner if they have, Fluids, Filters etc if you can not trust the service record.

Or at least budget in a major service.

 

PS

A member was selling recently a beaut of a Mk2 Fabia Diesel with many updates, 

maybe gone, but then real enthusiasts cars appear for sale on this forum regularly.

Edited 21 December, 20169 yr by Offski

We bought our 08 Roomster 2 years ago with 110k miles on the clock, it had been serviced every 10k miles on the dot and we knew that we would be adding only 6 to 8k miles a year. So far non service items amount to new rear springs and a set of rear pads.

I bought my Vrs tdi estate 2 years ago with 113k on it. It was a 3 year old ex Lex fleet car which had been on variable services.

 

Despite the mileage the car was in really good condition other than a few stone chips which had been touched in. There were no rattles or bangs from the suspension.

 

I have had it changed to 10k services and intend to keep it at least 5 years, but if it's still ok probably 6 or 7 years. Current mileage is 146k. Other than usual servicing items and the cambelt and water pump the only other expenditure has been front tyres, front brake pads, two headlight bulbs and a number plate bulb.  

Personally, with the fabia, id try to get the 1.9tdi over the 1.6 but that's just me. As for miles, as long as its been serviced every 10k you will be fine. Bought my mk1 fabia at 100k, drove it till 171k with no issues mechanically. Currently own an Octavia, bought it 3 years ago on 80k, now also on 171k, again, no issues, its all about maintenance! Condition is much more important than age or mileage IMO.

One of my neighbours once had a 250k BMW 5 Series. Other than some slightly tatty leather, it was basically like a new car as everything had been replaced at some point.

 

 

Trigger's broom.

Thanks for all the responses, I am torn with going for the mk2 fabia or a new contender in the former of a mk5 golf gt tdi. Mk1 fab is out because of car seats. I will let Christmas go and then decide.

The problem is it's tough to find a decent looked after car at many price points. When we were looking at 3 series for the Mrs, even at a decent budget it was hard work finding one that didn't need bushes etc.

I went with high miles on my Fabia, the turbo died but everything else was good on it. Used the money saved to upgrade a few bits on it.

Octavia vRS, was on 165k, run spot on, spent nothing on it, didn't need anything.

I'd find something with decent history and not focus on the miles much,

It's a lottery on any car but if the price is ok and it looks like it's been looked after then why not.

The problem is it's tough to find a decent looked after car at many price points. When we were looking at 3 series for the Mrs, even at a decent budget it was hard work finding one that didn't need bushes etc.

I went with high miles on my Fabia, the turbo died but everything else was good on it. Used the money saved to upgrade a few bits on it.

Octavia vRS, was on 165k, run spot on, spent nothing on it, didn't need anything.

I'd find something with decent history and not focus on the miles much,

Same when i was looking around to change the Octavia. Ended up with the insignia as it was the only option available in budget, with decent price negotiating that was with spec and fairly well minded. Most of the Octavias in budget were massive milage (200k +) or the interiors were more wrecked looking than what i was trading :(