Does mileage matter?

C

curvature

Member
As you may have seen I'm looking for a E86 Coupe and I realise that on a car of this type and age that overall condition/history is probably the main criteria.

However I looked at a really nice car that had 94k miles with great history but as I am looking to keep this car for a number of years I keep thinking that one with say 60-70k would be a better option. The other thing is that 100k mark looming which for some weird reason most of the UK still have a hang up about it.

The car at 94k has had a load of work done to it over the past few years so now I'm thinking that if I buy with 70k on will I end up spending more on it over the years?

Any thoughts?
 
Best finding a car that has had all the preventative work done, to save you a headache. When I bought my car on 122K it had already had a suspension overhaul, gaskets replaced, water pump and thermostat replaced, as well as other things. So this has saved me worrying about all that, and has meant that the only things I have had to worry about are age related things with original parts occasionally needing replacing such as my bump stops on my suspension.
 
HGoward said:
Best finding a car that has had all the preventative work done, to save you a headache. When I bought my car on 122K it had already had a suspension overhaul, gaskets replaced, water pump and thermostat replaced, as well as other things. So this has saved me worrying about all that, and has meant that the only things I have had to worry about are age related things with original parts occasionally needing replacing such as my bump stops on my suspension.
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Thanks for that. This particular car has had all of the above done and all with OEM parts.
 
With older less mainstream cars like this the advice is always buy on condition, spec and history/maintenance.

Since you’re intending keeping the mileage is pretty irrelevant unless you’re looking at an ultra low mile one and then the value will drop out of it rapidly if you use it.

You’re correct, in the U.K. there’s a hang up about the 100k miles but owning an E90 with the N52 mine has given me pretty much cost free motoring for 50k and now is sitting on 111k. Apart from routine maintenance/consumables the electronic water pump and two reluctor rings and abs sensors is all it’s cost me. My daughters Clio of the same age cost me twice as much to maintain in 2 yrs than the E90 has in 5.

The other thing is that 94k is low mileage for the age of the car, 70k is just a bit lower but may involve a higher ask and as you say need more spend on maintenance so I’m back at my original point about buying on condition, spec and maintenance :thumbsup:
 
To answer your question, yes... and no :D

I worked out the other day that I've owned over 50 cars from most of the big makers, the ones that have been least trouble were well maintained and any mileage was 'good' mileage. i.e. 30k miles sat in city traffic, lots of cold starts, clutch work and speedbumps (what I call London mileage) is far, far more wearing than 80k on a car doing regular motorway miles on a hot engine. As long as it's serviced spot-on and consumables like brakes, suspension bushes and repairs are attended to then these six-pots seem to be good for 150 - 200k.

Ideally a car with low 'good' miles and full history is best but checking out the service history, use and MOT history of a high miler can give you a clue about how the mileage was accrued and whether owners neglected advisories. A well cared for high miler could be a snip :thumbsup:
 
Argyll Andy, Ewazix

Some good points, thank you. Back in the 90's I bought a low mileage Scirocco and spent a good amount on it as it had only been used on short journeys and was generally well worn mechanically.

My recent cars have all spend their life on the motorway and required nothing but routine servicing. My current 640d GC spends most of its time at 1500rpm.

Decisions....
 
As above. Go for a cared for car, that has had maintenance work done, suspension refreshed etc. A car on 60 _70k that has not had work done, is going to cost more over time in simple refurb bits. The engines are good for the mileage when properly cared for too. Your right about the 100k figure, but that is mind games, social programming.
 
My high miler E86 was running better with 130k on the clock than it was with 70k. This was largely due to getting the coil packs replaced. As long as you are prepared for "consumables" to crop up at Servicing or MOT time - such as brakes, suspension and other oily bits then with depreciation being negligible at the momentthen you will have years of cheap motoring. Personally I would be more concerned with the body work, rubbers as rust or damaged trim will age a car quicker than racking up a few thousand miles.
 
Mileage matters, but it's only one piece of the puzzle. For a car like that, 20k difference in mileage would be some way down my list of factors in a purchase.
 
The car I've looked at and driven has 94k miles, aero kit and carbon rear diffuser. One wheel has a bit of kerb rash and I have two small bits of paintwork that would need addressing. The side indicator covers need replacing too as they have been swapped for some aftermarket ones with Z4 rather than the BMW roundel.

The owner won't budge on price saying the price reflects the above.

It is however £750 cheaper than another that has a slightly higher spec and 6k less miles.

Then there is another that has my perfect colour combo, higher spec but this is £1250 more, before haggling.

Any advice?
 
Those Z4 Roundels are pretty rare from what I know. I've got them on my car and haven't really seen them on many others. From what I've heard someone on the forum made them. Currently I'm keeping mine on but may change it to a BMW roundel in future for a more OEM look.

For the price difference I would say try and go for the one which has the perfect combo for you.
 
HGoward said:
Those Z4 Roundels are pretty rare from what I know. I've got them on my car and haven't really seen them on many others. From what I've heard someone on the forum made them. Currently I'm keeping mine on but may change it to a BMW roundel in future for a more OEM look.

For the price difference I would say try and go for the one which has the perfect combo for you.
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From what I can tell the aero kit is genuine and I've seen a receipt for the diffuser which again is genuine and was €950 from a German BMW dealer.

The Z4 indicator caps need refinishing.
 
Yeah I agree, I need to refinish mine. They are only plastic so should be easy to do myself, especially since they are only held on with 3M adhesive strips
 
curvature said:
The car I've looked at and driven has 94k miles, aero kit and carbon rear diffuser. One wheel has a bit of kerb rash and I have two small bits of paintwork that would need addressing. The side indicator covers need replacing too as they have been swapped for some aftermarket ones with Z4 rather than the BMW roundel.

The owner won't budge on price saying the price reflects the above.

It is however £750 cheaper than another that has a slightly higher spec and 6k less miles.

Then there is another that has my perfect colour combo, higher spec but this is £1250 more, before haggling.

Any advice?
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Spec, colour etc would be very high up my list. When you have to start adding these afterwards the cost can start rising greatly. MSport electric, heated seats will set you back circa £1k and aero skirts the same.

I know 99% of us have a budget to work too but in some cases like these and initial higher spend can most definitely be the right thing to do.

I know Number5 flagged his up and is slightly outside your budget but for me I’d be seriously considering finding that small additional outlay to land an absolutely stunning car with a very public history on the forum and be comfortable in the knowledge that you’re getting something that has been pampered and looked after :thumbsup:
 
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Spec, colour etc would be very high up my list. When you have to start adding these afterwards the cost can start rising greatly. MSport electric, heated seats will set you back circa £1k and aero skirts the same.

I know 99% of us have a budget to work too but in some cases like these and initial higher spend can most definitely be the right thing to do.

I know Number5 flagged his up and is slightly outside your budget but for me I’d be seriously considering finding that small additional outlay to land an absolutely stunning car with a very public history on the forum and be comfortable in the knowledge that you’re getting something that has been pampered and looked after :thumbsup:
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Yes Number5's car is stunning but £4k over the one I've been looking at so I have to draw the line somewhere.
 

Spec, colour etc would be very high up my list. When you have to start adding these afterwards the cost can start rising greatly. MSport electric, heated seats will set you back circa £1k and aero skirts the same.

I know 99% of us have a budget to work too but in some cases like these and initial higher spend can most definitely be the right thing to do.

I know Number5 flagged his up and is slightly outside your budget but for me I’d be seriously considering finding that small additional outlay to land an absolutely stunning car with a very public history on the forum and be comfortable in the knowledge that you’re getting something that has been pampered and looked after :thumbsup:
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Yes Number5's car is stunning but £4k over the one I've been looking at so I have to draw the line somewhere.
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:thumbsup: As I said we’ve all got our own budget to work too. £4K is a bit of a leap

Another thing to consider is linking the cars you’re considering in this thread and people will give you their honest (sometimes too honest :rofl: ) opinion on them. There’s also always the chance that forum members may know the car or be close enough by to run an initial eye over it for you
 
curvature said:
The car I've looked at and driven has 94k miles, aero kit and carbon rear diffuser. One wheel has a bit of kerb rash and I have two small bits of paintwork that would need addressing. The side indicator covers need replacing too as they have been swapped for some aftermarket ones with Z4 rather than the BMW roundel.

The owner won't budge on price saying the price reflects the above.

It is however £750 cheaper than another that has a slightly higher spec and 6k less miles.

Then there is another that has my perfect colour combo, higher spec but this is £1250 more, before haggling.

Any advice?
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If the car is planned as a keeper, then you simply have to go for the one you want and pay what it is worth, to you.
 
The aero sills/kit are pretty rare. Kerbed alloys are easy to refurb. Roundels are easy to swap out and plenty available on 2nd hand market. Indicator badges are cheap.

If the car has been looked after, there’s nothing wrong with that mileage

Go for the one you like the best and is in good condition
 
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202012013088?body-type=Coupe&include-delivery-option=on&advertising-location=at_cars&model=Z4&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used&postcode=st158xj&sort=datedesc&minimum-badge-engine-size=3.0&make=BMW&radius=1500&page=2

This is the one I've been to see in Lytham St Annes. The previous owner was in the NE and had it from May 18 to Nov 21.
 
curvature said:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202012013088?body-type=Coupe&include-delivery-option=on&advertising-location=at_cars&model=Z4&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used&postcode=st158xj&sort=datedesc&minimum-badge-engine-size=3.0&make=BMW&radius=1500&page=2

This is the one I've been to see in Lytham St Annes. The previous owner was in the NE and had it from May 18 to Nov 21.
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That's a beauty in my opinion with the aero kit, they are so rare to see. Those roundels look different to mine since mine have a matte grey finish instead of the metallic look on those ones. And that spoiler will be easy enough to take off with being held on by 3M.

That car also has the silver top N52 which is known to be more desirable (not entirely sure why). Personally due to how rare the aero kit is I would go for that one, but I like my car to be unique, since my 3.0si has a Z4M rear bumper with quad exhaust.
 
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