How many previous owners is too many?

[Tom_ed1987]

Remember that 8 owners on the log book doesn't necessarily mean it's been sold 8 times to 8 separate people. The history may have more detail, I'd still go look & assess condition.

 

[Akagi]

I sold my late 2006 Celica GT to its 10th owner the other day... There's a reason for the high turnover of owners it turns out.

That said, I was the 7th owner of my 2002 Polo in 2013, and there wasn't much wrong with it. Conversely, I was the 3rd owner of my 2005 Corolla, and there was plenty wrong with it.

Its not the be all and end all, but it does make me suspicious now after my past experiences.

 

[Scania]

For a "collectable", or classic car it's ok.

For a run of the mill shopping trolley which isn't very old, there's probably a bad reason for there being that many.

Indeed, I was looking at an RS500 Sierra Cosworth in White recently, 1988 E plate, 24 previous owners(!) it was at a car show and clearly passed from collector to collector through its life, same with an e28 M5 I know of, 19 previous owners!

Id be very wary of something run of the mill that's got so many owners with so few miles never mind the fact it's a finance repo, don't walk, run!

 

[Lustral]

For me is more than 0 as my last motors have been from new If i was looking for a used i would prolly consider upto 2 max , but i would look at service history , reciepts and what tyres it has etc etc .

 

[Liquidfox]

As above, with a diesel I'd be concerned. I bought my Focus ST with 5 previous owners at 6 years old. It's been mechanically sound, the fuel bills seemed to have scared all the previous ones off!