You’re on the market for a used car and you have a limited budget that you’d like to stretch as far as possible. As you evaluate the cars within your price range, you’re probably paying close attention to the odometer of each car you see. But just how much should the mileage influence your decision? Sumarie Greybe, co-founder of Naked, the fully digital insurance platform, takes a look at what the kilometres on the clock can tell you about a car’s life.
What qualifies as low, medium or high kilometres?
An average car does around 15,000km per year. You can divide the car’s metre reading by its age to determine whether it has done a lot of mileage for its age or not.
- Low: A vehicle with under 100,000km on the clock is generally regarded as relatively new and should offer many more kilometres of reliable service.
- Medium: Cars with 100,000 – 150,000km fit into this category. They can still be in good condition if they have been reliably serviced and maintained.
- High: A car with more than 150,000km on the odometer has done high mileage. Many components will be reaching the end of their lifespan. But a model with a solid maintenance history and a reputation for longevity could still keep going for tens of thousands of kilometres.
It’s not the years, it’s the mileage
Presented with a newer car with higher mileage or a slightly older one with less mileage, which one is the right choice? In many instances, an older car with fewer kilometres, a careful previous owner and a full service record can be a better buy than a newer car with higher mileage.
That three-year-old car with 90,000km has probably endured a lot of wear and tear in its short life. It may have been a corporate fleet car or a former rental vehicle driven hard by numerous different drivers. By contrast, a seven-year-old car with only 70,000km might have had one owner who really looked after it. It could be in better condition.
What to look for in different mileage ranges
If you’re buying a car newer than three or four years old, seek something with less than 100,000km. It should have plenty of lifespan to go.
Getting something older? 100,000 to 150,000km is fine if the car has been looked after. You should be able to find a well-maintained and reliable car. This can help you get a good balance between cost and reliability.
Considering something with over 150,000km on the clock? Insist on seeing the full service history. You might be able to get a bargain if it’s a brand known to keep going forever. Nonetheless, such a car will probably need more frequent repairs and preventative maintenance.
Mileage matters but it’s not everything
Lower mileage often means fewer problems and more life left in the car. But there are other key factors to think about:
- What is the maintenance history of the car?
First prize is finding a car with a full service history. Regular maintenance and routine services in line with manufacturer guidelines should prolong a car’s life.
- What sort of reputation does the make and model have for durability?
Some car brands are known for their reliability, even when the vehicle is older. They’re made to last and run smoothly even with high mileage. A bit of research will help you identify these makes and models.
- How did the previous owner drive the car?
A car mostly driven long distances may age more gracefully than one used mostly for short commutes in heavy traffic.
- How many previous owners did the car have?
If the car has had one owner for more than four years, chances are they were happy with the car and looked after it. Multiple owners might suggest less consistent maintenance, but that isn’t always the case.
Regardless of the kilometres, get the car inspected by a trusted mechanic before you buy. They can give you a report about the general condition of the car and potential issues such as engine wear, transmission issues, or previous accident damage. This service is well worth the money because it can save you from grief and costs down the road.
It’s also important to protect your investment in your car by getting insurance. You can buy car insurance on an app like Naked’s within a couple of minutes while you’re in the dealership. You’ll also be able to give the dealership proof of your insurance instantly by getting the documents sent straight from the app.
