Just a note on mileages!
I'll start by saying mileages from 2006 onwards can be checked on the VOSA web site. This means for a vehicle from 2003 onwards all its MOT's can be checked. There are an awful lot of clocked boxes out there now (particularly on the modern marques). Don't get caught out! If you read on you will see I am not against high mileage vehicles per se but I am against clocked boxes. Firstly you will be paying a low mileage price for a high mileage box! Secondly you will know that at least once in its history this box has been owned by an extremely dishonest person which then begs the question , what else is being concealed?
I use the following "categories" as guides.
Less than 100,000 miles is "Low Mileage" (less than 50,000 miles is Very low)
100,000 - 150,000 is "average mileage"
Over 150,000 miles is "high mileage"
Remember these are diesel vehicles so petrol mileages are different.
Properly cared for diesel engines are capable of very high mileages (300,000!!)
High mileage vehicles with service history are not a bad buy, they should come cheaper but often have already had many replacement parts.
It is easier to source older horseboxes with low mileage as in the days these were donor vehicles they would not have done the motorway miles these modern vans do before being built as horseboxes.
Many of the older boxes were donor vehicles used as airport vans, council vans, passenger ambulances etc therefore are low mileage, have always been properly serviced and not generally thrashed. Add to this the fact that the actual older diesel mechanics were built for greater longevity and ease of maintanence compared with their modern counterparts these can be a very good buy.
Modern vans do not necessarily equate with reliability, and will certainly involve higher maintenance costs.
Low mileage does not necessarily mean lower maintenance costs.
I have seen so many "clocked boxes" this year I am now wondering if it is worth buying the ones that are good in every other way and openly declaring the mileage to be incorrect but offered at a price that reflects this?
Customers and potential customers let me have your comments on this......would you buy a box with incorrect mileage on the clock?