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        General >> Give/Need advice to/from others >> Low mileage, low speed cars - does this spell trou
        
(Message started by: Jeff on Nov 18^th, 2011, 7:49pm)

Title: Low mileage, low speed cars - does this spell trou
Post by Jeff on Nov 18^th, 2011, 7:49pm

Does it necessarily follow that a 24V engined car that has only ever seen short journeys and never been opened up on a motorway could be expected to develop problems with (for example) the catalytic convertor, or any other components?
Does anyone have any experiences with very low mileage cars? I'm concerned that a car that's never really had much use might not be as good as you might assume - I'm looking at buying one like this.
Any responses appreciated.

Title: Re: Low mileage, low speed cars - does this spell
Post by lleewar on Nov 18^th, 2011, 11:53pm

In my experience short journeys only can coke up an engine. The odd motorway journey would be good at clearing the coke, cleaning it at the same time. It may even make the car run better as the car will read a cleaner flow. That,s just my expereince and opinion. I,m sure there are others who will have different opinions and ideas, Lee

Title: Re: Low mileage, low speed cars - does this spell
Post by Matt on Nov 19^th, 2011, 9:42am

Best thing to do i find is bite the bullet and put some 98ron fuel (vpower bp ultimate eg)

Get on the motor way when its quiet and turn the overdrive off. Give it a good hammering, try and hold it around 4000 rpm for a mile or 2 this will get the cats red hot and burn off any cokeing or unburnt fuel from all the cold starts and short hops.

Of corse before doing that give the engine a once over, plugs oil water etc. Give the auto box fluid a check to. A good blast seems to sort them out at times to

Dont bother with the fuel adatives, there not much cop.

The above works really well on the TDs, they smoke a bit but always seem to breath better afterwards

Title: Re: Low mileage, low speed cars - does this spell
Post by bonnietiler on Nov 19^th, 2011, 10:31am

I wondered about that a couple of years ago when I got mine, had it up to 140 (showing) on a private road, very early in the morning accelerates extremely well..useless on fuel to be honest
18-20 around town, I have managed ...just...to get 30 out of it on a l...o...n...g run
Uses no oil at all.
A good point about the clogged cat though...I might try that this weekend before I SORN it for Road-salt months.
SORN'ed the Racing PUMA last month...am currently running a 1998 2.0 CDX Astra for the Winter that I got off E-bay early last year for £350...you know there are some bargains still about aren't there?
I owner Full Vauxhall service History CDX 2.0 Auto every receipt since bought
My Daughter in law had it for 12 months, my Son (who used to own the PUMA) has had it for 6 months, been through 2 MOT's without an advisory (needed 2 x tyres).
30mpg around town 45 mpg on motorway uses no oil
Air-Con Icey cold
why buy new?

Title: Re: Low mileage, low speed cars - does this spell
Post by Tompion on Nov 19^th, 2011, 12:27pm

I’ve no experience with a 24v but would suggest with one that’s only had short journeys make sure you follow the standard advice to hear it started from cold – stood overnight - to hear how much the cam chains rattle.

I would change the auxiliary belts before opening it up.

Title: Re: Low mileage, low speed cars - does this spell
Post by Jeff on Nov 19^th, 2011, 9:43pm

Interesting comments. I'm doing short journeys in mine at the moment, but the reason I posted the question was because I was going to Guernsey to look at the 29k mile estate over there (see cars for sale section). They have a max speed limit there of 35 and all journeys there must be short. Turns out I didn't fancy the car in the end, so as far as I'm concerned the matter is closed. But any low mileage car now, at 13 years old or more can only have done short journeys all its life so maybe it applies to others.
First time I've taken an aeroplane to see a car. My mate went to the States once for a Plymouth Barracuda - and didn't buy. Nutter.
On the subject of our rattly chains, my other 24V always rattles like hell on start up, always has done, but has given me 70k miles of trouble free motoring, so I dare to think it's not as bad as it sounds....am I tempting fate?