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Motoring

Volkswagen Passat - opinion please

In spring next year I have been offered my boyfriend's car when he buys a new one. Its a 'V' reg'd volkswagen passat - very nice condition & has been looked after - however by that time it will have approx 130,000 on the clock. It's a petrol engine.

I cannot afford to turn down this offer - but what is it likely to cost me in the long run - its a very high mileage - how long on average do the engines go before they start giving problems? What about other expensive-to-fix mechanical bits are likely to start going on a car this age?

I know this is a question that can only expect assumptions & averages - not definites, but advice would be welcome as to whether this 'free' car will ultimately turn out to be very expensive.


sallabananas  Tue 23/09/08 07:12
Panic Button
Tue 23/09/08
09:43
You shouldn't buy cars from family and friends - it can cause horrendous tension in relationships when faults occur.

Having said that 130,000 is not high for a well maintained VAG car.
sallabananas
Tue 23/09/08
10:03

Question Author

No you misunderstood - I'm not buying it - he's GIVING me it !!

He says its got very little scrap value & will not have an MOT so he would rather give it to me. So, daft to refuse eh?

I was pleased to hear you don't consider 130,000 too high a mileage.
sallabananas
Tue 23/09/08
10:33

Question Author

But it's a 'V' reg - would you class that as one of the newer cars?

thanks for your advice guys.
Zacsmaster
Tue 23/09/08
13:55
Don't really know why your asking this. If it's being given to you and you can afford to run it, simply do so until somthing major occurs which is worth more than the value of the car (which i estimate to be around £400 -£500).
tonyav
Tue 23/09/08
13:55
something to keep in mind if you have this car of your boyfriend parts and repairs are expensive for vw passat,s
sallabananas
Tue 23/09/08
13:58

Question Author

I'm asking it coz I'm a girl and we are suposed to know nohting about cars or money and are expected to ask stupid questions...!

thanks.


Panic Button
Tue 23/09/08
14:36
V reg is new to me! (I've got a P)
sallabananas
Tue 23/09/08
14:47

Question Author

My current car, a renault megane, is a 'P' also. (A pee'ing nuisance) - so going up to a 'V' is really a step up for me!

(I did once have a 51 plate from brand spanking new.... that was before my divorce... ;-(
Panic Button
Tue 23/09/08
14:49
It's a no brainer.

Take the VW.

Bin the Renault.

(That is assuming you are still with the boyfriend next spring, and don't plan to dump him just after that!)
sallabananas
Tue 23/09/08
14:52

Question Author

Hey - I said I am a girl who knows nowt about cars & is suposedly stupid with money - I didn't say I was a hardhearted golddigger.

(I'd have gone for a boyfriend with a Merc or a brand new Passat otherwise.....) ;-)
Cockney_si
Tue 23/09/08
15:56
You mentioned it will not have an MOT, if this is correct then you won't be able to drive it unless it's to the MOT test station or a garage to get the MOT work done.

Surely he's gonna MOT it for you before you get it?
sallabananas
Tue 23/09/08
16:02

Question Author

why should he MOT it for me? He's having to fork out on a new car, he's giving me the passat !!

He may have it MOT'd, but me pay the bill.
But a good friend of mine does MOT's, so I will get it down on the cheap anyway - the MOT certificate, a bit of beer money.
Cockney_si
Tue 23/09/08
16:17
There is no reason that he should MOT it for you no but it would be easier if you could have the MOT done just before he hands it over to you, that way it doesn't put you at risk when you drive it.
sallabananas
Tue 23/09/08
16:21

Question Author

I'll advise him on that one then!
keyplus90
Wed 24/09/08
10:57
Don't worry about the mileage as I know someone who have V W "well maintained though" and has done almost over 400K, still original gear box and engine.

Anyway boy friend can even pay for MOT as I don't see any problem there. I bought car for my wife and of course all the maintenance is on me as well. Poor men............
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