I'm presently in the market for a real bargain of a banger as am unbelievably broke!!
I've recently seen a couple of very old vehicles (20 + years) advertised that have done hardly any miles and am wondering if there is, in general, anything in particular to look out for on vehicles that fall into this category... (other than proof of mileage!)
Do certain parts just disintegrate over time, even if not used? Do very old tyres become weak?!
I put Astra in the subject as I'm just about to look at one that has 30k on the clock...
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Hi
Parts deteriorate with age as well as mileage. Such a low mileage isn't necessarily a problem as long as the car hasn't sat for long periods doing nothing. Look out for perished hoses, seized brakes, battery not charging, leaks etc. Is there any evidence of service history - it may have gone years with just skimped maintenance?
The tyres could be very old, so I recommend changing them straight away.
Old cars with low mileages are best if they are cherished examples. If not, they could be troublesome.
rob
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Youngest son bought a 14 year old Peugeot 106 with 29k miles - genuine - 3 years ago.
The speedo electronic drive from the gearbox failed.. Parts available s/h.
The brake pedal transfer device which converted from LHD to RHD seized due to rust. (dismantled and greased).
The sump rusted through. £10 scrappie - removed myself in snow!
The head gasket eventually failed. £300..
The crankshaft oil seal leaked. £10 and gearbox out diy:-(
Mainly problems of lack of use and not garaged.
So my observations are:
rust
sump rust.
Brakes - disk score.
Exhausts rot.
Internal condensation..
Watch for worn out engine and brake hoses and perished tyres - cracking sidewalls..
My advice? Check spares availability very carefully. Especially convoluted engine hoses.
(eg Our 17 year old 106 diesel has a complex engine hose with bleed valve and was only available to special order 6 years ago when we replaced it for £36 - parts price.)
You MUST assume hoses, cambelts and tensioners and other belts will have to be replaced. If you cannot buy them, a 20 year old car is not much good. And watch the prices.
My advice: if it is required for daily runs, forget it unless you get a very good car with spares backup. Waiting 3 weeks for a hose is no good if the car is undriveable but needed now.
Personally I would not go down that route again. Too much hassle.
Edited by madf on 17/02/2010 at 13:29
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The best cars were made in the mid '90s especially diesels, the Peugeot 306, 405 and 406 are some of the best, not old enough for major decay, cheap to repair (by modern standards) and they don't rust, the Citroen ZX is another candidate. The Ford's are pretty tough and reliable, Escort, Fiesta and early Mondeo, but not as refined as the Peugeot/Citroen's and they can go rusty.
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Whats your budget? (i know thats nosey) but for little money you can still get a newer model than E F reg cars.
PLenty of spares about but rot kills them so as said if been in a garage ok if in a field run off.
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Trouble is the 20+ age group puts you back in the 1980's when cars did still rust and the Mk2 Astra can rust almost anywhere even with a low mileage.
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