Do you remember the TV commercials with the tagline, “This isn’t your father’s Oldsmobile?” Beyond the fact that newer cars have more bells and whistles than older ones, vehicle durability has increased in the past 30 to 40 years.
In the past, many car shoppers wouldn't even consider a car with over 100,000 miles on it, regardless of its condition. That may no longer be a useful guide, however. There is more to a car than its mileage, and several factors go into deciding how many miles are too many for a used car.
The Ancient History of the Old Mileage Cutoff
Up through the 1970s, most vehicles simply were not expected to last longer than 99,999 miles. That number was reflected in the five-figure odometer common to vehicles then. Also, the odometers tended to break easily or, worse, get turned back illegally, so you never really knew the true mileage of some cars.
As auto engineering and quality advanced or were challenged by other automakers, cars started to last longer. But, the 100,000-mile marker remained the standard by which every used vehicle was judged. However, it isn’t true as often as it used to be that a high-mileage car wasn’t worth buying. You hear about cars lasting to 150,000 or 200,000, or (in some remarkable cases) 300,000 miles.
With more cars putting up high mileage figures and still going strong, it may be time to retire the old mileage marker if you follow some simple guidelines.
Educate Yourself
Talk to people about the cars that interest you. Speak with mechanics, enthusiasts, and owners of that type of car. Get online and read the forums. Study guides from Edmunds, JD Power, and Consumer Reports. Take a look at the high mileage cars that are advertised to get a feel for the market.
Mileage Assumptions
The typical driver puts about 12,000 miles on a car each year; after 10 years, the average car will have 120,000 miles on it. There are exceptions, though, that are high mileage yet retain high value.
- Cars owned by traveling sales representatives, real estate agents, and others who drive a lot for their jobs, are typically well-maintained. These people do not want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere or to be late to an appointment because of car trouble.
- Two-year-old cars with 50,000 miles that are mostly highway are examples of cars used by these types of drivers.
- Former rental or fleet vehicles have higher mileage and a lower price, but you are often assured of excellent maintenance and the availability of repair records. Many are newer model years; find one that has been properly reconditioned.
- A 10-year old sedan with only 30,000 miles and a single owner is a diamond in the rough. These “Sunday Driver” cars have been garaged, kept scrupulously cleaned, repaired, and maintained, and may look like new. Check for dry rot, dried out oil seals, and a weak battery, all easily replaced. Otherwise, this is a jewel of a car.
- A 10-year old car with four owners, on the other hand, is probably of much lower quality. The drivers got what they wanted out of it, and the maintenance records are probably non-existent.
If you need a rule of thumb about shopping based on miles, take these assumptions into consideration.
Shopping on Vehicle Condition
It’s always a good idea to learn the condition of a used car before you buy it. Even if it has low mileage, try to get a third-party inspection of its systems.
Many used car technicians and inspectors have a multi-part checklist they use to go over the car in question, something like those checklists you see for pre-owned, certified vehicles. Try to find a technician or inspector who specializes in the make of car of interest to you. Most models have their own quirks, and so you want someone familiar with them.
The inspection includes a general overview of the car, the fit, the finish of the body, mirrors, and glass. The technician will check the condition of the tires, engine, and brakes, as well as scan the car's computer control system. Finally, a test drive shows how well the car handles.
Put the condition of the car together with the mileage, the number of owners, and existence of repair and maintenance records, and you have a pretty good snapshot of the value of the vehicle.
Change Your Thinking
Instead of thinking about the miles already on the vehicle, think about how many miles the vehicle still has for you. This makes the perception less about how far the car already went, and provides a more realistic picture of how much further the car can go.
For example, if you see a car with 50,000 miles and it’s in good condition, you can probably get another four years (another 50,000 miles) out of it. If the car has been exceptionally well maintained, you may get to drive it past 150,000 or 200,000, creating an excellent value.
As we said before, check the history of the vehicle in terms of who owned it, where it’s been driven, how it’s been driven, and how well it has been maintained. Then, when you find a good used car, develop a good maintenance plan to go with it, make prompt repairs, and you can get thousands of more miles out of it without the rapid depreciation of a new car.
Some Guidelines for Used Car Buying
An ideal used car for regular, everyday driving can be found with 100,000 miles or fewer on it. It is probably a good deal if those miles were put on it in less than 10 years. It may not be the least expensive on the lot, however.
Understand that some makes and models last longer than others. All cars seem to be sturdier than their 20-year-old counterparts, but there are always a few that are exceptional. Find online resources to help you determine where to start and which makes and models are the best value.
Remember, also, that all miles are created equally. A 10-year-old car with one owner is likely to be in better shape than one with 10 different owners.
The upshot is that no set number of miles are "too many" for a used car. It's the make and model of the vehicle, how the miles were accrued, the number of owners, and the maintenance and repair history that tell you whether it's worth buying. Do your homework.
