We recently purchased a sharan with at 233k miles on it (which we weren't made aware of).Apparently the timing belt and water pump has been changed but It has several things needing replaced but we've been told are minor, brake pads, tyres, possible thermostat (the heater isn't working) 2 x suspension bushes and there's an oil leak but we're not yet sure the extent of this. We also discovered this car was an ex taxi. We know very little about repairing cars ourselves and are trying to decide, is it worth repairing this car or do we sell at a loss and purchase another with less miles/ wear and tear? We're just concerned about doing the repairs and something else major going soon after ....
1st: welcome to the forums
Sorry to be the berrer of bad news.
Seeing as it was an ex taxi and that you were some how deceived about the milage... you should seriously consider getting your money back though a buyers remorse law or as a deception unless you got it from a owner and not a lot.
If you cant.. sell it as is.. even if you take a loss.
Unless you got the car for its value in scrap or very very cheap... walk away. Even if you get everything done to it via a mechanic you are looking at about 4 to 5 grand in the end.
You do not ever want to buy a rental or taxi car or truck. They are so far beaten to death and neglected it's not funny. Also the repairs are done very cheaply and poorly if any. It's very common that these cars have extensive hidden damage that was very poorly fixed.
Run dont walk.
If you do decide to take it on as a project check out our trusted tdi mechanics page on tdi 101
Also use quality parts from our vendors
You want to assume 100% of everything you know about this car is a lie and assume no maintenance was done and what was done is done wrong.
All fluids, filters, belts, suspension, breaking, tires, and belts and hoses must be addressed and serviced and consider the car as needing 100% of everything done to it. If it's still in your projected budget, fine. If not... it's a money pit you should run from