Is 120,000 miles too much for a small car?

A SEAT Arosa with 120,000 miles is for sale and my question is, is it too much mileage for a 999cc car?

Thank you

(The car is a 2004 model)

Evan Kennedy (Limerick)

May 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

---

Expert answer

Hi Evan,

Yes and no. No, in the sense that SEATs are generally very well made and the Arosa is a car with few repetitive problems. Yes in the sense that often a car with a smaller engine, and thus slower performance figures, is often ragged to within an inch of its life by previous owners just trying to keep up with the flow of traffic. If the Arosa you're looking at has spent most of its life in town, at low speeds, then it's probably fine (check the service history and condition, as always). If it's been used in the country, or on regular motorway trips, start checking for excessive wear and tear.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe