What Is More Important When Buying A Used Car: Miles Or Age
When buying a used car, it comes down to two things the miles on the vehicle and its age.
Newer used vehicles typically cost more than older ones, as they usually have less wear and tear. And used cars with lower mileage usually cost more than those with higher mileage.
It makes sense, right? But lets explore whats more important. Is it miles or age?
How Many Miles Can A Car Do Before It Breaks Permanently
That really depends on the make and model, how well its been maintained, how its been driven etc. In fact, condition is more important than mileage in some situations.
For example, a five year old diesel car thats only done 15,000 miles would be a big cause for concern because that indicates it hasnt done enough mileage or the right type of driving to have burned the soot in the Diesel Particulate Filter. Getting a DPF cleaned or replaced is a very costly job so beware of suspiciously low mileage cars just as you would be of a high mileage motor.
Are Some Cars Better Than Others With A Lot Of Miles
Some auto brands earned a reputation for being more reliable over the long haul than others. While not always scoring near the top of reliability ratings, Jeeps garnered a loyal following among motorists who keep them for extended periods. Pickup trucks, too, hold value in part because of their workhorse durability and construction.
But that doesnt mean every model from the higher-rated brands will always outperform those from competitors.
Again, a vehicle with a lot of less-taxing highway mileage will likely have more life left in it than one with heavy city miles that age a car more quickly.
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What Is Considered Good Mileage For A Used Car
Typically, the older a car, the lower the price will be. But thats not always the case.
A two-year-old;car with 100,000 miles on it will be worth far less than a 10-year-old car with 50,000 miles on it. Especially if that 10-year-old car has been maintained properly.
Fortunately, within the last 10 years, many car models have been manufactured to last well over 100,000 miles. In fact, according to Consumer Reports;there are at least 10 models that can happily last past 200,000 miles;when properly cared for.
Do Some Cars Last Longer Than Others
Broadly speaking, yes. Certain brands will last longer than others due to better design, engineering and manufacturing standards.
Researching the model of the car youre buying to see at what mileage it normally starts to break down needs to be considered.
So, while a 10-year-old car with just over 100,000 miles may sound like a good deal, if that model starts shutting down at 125,000 miles, its likely only to last another 2-3 years.
While some outliers within brands do occur, it is better to err on the side of a good reputation when buying high-mileage cars.
To find out more about specific brands to opt for, then read our blog Are used cars reliable?
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Buying Used Cars: How Many Miles On A Used Car Is Too Much
Are you in the market for a used car?
Who isnt? In 2018 alone, over 40 million used cars were sold in the United States, compared to just 17 million for new cars.
While wed all love to splurge on a brand-new car, finances dont usually allow. A used car is cheaper and, as long as you make a good buy, offers better value for money.
However, buying used has its challenges. Its easy to buy a car thats on its last legs.
This brings us to the question: how many miles on a used car is too much?
Keep reading for more insight.
What Are Some Issues To Look For To Avoid Buying A Lemon
As a car ages, you can expect some parts to wear out and break down. The thing you dont want is for those parts to die right after you buy the vehicle. But, you wont always know when theyre getting ready to go. Some will, however, give you clues to their demise, so you can pass on buying it and look for something else.;;;
One of the most common parts that wear out is the alternator. This device powers many of the cars parts, like the battery, dash, and air conditioning. When it goes, the other items arent going to work either.
One way to determine whether its still going strong or about to die is by checking the brightness of the lights on the dash and the headlights. If they seem weak, its more than likely going to need replacing real soon.
Air conditioning can be very important to your car, depending on where you live. If you live in a hot area, the last thing you want is to be stuck without cool air while you drive in a hot car.
The first indication that it may be on its way out is when you notice the air blowing through it is cold but not as cold as it should be. A lot of things you can find when test-driving a vehicle youre interested in.;
Cars, nowadays, come with many sensors throughout the vehicle. Each one collects data, so another device can perform its ultimate function. If a sensor is going bad, other parts cant work properly.
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Do Some Models Last Longer
Brands like Toyota, Honda and Hyundai are known for having reliable cars. A long warranty is a good sign that a manufacturer believes in the build quality of its vehicles too. If you like two models from different brands, its worth looking into the reliability of both to see which is more likely to be hit with mileage-related issues in the future.
Why The Focus On Car Mileage
Youre probably wondering why most used car buyers give particular attention to car mileage.
After all, a car with a lower mileage doesnt necessarily mean its the best buy. If the said car was involved in a major collision but was beat back to life by mechanics, anyone will advise you to stay away from it.
On the other hand, its possible to find an accident-free car that has seen plenty of tarmac but still got thousands of miles to go.
Well, car mileage is the go-to way to determine how used a car is. Considering that a regular car engine is expected to last about 200,000 miles with proper maintenance, its easy to see why you wouldnt want to buy a used car thats closer to this mark.
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Cons Of Purchasing High Mileage Car Vs A Low Mileage Car
A low mileage car has obvious advantages in comparison to a high mileage car. For some, they may feel that the condition of the car is much more important, while some people may require low mileage to be a must. However, its safe to say that low mileage cars can definitely be more attractive.
- More Wear and Tear: A low mileage car can potentially signify that there is less wear and tear. This could indicate that the car may last longer as it hasnt been through much damage. Of course, the cars condition can also be dependent on the way the owner treats their car.;
- Lower Resale Value: After a specific mileage, the cars transmission and performance deteriorates, which makes their resale value much lower. A lower mileage, on the other hand, could account for a higher resale value if you decide to trade it out or sell it. This is because there are more miles for the car and it could still last a longer period of time after its been purchased.;
Good Condition And Maintenance Records
Mileage isn’t the only thing to take into account when looking at a used car. The car’s condition and how comprehensive the service records are can be invaluable indicators of whether a vehicle is a good purchase or not.
Start with the overall condition of a vehicle. A car that has been well taken care of should show it in both the interior and the exterior. On the other hand, poorly maintained interiors and exteriors might indicate that the owner didn’t put much effort into keeping the vehicle in good shape. Carefully maintained interiors and exteriors might show that the owner kept the car in good condition and probably also performed maintenance on schedule.
This type of owner might also retain more thorough maintenance records, including what repairs were completed and when. Also, research the service intervals for your chosen model to determine what each service includes at a specific time.
Finally, see if the vehicle has an existing warranty that may be transferable to you. For example, Hyundai offers the new car owner an extensive new car warranty, but specific terms for subsequent owners may cut coverage.
You can use these as a checklist when you talk to the owner and look over maintenance records. Internet sites and forums may also have a list of common problems for that specific vehicle, so be sure to ask the owner about these common problems.
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Does Mileage Matter When Buying A Used Car
- Does mileage matter when buying a used car?
Latest car guides
In the world of used cars, two factors, in particular, will always play a role in the price you pay: mileage and age.
As a rule of thumb, higher mileage usually goes together with a lower price. This is because key features like parts, suspension components and other mechanisms are created to last for a set time. The longer a vehicle is used, the more wear and tear occurs on these features.
While a ten-year-old car is almost always less expensive than a three-year-old car, it is important to consider its odometer and the type of miles that have been racked up behind the wheel.
Below, we explain how much mileage is good for a used car and how types of mileage differ.
Is A Cars High Mileage Always A Deal
The short answer is no.
While some people are sticklers for low mileage on a used car, it doesn’t mean that you should write off every decent-looking car with high mileage. Back in the day, old school odometers would “roll over” or go back to 000 miles/ kilometers once they reached a certain threshold . This is probably how folks came up with the 160,000 km number, as it roughly converts to just under 100,000 miles.
According to Forbes, “motorists are holding onto their cars for longer than ever” these days. Whereas a car manufactured in the 30s could only last a little over six years, today’s cars can clock in up to 400,000 kilometers. This is thanks to all the awesome technological advances that have allowed car manufacturers to create longer-lasting car parts at affordable rates.
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Why Is Mileage Important
The close relationship between the lifespan of moving parts and mileage is the reason why its a significant factor in a car purchase. Through regular use, your vehicles components naturally wear out and need to be replaced over time.
Though the value of used cars constantly depreciates, spare parts value often does not, and the cost of labor also remains the same. The main risk of driving a used car is that at one point, the cost of repairs will likely exceed the cars remaining value.;
One of the reasons why some drivers prefer older vehicles is because they can be driven almost indefinitely if they are well-maintained. With their robust powertrain and general simplicity, the lack of complex equipment is great for maintenance. But you sacrifice comfort, convenience, and safety features as a result.
How Many Miles On A Used Car Are Too Much
As we have already mentioned, mileage is not the only factor that comes into play when judging a used cars tax value. This is why it becomes challenging to get an exact figure of what would be too many miles on a used car.
For example, think about a 10-year-old sedan that has 90,000 miles under its belt. Going by the mileage, it seems like a pretty good deal, doesnt it? However, if this sedan has been driven by four or five owners previously, its advisable to stay away from it. This is because it is implausible that all previous owners would have maintained the car with the same rigor and diligence that a single owner might have put in. This means that even if it has a lesser mileage under its belt, this sedan is likely ready for scrap.
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Issues That Can Come From High
The best resource for car maintenance information is a certified, trusted or professional mechanic. But, knowing a few common knowledge about routine wear-and-tear can help you ensure the road worthiness of your vehicle.;
Following your car owners manual will certainly help put your mind at ease when it comes to scheduling routine maintenance and replacements. However, there are still some instances that you will be needing the knowledge and skills of a professional or trusted mechanic. And here are a couple of things experts like them wanted you to be mindful of:
How Do I Maintain My Car After 100000 Km/miles
For many vehicle owners, they want to get their bang for the buck. Whether youve purchased a high mileage car or you currently own one, you might be considering ways to maintain the car. More often than not, maintenance after 100,000 kilometres can get expensive. However, major maintenance and repairs can extend the lifespan of your car. Here are ways to maintain your 100K KM car:
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How Many Kilometers Are Too Much For A Used Car
Cars provide faster movement and allow easy access to various locations, particularly in far-flung areas where public transportation is difficult. In countries where most of the population is working 40+ hours per week, cars are necessary to help ease the workload. In a survey conducted last 2017, approximately 90% of the households in the United States own at least one light vehicle, i.e., sedans, light trucks, and similar vehicles.
How To Shop For A High
Mileage is still a factor, but it isnt the only factor. When shopping for a high-mileage car, consider the following:
- Look for the most reliable models.
- Go through a dealership instead of a private seller.; Get a warranty if you can.
- Check the vehicle history report for previous collisions or other damage.
- Check the service history to see how well the vehicle has been maintained. Even;missed oil changes could have taken their toll.
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What Is Considered High Mileage
Using the same average mileage figure, a five year old car with significantly more than 60,000 miles on the clock would be considered high mileage. A high mileage car isn’t necessarily an old car – it could’ve been driven as a company car that completed around 30,000 miles a year.
In the past, a car with over 100,000 miles on its odometer would have been avoided by many used car buyers; however, it isn’t necessarily a bad investment.
What Is Year To Mileage Ratio For A Used Car
The year to mileage ratio measures the number of miles a used car averages each year. On average, Canadian drivers rack up 20,000 kilometers or around 12,427 miles on the road each year.
So, assuming a used vehicle is 10 years old, it might be expected to have around 124,270 miles on it. Whether a used car is considered high mileage or not depends largely on the year to mileage ratio.
Take a five-year-old used vehicle with 100,000 kilometers . That works out to 20,000 km per year on average, so not too bad.
Now, assume you have a three-year-old used car with the same mileage. The average annual mileage is around 33,333 km or 20,712 miles.
Understanding the year to mileage ratio is important for getting an idea of how long the vehicle will last. In the previous example, the second car may have a shorter life span than the first one if higher mileage means more wear and tear on the engine.
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Safety Features To Consider
When buying a car, you will need to consider the number of the vehicles safety features. In recent years, safety features and advanced technology offerings have improved on cars and trucks. Older models may not offer as many. Keep that in mind.
Heres a sampling of top safety features and advanced technology offerings:
Why Is 200000 Miles The New 100000 Miles
Way back when, maintaining your car well enough to reach 100,000 miles was a point of pride.; Thats because older cars were usually unreliable at triple-figure mileage but a lot has changed since your parents started looking for their first car. Manufacturers are using more sophisticated components and fluids that ensure a car lasts longer.
100,000 miles really isnt high these days. Lets do the math:
- The average car still on the road is 11 years old.
- The average car is driven around 15,000 miles per year.
- That means your average car on the road has about 165,000 miles.
Actually, many cars drive well over 200,000 miles nowadays.
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