How Many Miles Are Too Many For A Used Car?
With used car prices as high as they are, this question has been coming up A LOT - how many miles are too many for a used car? I get it, when you’re buying a car that’s new to you, it’s nice to purchase a vehicle with low mileage. It typically means that it’s newer, has better features, and you’ll be getting more bang for your buck. However, if your family is growing faster than your budget, you’ll need to save somewhere and considering a car with higher mileage can be a great option.
If you've ever wondered if reaching 100,000 miles on your odometer is a signal that your vehicle is on it’s last leg, the answer is a resounding no. In fact, hitting that 100k-mile mark might just be the start of a new chapter in your car's life. Today on the blog, we're going to tackle the misconceptions surrounding high mileage and provide why 100k miles is not too much on your vehicle.
What Mileage Actually Means
Let's start with the basics. Mileage feels like a critical aspect we hear about so frequently when it comes to vehicle maintenance, but it’s just a numerical value for how many miles you’re driven. It's like the scorecard for our cars, and we all want to know if we're winning or losing. But is there a specific mileage threshold where your vehicle starts losing? No. Modern cars are designed to endure, and 100,000 miles is just the start for your car.
Average Vehicle Lifespan
Understanding the average lifespan of a vehicle is crucial to planning routine maintenance and your overall peace of mind. Fortunately, vehicles today are engineered to have a much longer life than you’d expect. In the past, reaching 100,000 miles was a remarkable feat. Nowadays, it's more of a beginning rather than an endpoint. Cars are constructed to withstand the test of time, provided they receive the proper care and attention.
The average car on the road has over 150k miles on it and most manufacturers expect their vehicles to make it to at least 200k at a minimum!
Let's dispel a common myth: high mileage doesn't equate to an imminent breakdown. The fear of crossing the 100,000-mile mark is often based on outdated beliefs. What genuinely matters is how you've maintained and looked after your vehicle along the way.
Are High Mileage Cars Reliable? Here’s What To Look For.
The reliability of your vehicle is a crucial factor. Some makes and models are inherently more robust than others. Certain brands have a track record for producing vehicles that can easily surpass the 100,000-mile mark without breaking a sweat. However, truly ANY car can be reliable if it’s been well-maintained and doesn’t have a history of major issues.
To see my top favorite vehicles for families, read my list here.
Always Check The Carfax - Any major accidents? Did their airbags deploy? If so, that’s a NO from me. A fender bender that was repaired and didn’t cause major issues isn’t usually a big deal. It happens!
Service History - If a car has made it to 100k miles, you can expect that it will have a lengthy service history. That is a LOT of data to ultimately help you decide if it’s been a reliable car. A well-maintained car with 100k miles and no major issues is a great sign that it’s reliable for another 100k.
Does it fit the needs of your family? - This is huge. As always, when you’re buying any car, give it a test drive and install your car seats to make sure they fit safely,
Speaking of maintenance, the key to prolonging your vehicle's life is regular upkeep. Those recommendations are recommendations for a reason! Consistent oil changes, tire rotations, and scheduled check-ups can make a significant difference. Neglect your car, and even a low-mileage vehicle can turn into a lemon.
Let’s Talk About Car Depreciation
It’s true, when you buy a brand new car, the value drops as soon as your drive it off the lot. But a used car with higher mileage? It definitely won’t depreciate as quickly as a new car. High-mileage cars have already undergone a significant portion of their depreciation during their earlier years, making the rate of depreciation slower as they age.
High-mileage cars often come with a lower purchase price compared to new ones, making them more affordable and attractive (especially in this market!). While new cars experience rapid depreciation in their early years, high-mileage cars can hold their value better due to their lower purchase price which can be great news when it’s time to sell or trade-in.
Kelly’s Hot Take? Miles aren’t everything.
If a higher mileage car is going to fit your family and your budget better, I think you should consider it.
The real evidence of any car's longevity is in how well it’s bee taken care of. A well-maintained high-mileage vehicle continues to perform well. Keep an eye out for signs such as clean engine oil, consistent service records, and minimal interior wear and tear. These are all indicators that the car has been treated with care and is likely to keep running smoothly.
Here's to many more miles on the road ahead in your family vehicle! Tell me - would you drive a car that has 100k+ miles? Tell me in the comments!
Have you driven a vehicle that’s hit well over 100k miles? I have! If you have too, please let me know the make + model in the comments. And to keep up with the latest car buying tips, check out the recent posts:
