How long do abf's last ?

[spudboy6]

In my area seen an 2.0l 16v up for sale for £695 with 12months test on it , had a look round new seal covers and no rusty arches from what I've seen looks in good condition , not seen under the bonnet as dont want to waste the sellers time until I'm sure its the car for me ,

Its done 140k and this is where I'm put off , my 8v has 112k and needs valve stem seals already so I'm unlucky probably ,

Think this abf has life in it yet and how long do they generally drove trouble free for engine wise as I've never seen one with more than 150k and I do about 10k a year so won't take me long , and is £695 too much ?

[tweed]

You can never tell by mileage.
Service history tells you the engine condition. Regular service and big list of receipts is could and the car will go to 200 without any major parts failing.

 

[sharki786]

All depends on how the car has been looked after (service, oil chnanged etc etc) they can go onto 200k some can go upto 140k and then problems start. You could always replace them but that means rebuilding the whole thing and best bet would be replace the full top end with new tappets and what not.

[danmusic24]

had mine for two years now,paid 320 for it and to date its done 16000 and still goes like a rocket,i have not done anything to it apart from the service bits and bobs! it just wont break down...

[spudboy6]

Yea i understand its one of them things you cant tell without checking history , im going to sleep on it and see how i feel then maybe go view it properly check the books and history and have a drive , just never see them with to many miles on , this bloke always has motors for sale outside his house so hes moving them on to make a few quid so concerned he may be getting knock off mots and the like and its a dog ,

will have a think about it , might just rebuild the top end on my 8v and stick to what i know , but a 16v is one of them im desperate to own ,

160K ? sounds like the engine is able of it just has it been looked after is the question then

[danmusic24]

i use for work every day,i drive it from portsmouth to glasgow every 3 months to see my son,i put oil and water in when needed which is rare,it starts first time every time,good solid lump but as been said its down to service history,as i only paid 320 for mine it was gamble but a gamble that paid off..
get your head under the bonnet and have a good look around,take it for a spin and enjoy and say goodbye to the 8v 

[GOLF-MK3-GTI]

The 2.0 engines on these MK3's are solid, aslong as they've been looked after'd properly. You may get a few sensors here n there that may not function propely, but it's an electrical part, so it will give in one day. If you know abit about cars, just by starting and driving it you'll be able to tell wether it's had a hard life or it's been cared for. Other than that just look out for rust.

[Dave_IOW]

Mine was nearly 180k and still going strong before it got broke apart buy a local lad.

Was the body condition in general, rather than the engine, that led to its demise.

[Gavv8]

8V will last longer....just sayin......

[Leroy]

My ABF has just turned 170k, and it is smooth as an otters cravat!!! Engineer owned it before me, apparently never wanted for anything engine wise, shame he didn't do the same for the bodywork!!