Volkswagen Passat - opinion please

[Bbbananas]

In spring next year I have been offered my boyfriend's car when he buys a new one. Its a 'V' reg'd volkswagen passat - very nice condition & has been looked after - however by that time it will have approx 130,000 on the clock. It's a petrol engine.

I cannot afford to turn down this offer - but what is it likely to cost me in the long run - its a very high mileage - how long on average do the engines go before they start giving problems? What about other expensive-to-fix mechanical bits are likely to start going on a car this age?

I know this is a question that can only expect assumptions & averages - not definites, but advice would be welcome as to whether this 'free' car will ultimately turn out to be very expensive.

[Panic Button]

You shouldn't buy cars from family and friends - it can cause horrendous tension in relationships when faults occur.

Having said that 130,000 is not high for a well maintained VAG car.

[Bbbananas]

No you misunderstood - I'm not buying it - he's GIVING me it !!

He says its got very little scrap value & will not have an MOT so he would rather give it to me. So, daft to refuse eh?

I was pleased to hear you don't consider 130,000 too high a mileage.

[david1702198]

as long as the timing belt has been changed and serviced reularly i dont see the high mileage being a problem as panic button says, more modern cars are better equipped nowadays to cope with higher mileages, most taxi drivers use either VW or Skodas, think of the mileage they must have done!! albeit they are diesel

[Bbbananas]

But it's a 'V' reg - would you class that as one of the newer cars?

thanks for your advice guys.

[tonyav]

something to keep in mind if you have this car of your boyfriend parts and repairs are expensive for vw passat,s

[Bbbananas]

I'm asking it coz I'm a girl and we are suposed to know nohting about cars or money and are expected to ask stupid questions...!

thanks.

[Panic Button]

V reg is new to me! (I've got a P)

[Bbbananas]

My current car, a renault megane, is a 'P' also. (A pee'ing nuisance) - so going up to a 'V' is really a step up for me!

(I did once have a 51 plate from brand spanking new.... that was before my divorce... ;-(

[Panic Button]

It's a no brainer.

Take the VW.

Bin the Renault.

(That is assuming you are still with the boyfriend next spring, and don't plan to dump him just after that!)

[Bbbananas]

Hey - I said I am a girl who knows nowt about cars & is suposedly stupid with money - I didn't say I was a hardhearted golddigger.

(I'd have gone for a boyfriend with a Merc or a brand new Passat otherwise.....) ;-)

[Cockney_si]

You mentioned it will not have an MOT, if this is correct then you won't be able to drive it unless it's to the MOT test station or a garage to get the MOT work done.

Surely he's gonna MOT it for you before you get it?

[Bbbananas]

why should he MOT it for me? He's having to fork out on a new car, he's giving me the passat !!

He may have it MOT'd, but me pay the bill.
But a good friend of mine does MOT's, so I will get it down on the cheap anyway - the MOT certificate, a bit of beer money.

[Cockney_si]

There is no reason that he should MOT it for you no but it would be easier if you could have the MOT done just before he hands it over to you, that way it doesn't put you at risk when you drive it.

[Bbbananas]

I'll advise him on that one then!

[keyplus90]

Don't worry about the mileage as I know someone who have V W "well maintained though" and has done almost over 400K, still original gear box and engine.

Anyway boy friend can even pay for MOT as I don't see any problem there. I bought car for my wife and of course all the maintenance is on me as well. Poor men............