Buying a 'garage queen' + engine worries..

Started by salvatore10, January 22, 2015, 18:24

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salvatore10

January 22, 2015, 18:24 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
I've been looking for a while to buy an MR2, and would like to have it for a good 6+ years without having to spend loads on repairs.
 Ideally I'd like to get a later model, one that has the latest engine revision. So a 55/06/56 plate with around 50k miles on the clock would be perfect. I'd happily part with 5k for one in black or grey with FSH and a hardtop. I'm looking for one from a dealer, so I have somewhere to go if problems occur with it.

Unfortunately my search hasn't been especially fruitful, I've turned up an 06 plate for 4k, but with 76k miles (seems pretty high), a lengthy service gap, basic spec, and a pushy salesman who put me off.  
 m http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ?logcode=p m

I've found this beautiful one (54 plate) and put a holding deposit on it until I can see it in the flesh.   s:) :) s:)   An AA guy is checking it over tomorrow. It ticks all my boxes apart from having the latest short block, should I be at all worried by this? The dealer has been very pleasant and seems very legit, yesterday it failed its MOT (they put 12 months on their cars) on rear brake efficiency/calipers, but he's had the repairs done.
 m http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ?logcode=p m

Haha, I should have left it at that, but then I also found this one, it is an 06 plate in black with full service history but it only has 26000 miles on it.
 m http://www.gjhautomotive.co.uk/used-car ... 8096483315 m
Do any of you have experience of buying a very low mileage version? I'm aware that cars are meant to be used, and long periods of inactivity can lead to numerous issues, but does the low mileage mean that there is likely to be much more life left in it than the version that has done 76k? It has averaged 60 miles a week for nine years, so maybe has never had a proper run out? It could have done 1000 miles a month each summer, and then been static the rest of the year...

What are your thoughts?   s:) :) s:)

loadswine

#1
January 22, 2015, 19:05 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
I know you didn't specify as old as an 03 or in silver, but my neighbour is thinking of selling my old Silver 03 with red leather and aircon, 43 k miles, new clutch and brakes. It is a nice one, as I fettled it myself. Just throwing it out there if it appealed at all.  s;) ;) s;)
No Roadster any more, Golf 7.5 GTi Performance

mikey P

#2
January 22, 2015, 19:13 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
Personally I would always buy a car of this age privately from an enthusiast. As they you can ask a lot more about it and make a judgement about them. Also if my car was OK I would sell privately but if it knew it had issues I would likely part exchange at a dealer or sell to we buy any car, as although I would be getting a lower price I wouldn't have any come back. Therefore my thoughts is a dealer car (prob sourced from an auction) is likely to have at least as many problems with it compared to a private sale.

salvatore10

#3
January 22, 2015, 19:17 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
Quote from: "loadswine"I know you didn't specify as old as an 03 or in silver, but my neighbour is thinking of selling my old Silver 03 with red leather and aircon, 43 k miles, new clutch and brakes. It is a nice one, as I fettled it myself. Just throwing it out there if it appealed at all.  s;) ;) s;)

Thanks for your post loadswine!   s:D :D s:D  
It counts for a lot if a car is vouched for by an enthusiast!   s8) 8) s8)  
I do think though that I'd like to get as late a version as I can, I'd be happy to pay a fair bit more for a few extra years of reliable running.

loadswine

#4
January 22, 2015, 19:22 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
No problem, its good to have a clear plan of what you want.  s:) :) s:)
I hope you manage to get a really nice one.  s:) :) s:)
No Roadster any more, Golf 7.5 GTi Performance

salvatore10

#5
January 22, 2015, 19:27 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
Quote from: "mikey P"Personally I would always buy a car of this age privately from an enthusiast. As they you can ask a lot more about it and make a judgement about them. Also if my car was OK I would sell privately but if it knew it had issues I would likely part exchange at a dealer or sell to we buy any car, as although I would be getting a lower price I wouldn't have any come back. Therefore my thoughts is a dealer car (probably sourced from an auction) is likely to have at least as many problems with it compared to a private sale.

Thanks mikey P.   s:) :) s:)  
That post makes a lot of sense. I suppose the benefit of buying from a reputable dealer is that you have somewhere to go if something does go wrong, that's what led me to focusing my search there. If the AA chap advises me against buying the grey one, I think I might go for an enthusiast's instead, there's one I've just noticed that has caught my eye...  s:wink: :wink: s:wink:

salvatore10

#6
January 22, 2015, 19:28 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
Quote from: "loadswine"No problem, its good to have a clear plan of what you want.  s:) :) s:)
I hope you manage to get a really nice one.  s:) :) s:)

Thanks   s:) :) s:)

Bernie

#7
January 22, 2015, 19:34 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
It could well have been a 2nd car and only driven on high days and holidays

10,000 miles in the last 4 years would appear to back that up, a full service history is good, any receipts, was it kept garaged, you can check mot history online

I'd say subject to appropriate checks if it's within your budget then go for it
Black 2004  N/A  Many Mods = 171BHP 
2019 & 2021 MR2DC National Day Modified Best in Class
Readers Ride
https://www.mr2roc.org/index.php?topic=56481.0

Ardent

#8
January 22, 2015, 19:45 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
My 2p

A well maintained old one is probably better than a poorly maintained new one.
Establishing the above is the trick

salvatore10

#9
January 22, 2015, 19:47 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
Quote from: "bernie11a"It could well have been a 2nd car and only driven on high days and holidays

10,000 miles in the last 4 years would appear to back that up, a full service history is good, any receipts, was it kept garaged, you can check mot history online

I'd say subject to appropriate checks if it's within your budget then go for it

Thanks bernie11a.   s:) :) s:)  

By the time I add a hard top into the mix it would be 1000 pounds more than the grey 54 plate with 53000 miles though.
Would it last any longer if it hasn't been used at all regularly though?   s:? :? s:?

Maybe I'm a bit preoccupied by longevity..... I recently started moisturising, at the ripe old age of 26!   s:lol: :lol: s:lol:

salvatore10

#10
January 22, 2015, 19:50 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
Quote from: "Ardent"My 2p

A well maintained old one is probably better than a poorly maintained new one.
Establishing the above is the trick

Yep, that's what perturbs me a little about these ultra low mileage newer ones.
A well maintained newer one is what I'm after.   s8) 8) s8)

Bernie

#11
January 22, 2015, 19:54 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
A lot depends on how you plan to use it, will it be a daily drive if so what will your annual mileage be
Factor that into the next 6 years then the lower mileage start point and latest engine could mean it's a better bet for the long term
Ultimately it's your call maybe you need to see both "in the flesh" check out both cars paperwork and take a view on the best VFM package
Black 2004  N/A  Many Mods = 171BHP 
2019 & 2021 MR2DC National Day Modified Best in Class
Readers Ride
https://www.mr2roc.org/index.php?topic=56481.0

salvatore10

#12
January 22, 2015, 20:05 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
Quote from: "bernie11a"A lot depends on how you plan to use it, will it be a daily drive if so what will your annual mileage be
Factor that into the next 6 years then the lower mileage start point and latest engine could mean it's a better bet for the long term
Ultimately it's your call maybe you need to see both "in the flesh" check out both cars paperwork and take a view on the best VFM package

Well I wouldn't use it as a daily drive I don't think, my work is close by and I like to cycle around. I'd probably do 80-100 miles a week under normal circumstances, but in the form of long drives and days out. I'd also like to drive around the UK/Europe every so often too.   s:) :) s:)   I might average say 5k a year?

1979scotte

#13
January 22, 2015, 20:31 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
Any car that loadswine thinks is worth a look gets my vote.
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

Free Ukraine 🇺🇦

s12vea

#14
January 22, 2015, 20:47 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
I can also vouch for said silver car
TF204 Blue
Another one won't hurt  .....

1979scotte

#15
January 22, 2015, 20:54 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
Quote from: "s12vea"I can also vouch for said silver car

One of yours Steve?
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

Free Ukraine 🇺🇦

Anonymous

#16
January 22, 2015, 20:55 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
Quote from: "1979scotte"
Quote from: "s12vea"I can also vouch for said silver car

One of yours Steve?

Aren't they all?  s:D :D s:D

s12vea

#17
January 22, 2015, 20:56 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
I've had a few what can I say  s;) ;) s;)
TF204 Blue
Another one won't hurt  .....

1979scotte

#18
January 22, 2015, 21:04 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
Salvatore

2 of the most respected members on this forum have owned the same car.
If i was in the market it would be my first port of call.
Helps that it's only down the road.
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

Free Ukraine 🇺🇦

s12vea

#19
January 22, 2015, 21:10 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
Quote from: "1979scotte"Salvatore

2 of the most respected members on this forum have owned the same car.
If i was in the market it would be my first port of call.
Helps that it's only down the road.

Amen brother scotte
TF204 Blue
Another one won't hurt  .....

1979scotte

#20
January 22, 2015, 21:13 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
Can i get a hallelujah brother Steve?
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

Free Ukraine 🇺🇦

salvatore10

#21
January 22, 2015, 21:28 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
Haha, thanks for the recommendations guys!   s:) :) s:)  

I had a look through your previous MR2s Steve, this one had me drooling, my favourite of the bunch..
I love the colour!   s8) 8) s8)  


1979scotte

#22
January 22, 2015, 21:30 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
Sable is the best colour.
And red leather interior too.
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

Free Ukraine 🇺🇦

StuC

#23
January 22, 2015, 21:31 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
Quote from: "Meeerrrk"
Quote from: "1979scotte"
Quote from: "s12vea"I can also vouch for said silver car

One of yours Steve?

Aren't they all?  s:D :D s:D
PMSL!
Well said that man.  s:-D :-D s:-D
URBAN CUSTARD COLLECTIVE FOUNDING MEMBER

s12vea

#24
January 22, 2015, 21:52 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
Quote from: "1979scotte"Can i get a hallelujah brother Steve?


Hallelujah praise the Lord.   s:bowdown: :bowdown: s:bowdown:    s:bowdown: :bowdown: s:bowdown:    s:bowdown: :bowdown: s:bowdown:    s:bowdown: :bowdown: s:bowdown:
TF204 Blue
Another one won't hurt  .....
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