Wondering how many kilometres are too many for a used car? We’ve got the lowdown on what’s good, what’s bad, and what really matters.
So, you're on the hunt for a used car. First stop? The odometer, of course. It's easy to think that fewer kilometres mean a better car, but there's a bit more to it. What’s the ideal mileage for a used car? Let’s break it down so you can make a smart choice and drive away with confidence.
What are considered low, medium, and high kilometres on a car?
Kilometres on the clock can tell you a lot about a car’s life. Here’s a simple rule of thumb: an average car racks up around 15,000 km per year. So, for a one-year-old car, 15,000 km is good.
Here’s what is generally considered low, medium, and high mileage:
- Under 100,000 km: This is typically considered low mileage. A car with fewer than 100,000 km is often seen as relatively new and should have plenty of life left.
- 100,000 to 150,000 km: This is medium mileage. Cars in this range can still be in excellent condition if they’ve been well-maintained. They often provide a good balance between cost and reliability.
- Over 150,000 km: This is high mileage. These cars might need more frequent repairs, but they can be bargains if they have a solid maintenance history and are known for longevity.
So, you're on the hunt for a used car. First stop? The odometer, of
The number of kilometres a car has travelled is important but it’s not everything
Sure, lower mileage often means fewer problems and more life left in the car. But remember, it’s just a number. Here are other key factors to consider:
What is the maintenance history of the car?
A car with a full-service history is gold. Regular oil changes, timely repairs, and routine servicing can significantly extend a car's life. Even a high-mileage car can be a good buy if it’s been well taken care of. For example, a car with 180,000 km but with detailed service records showing regular maintenance can be more reliable than a 90,000 km car with no maintenance history.
Is the make and model known for being durable?
Some car brands are known for their durability and can handle high mileage better than others. A bit of research can help you find the makes and models that are built to last. Brands like Toyota and Honda are often praised for their longevity, meaning their cars can often run smoothly even with high mileage.
How have the previous owners driven the cars?
How the car was used matters. A car mostly driven long distances might be in better shape than one that's been stuck in stop-and-go traffic its whole life.
How many previous owners did the car have?
Fewer owners usually mean more consistent care. A single-owner car can often be a great find as it might have more consistent driving and maintenance habits. Multiple owners might suggest less consistent maintenance, although this isn’t always the case.
What if you have a new car with hundreds of thousands of kilometres? Or an older car with only a couple of thousand kilometres on the clock?
It’s also important to consider how a car’s age and the kilometres it has travelled work together. Sometimes, a newer car with high mileage might not be as reliable as an older car with fewer kilometres, especially if that older car has been well-maintained.
For example, think about a three-year-old car with 90,000 km. It’s likely faced significant wear and tear from lots of use. Now, compare that to a seven-year-old car with only 70,000 km that’s been regularly serviced and taken care of. The older car could actually be in better overall shape.
High mileage in a short time often means the car was heavily used, maybe as a fleet vehicle or for long commutes. This can lead to more wear and tear compared to an older car that was used more sparingly and had regular check-ups.
So what’s the sweet spot for you?
Here’s a quick breakdown of what to look for in different mileage ranges:
- Look for under 100,000 km for a new-ish car: Ideal for those looking for a somewhat new car. These cars usually have plenty of life left and are less likely to have problems down the line.
- 100,000 to 150,000 km is fine if the car has been looked after: This can still be a great choice if the car has been well-maintained. These cars often offer a good balance between cost and reliability.
- A car with over 150,000 km on the clock must have a solid maintenance history: These cars might need more regular repairs but they can also be bargains if they have a solid maintenance history and are known for going forever.
To recap:
- When buying a used car, mileage is important but only one of the key factors to consider.
- A well-maintained car with higher mileage can often be a better choice than a low-mileage car that hasn’t been taken care of.
- Aim for a balance between mileage and overall condition, and always verify the car’s history and maintenance records.
