Whats the avg. mileage life of a diesel (SEAT)

Eurorunner · 11-10-2009, 19:37

Hi. My current motor (Petrol astra) has 180k on the clock - think I can get another 10k out of it and at that stage, it wont be worthwhile to put it through nct with new shocks/tyres and by that stage, probably brakes required.

Preparing to make a purchase and have decided on a 1.4L TDi Seat Ibiza or Cordoba. I have heard that its possible to get more mileage out of a diesel. To what extent is this true? How much more is it likely to get assuming its been serviced regularly? Im thinking in particular about an 05 Cordoba thats currently advertised with over 100k on the clock for €5K.

Also, for either of these cars in this price range, am i better off buying down south or up north??

bazz26 · 11-10-2009, 20:07

Diesel engines generally have a longer shelf life than petrol engines but whether it be petrol or diesel an engine will only last as long as it has been maintained properly. So a verified service history is a must, a well looked after car will eat miles with minimum effort.

BTW I think €5k is alot of money for a 05 Cordoba with 100k miles on the clock, the below one could probably be bought for under €6k and that has only covered 40k miles:

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index...00937195147574

**Slidey** · 11-10-2009, 21:19

I don't know anything about those diesel engines but I am of the opinion that a small diesel engine with a turbo strapped on that is wringing every ounce of power out of it is not a good thing.

Part of the benefits of a diesel lump is the torque and you loose some of that with a smaller engine as far as I know.

Eurorunner · 11-10-2009, 22:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by bazz26

BTW I think €5k is alot of money for a 05 Cordoba with 100k miles on the clock, the below one could probably be bought for under €6k and that has only covered 40k miles:

Thanks for the input bazz. The one that I was looking at was this one here.
What sort of ballpark figure would you associate with this motor at first glance?

The other thing is that with higher mileage you know they havent been clocked....or maybe thats flawed logic on my part...i dunno.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slidey

Part of the benefits of a diesel lump is the torque and you loose some of that with a smaller engine as far as I know.

Thanks Slidey - was not aware of this. The attraction to the 1.4's is that they are coming in in the top ten of most fuel efficient cars on the market. I'm doing 25k a year so I'm hoping to cut my fuel bill in half.

bazz26 · 11-10-2009, 23:02

That car seems very expensive compared to the one I linked to earlier, even more so considering it appears to be a private sale meaning no warranty. I would want it alot cheaper than €5k to be tempted.

Eurorunner · 11-10-2009, 23:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by bazz26

I would want it alot cheaper than €5k to be tempted.

Ok, but what price would tempt you?

bazz26 · 11-10-2009, 23:29

I'd be wanting it for around €4,500 max. I'd also be taking into account that the timing belt and water pump will need changing in the next 10k miles too if not already done.

Eurorunner · 12-10-2009, 12:51

Timing belt was changed recently - I just hope they had the good sense to change the water pump while they were at it.

I might go and see this motor next week but even assuming everything else is ok, an offer of 4K is fair (assuming I want to make one at that stage) - as it seems any buyer will be taking a punt here even with full service history. What exactly is left in that engine is an unknown.

EPM · 12-10-2009, 12:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eurorunner

What exactly is left in that engine is an unknown.

An an expensive unknown. For the sake of a grand more I'd go for the lower mileage one to be honest

whippet · 12-10-2009, 13:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eurorunner

Timing belt was changed recently - I just hope they had the good sense to change the water pump while they were at it.

Do the Ibiza/Cordoba not have a timing chain? I know my old 03 Ibiza had a chain that slipped at 70k miles and had to be replaced with the tensioner ... despite the main dealer telling me that it would never have to be changed.

EPM · 12-10-2009, 14:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by whippet

Do the Ibiza/Cordoba not have a timing chain? I know my old 03 Ibiza had a chain that slipped at 70k miles and had to be replaced with the tensioner ... despite the main dealer telling me that it would never have to be changed.

The 1.2 petrol does but this ones the 1.4 tdi.

02-03 Ibizas had a fault with the chains AFAIK

Eurorunner · 12-10-2009, 15:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by EPM

An an expensive unknown. For the sake of a grand more I'd go for the lower mileage one to be honest

Yes, I'd imagine it could be an expensive punt. By the same token, how do you guard against a clocked motor if i decide to go the other end of the scale? Can any car still be clocked and is there any way to tell?

EPM · 12-10-2009, 15:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eurorunner

Yes, I'd imagine it could be an expensive punt. By the same token, how do you guard against a clocked motor if i decide to go the other end of the scale? Can any car still be clocked and is there any way to tell?

Verify the service history, get it checked over by your own mechanic to be sure. Do a history check if needed. I would imagine a high mileage Cordoba would show it more than most so it may be slightly more obvious.

*nipplenuts* · 12-10-2009, 15:16

A full service history should also include mileage records. That's not foolproof, but will help.

cadaliac · 12-10-2009, 16:25

Get the clocking thing out of your head. All cars are not clocked. Some are, yes, but the majority are not.
Anyway, test drive the one with 100k and test drive the one with 40k on the clock. Thats how you tell.
The one with 100k on the clock will be loose and rattly - to a point.
The one with 40k will not be half as loose or worn feeling.
Besides, its not just the engine that has covered 100k, the suspension and all the running gear have also done the mileage. All cars have a shelf life, along with all the components.
100k miles of good flaking around Ireland will have its toll. If it is very well maintained and serviced, I'm sure the car will be fine. But if the one with 40k is well maintained and cared for, it is the better buy.....by far.

11-10-2009, 19:37	#1
Eurorunner Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: 6,600 miles from paradise... Posts: 2,374 Adverts \| Friends	Whats the avg. mileage life of a diesel (SEAT) Hi. My current motor (Petrol astra) has 180k on the clock - think I can get another 10k out of it and at that stage, it wont be worthwhile to put it through nct with new shocks/tyres and by that stage, probably brakes required. Preparing to make a purchase and have decided on a 1.4L TDi Seat Ibiza or Cordoba. I have heard that its possible to get more mileage out of a diesel. To what extent is this true? How much more is it likely to get assuming its been serviced regularly? Im thinking in particular about an 05 Cordoba thats currently advertised with over 100k on the clock for €5K. Also, for either of these cars in this price range, am i better off buying down south or up north?? __________________ For Sale: Twin Arm LCD TV Wall Mount Last edited by Eurorunner; 11-10-2009 at 19:46.

11-10-2009, 21:19	#3
Slidey Like a scarecrow, outstandng in my field Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: a slippery slope Posts: 4,901 Adverts \| Friends Mod: 4x4 & Tractors & Diggers & Plant, Radio	I don't know anything about those diesel engines but I am of the opinion that a small diesel engine with a turbo strapped on that is wringing every ounce of power out of it is not a good thing. Part of the benefits of a diesel lump is the torque and you loose some of that with a smaller engine as far as I know. __________________ Please support the Motors Tech Advice forum. Click the pic!

12-10-2009, 12:51	#8
Eurorunner Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: 6,600 miles from paradise... Posts: 2,374 Adverts \| Friends	Timing belt was changed recently - I just hope they had the good sense to change the water pump while they were at it. I might go and see this motor next week but even assuming everything else is ok, an offer of 4K is fair (assuming I want to make one at that stage) - as it seems any buyer will be taking a punt here even with full service history. What exactly is left in that engine is an unknown. __________________ For Sale: Twin Arm LCD TV Wall Mount

12-10-2009, 15:16	#14
nipplenuts Duking it! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: On my feet Posts: 6,100 Adverts \| Friends	A full service history should also include mileage records. That's not foolproof, but will help. __________________

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11-10-2009, 20:07	#2
bazz26 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Co. Limerick Posts: 11,027 Adverts \| Friends	Diesel engines generally have a longer shelf life than petrol engines but whether it be petrol or diesel an engine will only last as long as it has been maintained properly. So a verified service history is a must, a well looked after car will eat miles with minimum effort. BTW I think €5k is alot of money for a 05 Cordoba with 100k miles on the clock, the below one could probably be bought for under €6k and that has only covered 40k miles: http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index...00937195147574

11-10-2009, 23:02	#5
bazz26 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Co. Limerick Posts: 11,027 Adverts \| Friends	That car seems very expensive compared to the one I linked to earlier, even more so considering it appears to be a private sale meaning no warranty. I would want it alot cheaper than €5k to be tempted.

11-10-2009, 23:29	#7
bazz26 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Co. Limerick Posts: 11,027 Adverts \| Friends	I'd be wanting it for around €4,500 max. I'd also be taking into account that the timing belt and water pump will need changing in the next 10k miles too if not already done.

12-10-2009, 16:25	#15
cadaliac Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 182 Adverts \| Friends	Get the clocking thing out of your head. All cars are not clocked. Some are, yes, but the majority are not. Anyway, test drive the one with 100k and test drive the one with 40k on the clock. Thats how you tell. The one with 100k on the clock will be loose and rattly - to a point. The one with 40k will not be half as loose or worn feeling. Besides, its not just the engine that has covered 100k, the suspension and all the running gear have also done the mileage. All cars have a shelf life, along with all the components. 100k miles of good flaking around Ireland will have its toll. If it is very well maintained and serviced, I'm sure the car will be fine. But if the one with 40k is well maintained and cared for, it is the better buy.....by far.