Should I buy a 2007 Volkswagen Passat with 144,043 miles on it?
13 Answers
No, I wouldn't do that, too risky. I've had two VW'S, they don't age well and when you approach 150,000 miles your entering the most expensive stage of a car's life. A lot can happen. Is this a diesel? That would be the only thing that might make sense, however, it's all about condition.
Asian cars age better and are more reliable. Think Honda, Subaru and Toyota. Why do you really want a European car?
The owner offered my husband a great deal on it(Total around $3600.00) as a favor for giving him a good deal on a business transaction.(He's in sales) I was worried about their reliability rating with that many miles on it as well as the high octane gas that it requires, according to what I've read today. We are also looking at Toyotas, Hondas, Nissans, etc.(should I include Subaru as well?) for my daughter. We are looking at models anywhere from 1998-2001, preferable less than 150,000 miles on them. We were hoping to find a cash deal for around $3000.00. There is one 1998 Nissan Altima on a lot with a free carfax but the last reading on the odometer was 83,000k June 2014. The odometer is now broken. They are asking $2995(negotiable) Is that too risky? Not sure how many miles in the last year were put on it. Do you feel that Nissan is comparable to Toyota and Hondas as far as long term reliability? Thanks so much for your help!!
SUBARU, yes, I would. I purchased one last year. Take a look at this. http://www.subaruhighmileageclub.com http://www.subaruhighmileageclub.com/miles500000.html Asian cars seem to age more gracefully than either American or European cars. I had an old 1995 Honda Accord EX with 150,000 miles on it and sold it last year for $3,000. Yes, they hold their value better.
What about Nissan? Do you think the car(1998 Nissan) that I mentioned with the broken odometer with 83,000 miles is worth looking at?(Selling it for $2995-negotiable) It does have a free carfax. Thanks
NO, did you notice that I specifically didn't mention Nissan? This is the one Japanese car that I cannot recommend. Why? They are maintenence whores, they break down more and are generally not built as tough as Honda, Toyota and Subaru. I'd be very careful about a Nissan. Our family had them in the past and while I liked the 260z my father had, we had a couple of B210s, terrible car, an Altima, so so, and even an old 510 sedan that left me stranded a couple of times. I've purchased many cars in the last 45 years and only once considered a Nissan. A few years ago during cash for clunkers I test drove a Nissan Versa with CVT, it seemed like a great way of turning in my old gas guzzling T-Bird. After the test drive, I decided it was better to keep the old car that I was using to drive to the train station. The Nissan Versa was a nasty little car that had no power and was very noisy. They don't get the best reviews and their brand has a very checkered record of repair with Consumers Reports.
You're welcome, good luck with your car hunting. By the way, the best deal is not buying a new car , but, getting a lease return. Buy the car from "new car dealership " always. Why? They have the greatest stake in preserving their reputation in the community. They cannot afford to rip people off and risk going out of business. Plus, stay away from buying a "rental car ". They lead hard lives and you don't know how many people have beaten them up. Finally, test drive a CVT transmission, I love my Subaru. CVT is really hitting its stride now and they're great! .
No Suburus, Nissans or WVs with high mileage or you will be sorry.
So, Bob, you only like American cars? I guess you're not familiar with the Subaru high mileage club?
Bob, have you ever owned a foreign car? You realize that today it's impossible to find a true American car? And, in case you were unaware, Subaru Outbacks, Legacy and Tribeca are all built in Lafayette, Indiana.
We own an Infiniti and have owned Honda and Acura. Subaru has a history of after 7 or 8 years having more than the normal amount of issues. I have stated my opinion above and do NOT wish to get into an argument with a Subaru fanboy regarding these cars. They may work well for you, but they are not for me. My wife's next car will be Lincoln, Infiniti, Acura or Lexus. We are still deciding which.
Thank you both for taking the time to give me your input. I really appreciate it.