The general rule for years-old car
While many consider buying used cars a considerable risk due to major repairs, new tires, and regular maintenance, others consider this a wise choice compared to buying new cars with a high purchase price. No matter where you stand on this dilemma, it is undeniable that there are still many things to learn and factors to consider before buying a high mileage vehicle. Mileage is one of those essential factors. So if you ever ask: “Should I Buy a Car with 150k miles?” know that mileage does not necessarily dictate a car’s condition. It could have average miles but not been properly maintained, or it could have high miles but still be in good condition and go for another 100,000, or vice versa, which is dependent on many cars. The bottom line? We cannot jump to conclusions easily, as we’d still have to look at other angles.
Continue reading and get yourself informed on the things to know before purchasing a high-mileage car and what the basis is for vehicles to be considered high mileage.
Good Mileage for a Used Car
Drive more for longer trips
Mileage differs from car to car, but you might not want to judge a vehicle based solely on its odometer, especially on older models. The most common fact people consider as a rule of thumb is that people drive an average of 12,000–15,000 miles a year. This means a 10-year-old vehicle with a mileage of around 100,000-150,000 miles is considered average. Higher numbers than that would be high mileage cars; in contrast, lower numbers would mean that the car is a low mileage one. You can also use the owner’s manual as a better reference when measuring the mileage.
Other vehicles tend to have fewer or more miles on the odometer. However, strictly adhering to the rule of thumb regarding good mileage for a used car does not automatically guarantee a car’s quality. After all, nothing would pre-determine how much longer a used vehicle could last. Chances are, even a car with high mileage can last longer because of how well the previous owner took care of it. Also, be wary of high mileage vehicles due for a service milestone but not brought in by the last owner. This can lead to a lot of wasted money and worry over paid repairs.
Highway Miles on a Vehicle
How many miles is the standard?
While shopping for a high mileage car, you might have come across some vehicles advertised as having highway miles. You may have wondered how it relates to buying modern cars and how it will affect your decision as a consumer. Read on to know exactly what it means and just how significant the highway miles on a car are, especially with the tires.
Highway miles might sound more harmful to a car, as you imagine operating at higher speeds and higher RPMs for a longer time. Naturally, you would think of its engines as being worn out from all that driving. But city miles in a car or city driving are actually worse for a car. It makes sense when you think about it carefully. A car that’s been exposed to the stress that comes with bad road and traffic conditions in a city generates more damage. Just think of the significant number of drivers on the road and how likely it is that a vehicle in town can sustain and maintain damage from minor accidents like rubbing against the curb during parallel parking. Compare that to a car driven on a highway, wherein that particular vehicle ran at constant speed on a smooth, well-maintained, and much wider road.
Why Buying High Mileage Cars Is a Wise Move
Is it worth buying for?
“Should I buy a high mileage car with 150,000 miles?” Several years ago, this question would have been considered foolish. Buying a car with 100k miles was treated like an end game in the past. Cars were less reliable regarding mileage back then; what more when driving past that milestone? Luckily for you, today, vehicles are made to reach way past 100k miles. It means buying high-mileage cars could be a steal, especially if it’s a good car model.
Don’t let the number on the odometer be your deciding factor. Usually, buying a newer model with high mileage is much better than buying an older car with less mileage. Why do you ask? It’s because the rubber parts in a car naturally deteriorate over the years, high mileage or not. And since vehicles are meant to be driven, those with high mileage tend to last longer; this is because driving heats up the engine and lubricates it as oil flows. Not only that, but it also burns the carbon buildup, helping your engine last longer and requiring fewer visits from a mechanic.
When it comes to resale value, cars with 90k-120k mileage and short trips on them do not have much difference, provided that they have been maintained pretty well before. But one risk you have to be prepared for is that even though it’s easy to purchase high-mileage cars, the problem is they’re harder to sell when you decide to get rid of them in the future.
Conclusion
Though there are more reasons why buying high mileage cars is a wise move, you should still be careful and scrutinize them before purchasing them, like knowing the car’s history and, if undergone proper maintenance making sure that you’ll get into fewer risks with the deal and due diligence. Get to see the oil changes history, accident history, maintenance records, and routine maintenance; check for a vehicle history report, service records, and a Carfax report, and check if it’s in good shape to avoid issues and more problems. Check the condition of auto parts such as the engine, timing belt, fuel pump, water pump, cylinder head, tires, brakes, and transmission, and check engine light condition and suspension. Be familiar with the vehicle’s age, average mileage per year, and how many miles it has consumed for the last year, or have your trusted mechanic check all of these; they are a true life and time saver.
It is always right to stop and ponder for a while and ask yourself, “Should I buy a car with 150k miles?” when planning to buy a used car, but do not let mileage be your deciding factor. You do not have to let a car with a six-figure mileage reading threaten you. While considering it, you should consider whether it was appropriately maintained, driven the right way, and driven in stressful environments with more exposure to minor and harsh accidents.
Understanding these factors can lead you to find the reliable used car you’ve wanted for so long. They might help you make the right choice. After all, no one would expect and wants to be surprised with many high repair bills in the coming days because of significant repairs and maintenance.
Who knows the answer? A car with 150k miles and a good vehicle’s history might give you another 100k miles for a much lower price than a newer car. It’ll be a good deal.
