22nd Sep 2019, 09:43
Further update:
The car is now 8 years old and has done 147000km. Signs of age are starting to show, with the interior trim developing a couple of rattles, one in the passenger door and one behind the dashboard - both disappear after a few minutes running. There is also a low buzz from the steering wheel for the first 10 or so minutes after the first start-up of the day, so an electrical contact from the steering wheel buttons to the car is probably loose. The rest of the interior is still as before, including the unworn as-new seats!
Mechanically, there have been no unexpected problems. The front brake discs and pads had to be replaced at the 140k service, but otherwise no other age-related work. Fuel consumption is starting to increase (up from around 6L/100km to 7L/100km), which is probably due to the DPF clogging up with ash and having to actively regenerate more often.
All in all, the car is still doing the job asked of it, and doing it well.
26th Aug 2018, 02:20
Thanks for the update. These are tempting for their low price, relatively simple running gear, and optional manual transmission. It’s good to know they hold up for the long haul.