High Miles v Low Miles

[onthecut]

Hi Guys

Just been looking at the '93 SEi on Ebay and the big noise the vendor is making about it only being 61k miles. Fine, but then, to me, it's all spoiled by the point he makes that it's a 'London' car. So --- endless stop start motoring; likely many more sessions of high wear, cold running; lots of pulling at the steering while stationary, so max wear on all associated bits etc. etc.

I'd sooner have one with twice the miles that's done it pacing the motorways -- just don't think low miles alone tell a full story.

Mike.

[steelcityuk]

It's a strange obsession most UK motorists have along with rock hard suspension. As you say lots of stop start motoring isn't a good thing.

Steve.

[Peter.N.]

With a diesel it doesn't matter so much but I wouldn't be keen on a petrol car that had done a lot of short journeys - or any petrol car for that matter

Peter

[Dean]

I dont think it makes any difference if its petrol or diesel, the running clearances are bigger cold and the oil doesnt cope too well either, its just with a petrol you can get mayo in the oil in cold weather, i would never ever get a london car, or an island car for that matter like you say its far easier on a car that does motorway work.

D

[Peter.N.]

It is different because a diesel runs on an 'upper cylinder lubricant' namely diesel fuel so the 'dryness' associated with a cold engine is compensated for - to a degree, not completely I accept.

I bought an XM that had been a Taxi and had covered about 240k, it had done 292k when I sold it and was still going strong apart from an occaisional slipping clutch. It had no doubt been used for some long journeys but had also probably been properly maintained.

Peter