29th Nov 2013, 14:33
There is no easy way to say this, but if you are totally dependent on garages, a 14 year old vehicle with rust problems is not for you.
One of the dinner ladies at my school had six children and had a Transit minibus (V4 engine?) for a while. They found running two estate cars was cheaper: the rust problems eventually killed it, and insurance was expensive (as it's a commercial vehicle).
29th Nov 2013, 09:18
Sorry for delay Michelle. The version you are looking at is a mk5 with the "banana" engine, which is extremely reliable, but the same problem of rust occurs. It may be better to finance something a little newer with some more body life left in it, unless this one is amazing underneath.
It's hard to say without seeing it, but the older it is, the simpler and generally more reliable the engine is (if looked after), and the more likely there will be rust issues.
Mine may possibly come for sale next month due to acquiring a very new 7 seater by chance, but I really do not want to sell the Tourneo if possible!