Problems over 100k km's?

[mrx]

So close to getting the car that I can taste it! Money sitting in the bank, but selecting the "right" car is the real trick.

So, I realise that the lower the km's the better, but these cannot really be trusted all the time with imports. My question is, are there any problems starting to appear on cars over the 100k km's mark? Anything to really look out for? It is just that most of the cars on the market are either low km stock standard (relatively) dull FTO's, or ones that have had a few goodies put on but obviously driven around a lot more.

So, do I seriously consider the more fun optioned cars, or look for the plainest lowest km example and then spend heaps on mods, money which is not really available (damn wife! )? I know it always depends on each individual car, but I am asking for your wisdom here.

[Boris]

Hmm, i got my fto recently after looking 4 ages, so here is my 2 cents.

Like you said, it all completely depends on the individual car!

After looking at many low kilometer cars i found that most of them are in no better condition than ones with higher k's. Even some of them have been clocked back, and you can tell, even by how worn the seats are!

But there were a few gems, that were crispy clean, but they just weren't what i wanted... Like ruchi from these forums said to me, it all depends on how the car was looked after in the first place!

I settled with one with 87,000. And no major dramas.
It's up to you about mods, if you see an fto without mods that is clean and drives well then don't hesitate much. However if you find a fto moded in your style then that will be very good value for money!!!

Having looked at a few fto's over 100k, from experiance you just have to know it's service history, as the major 100k service is very important, and costs heaps too!

Anyways, most of the things you should be able to find on these forums by using the search button! For example if you need to know more about the 100k service etc...

Hope this slightly helps

[ruchi]

Boris is spot on.

It's not so much the age of the car or how many kms it's done, the most critical factor is how it has been treated.

Likewise if it has done over 100,000kms make sure it has had a proper service. Ask to see the receipts.

If you are buying privately, I'd be checking out the driver to see how enthusiastic they are about the car, what sort of things they did with the car and where they got the car serviced. Also look at what sort of condition the seller's other cars are in. All this will help give you an indication of how they treated their FTO.

FTO's have a range of faults, most of which are quite common and reasonably insignificant or cheap to repair. The FTO doesn't suffer from any common major faults, and overall is a very reliable car.

Having said that, before you buy ensure you get a full mechanical and body inspection.

[Adriano]

My question is, are there any problems starting to appear on cars over the 100k km's mark? Anything to really look out for?

1. faulty isc
2. faulty alternator
3. battery
4. worn out suspension
5. major service due (if not done yet) timing belts and other belts, plugs, water pump etc

these are some of the things i had problems with on my car that's done 135ks.... except for no.2... not yet anyway... maybe soon....

[Boris]

Some questions i found usefull in determining about the driver & the car are:

1) Ask him what oils he uses, this will certainly seperate the people that completely know about their car and that don't.

2) The above can lead to asking him about the services and the mechanic, see how well he knows about it.

3) Ask to see where the car is parked, this will tell you if it has leaks. As some ppl clean it up.

4) Monitor small details, like if they know to warm the car up if going hard etc...

5) Ask him to drive it hard, and see how he drives.

6) Check the interior seats, some i saw were really worn out, like cars that have 50,000k's

Although, take note that, even if the person doesn't know anything, he still might be taking very good care of the car.

[payaya]

ISC
Auto tranny
Lifters
Bushes
Drop Links
Cam Seals

just to name a few.

ive done 150,000kms probs i've had
Fualty ISC
Tranny
Noisy Lifters (This problem alone is enough for me not to buy a car)
Fog Light Switch
Drop Links
Front Bushes

[Jase]

At 90000 i've done.

ISC
Alternator
Front Bushes
Fog Light Switch