Can You have Too low millage?
 

Hi All,

After a long time of yearning for an S2K (192 weeks according to my auto trader search) I have finally decided now is the time.

I am in no rush and happy to wait for the right one, but I have seen a few come and go with almost worryingly low millage, saw one the other day with 16,000 miles (MY04).

What would you guys say to someone looking for a low millage S2K, is there a minimum that what you would want to see (miles per year) the keep her healthy or are they happy to just be left alone?

Mine is approaching it’s 10th birthday and showing>40k Miles, so approx 4K per annum, I had a company car/van for many of these so it was evening weekend use, a lot of folk may only be weekend use when only 2 seats are required or even fair weather drivers, if the car has a service history * Idon’t see a problem, people with multiple cars in the household can only drive one at a time.
*Not a definite requirement mind.

My advice would don't become too fixated on mileage. There are many variables that can impact on the quality, or best reduce the risk when buying a used car. Yes, mileage will be a good indicitive measure of wear. But not the only one. Consider the whole package/history. For an (unlikely) example - a 16k car, on original oil, thrashed from cold when used 3 times/year, is probably in worse shape than a cherished example on 100k.

I don't really think there is such a thing as "too low mileage" as long as it has been
cared for or stored correctly. There are many low mileage S2000's around as it is
often a second car used only when the weather is nice etc. Many owners only
put 1 or 2 thousand miles per year on them, sometimes less.

I purchased an 02, 2 years ago that had 14,800 miles on it.
It is in great condition and runs well but it obviously still has some
signs of wear/use. It now has 16,200 miles on it.

i'd be wary of a car that has sat completely un used but one which shows MOT history and low amounts of use would not worry me..

in the last 7 years i have one which has done 11k and the only issues i have had are common ones, binding brakes, failed drop links and a little tin worm (boot leak and damaged windscreen surround rusting from shit fitment)

it has been dry stored, i'd want that i think. i have a few cars which do c1k a year

All really good comments thanks guys. Will definitely keep an eye out for the difference between one that has been left standing and one that just has a genuine low but consistent use.

I agree maintenance is key, was just wandering what to look for and if there were any likely issues from not enough use or too many cold starts.

thanks again.

Mine probably covers 1,000-2,000 miles per annum, since I have too many cars.

Do you think I ought to swap it for a more used one?