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Buying a second-hand LHD car in France
I have a 2005 VW Passat TDi Sportline estate, which until now has been relatively trouble-free, but it is currently in the garage with an oil pressure problem following a warning light this evening. Friends have suggested this could be an expensive repair, and might be a 'known issue' where the balanced shafts drive the oil pump via a hex shaft which engages in a hex slot in the balance unit.
I am thinking it may be time to buy a newer model of car, even if mine turns out to be repairable, and am looking for some guidance. I live in an area of France that is prone to harsh winters. I have a dog and often make trips to the DIY centre or recycling centre, so I like a fairly large load space. I don't usually do a lot of mileage, but may make the occasional trip back to the UK or to the south coast.
In the past I have owned Mondeo estates, a MK1 Discovery and this Passat. I'm the Captain Slow sort of motorist. I'd be looking to buy something 2 or 3 years old. I can't really give you a budget because local prices seem astronomical when compared to what I remember for RHD cars in the UK. Do you have any suggestions for makes/models that I should be considering?
Thanks.
I am thinking it may be time to buy a newer model of car, even if mine turns out to be repairable, and am looking for some guidance. I live in an area of France that is prone to harsh winters. I have a dog and often make trips to the DIY centre or recycling centre, so I like a fairly large load space. I don't usually do a lot of mileage, but may make the occasional trip back to the UK or to the south coast.
In the past I have owned Mondeo estates, a MK1 Discovery and this Passat. I'm the Captain Slow sort of motorist. I'd be looking to buy something 2 or 3 years old. I can't really give you a budget because local prices seem astronomical when compared to what I remember for RHD cars in the UK. Do you have any suggestions for makes/models that I should be considering?
Thanks.
Asked on 11 April 2015 by WE Johns
Answered by
Honest John
Your friends are correct. Big job to fix that isn't always successful and there's a lot more likely to go wrong with this car that has the worst record we have ever recorded. It makes sense to go native and either get a utility MPV such as a Berlingo or Partner combi, or do what a lot of French motorists are doing and get a rock bottom cheap Dacia: either the old model 7 seater Logan MCV 1.5dCi, or the current 5 seater Dacia Logan MCV 1.5dCi. A 2010 or earlier version of the old model avoids a diesel particulate filter. Or go for the petrol engines. See: www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/dacia/
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