Does Mileage Matter When Buying a Used Car?
There’s an ongoing debate in the world of car owners around the discussion of low-mileage and its importance. Some believe if a used vehicle has high mileage, there’s no point in purchasing it. Whereas others believe it’s the current state of the vehicle that matters most. Today’s post is here to provide you with the truth.
Several concerns come with purchasing a used vehicle, including the condition it’s in as well as how many kilometers it has on it. The truth is, it’s the mileage that determines what a used vehicle will sell for. This is because most drivers believe that if a vehicle has 30,000 kilometers on it, they can still drive it for another 70 – 90,0000 kilometers before it requires any major mechanic work.
Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. There’s a lot more to it and we’re here to explain the ins and outs of mileage.
Here’s what we’ll cover in this post:
- What is good mileage for a used car?
- How many kilometers is too many for a used car?
- The pros of purchasing a low mileage used car.
- The cons of purchasing a low mileage used car.
- Vehicles makes that can reliably run even after 30,000 kilometers.
What is good mileage for a used car?
The rule of thumb is that the average Canadian driver will put on 20,000 kilometers per year on a vehicle. This is a pretty standard number and what most manufacturers use to determine a vehicle’s warranty. There’s about 10,000 kilometers of breathing room here, which you can consider when you see the overall condition of the vehicle.
Chances are, most used vehicles will be more than a few years old, meaning you’ll have to do the math to determine whether the mileage year per year adds up. For example, a vehicle manufactured in 2010 with 100,000 kilometers on it in 2015 is considered good mileage.
How many kilometers is too many for a used car?
The answer here is dependant on how the vehicle was driven. If a vehicle manufactured in 2010 only has 60,000 kilometers on it but was never cared for or regularly maintained by the owner, you should avoid purchasing it. On the other hand, if that vehicle instead had 250,000 kilometers on it but is in great condition, it might be worth bringing it to a mechanic and considering the purchase.
Remember to always ask the owner if the vehicle’s mileage is primarily highway or city. If the vehicle has spent more of its driving life on the highway, its mechanics will most likely be in better condition. If it was a city vehicle, the brakes and other mechanic parts may be more worn out. Bring it to your mechanic before making an offer.
The pros of purchasing a low mileage used car.
- Low mileage used cars are usually in better condition, meaning they’ll require less maintenance in the long run.
- Most low mileage used vehicles have a higher resale value. Down the line, you’ll be able to sell it and purchase another vehicle without losing your investment.
- Low mileage used vehicles depreciate less than new vehicles, so over your lifetime, you could save upward of $150,000.
The cons of purchasing a low mileage used car.
- Low mileage used cars can be expensive and you may not make your investment back.
- Often, most low mileage vehicles are also older models. If a vehicle is more than 10 years old and has low mileage, you should be suspicious. Vehicles that sit around for extended periods of time usually suffer from mechanic failures, like corroded wires and stiff parts.
- For older used vehicles with low mileage, the warranty may be close to expiring.
Vehicles makes that can reliably run even after 30,000 kilometers
Based on our research from Kelly Blue Book and the Canadian Black Book, the following brands are most recommended to purchase as used vehicles:
- Toyota
- Honda
- Ford
- Mazda
- Subaru
- Acura
Looking for a used vehicle? Visit Birchwood Credit Solutions
At Birchwood Credit Solutions, we carry an extensive inventory of new and used cars, trucks, SUVs and vans in a variety of makes and models. Our most popular brands include Kia, Toyota, Honda and Ford.
The Birchwood Automotive Group is the largest network of car dealerships in Winnipeg, Manitoba, allowing us to find you a car that works with your budget. Our inventory has thousands of options to choose from.
We’ve streamlined our process to be as easy and hassle-free as possible. After you fill out our two-minute online application, we can ensure you’ll be driving a vehicle in no time. We can help all types of credit situations, including customers who have applied for bankruptcy, customers who are new to Canada and many more credit situations.
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