Find the right balance that works for you.
When the time comes to purchase a used car, a familiar dilemma often arises: the battle between age and mileage. As potential buyers, we’re confronted with the question of whether an older car with low mileage is better than a newer car with higher mileage, or vice versa.
The Age Factor
Age, when considering used cars, encompasses not just the number of years the vehicle has been on the road, but also the effects of time on various components. A car that has been parked for an extended period might show signs of wear even if its odometer reads a relatively low mileage. Rubber components, such as belts and hoses, could have degraded, and internal fluids might have deteriorated, potentially leading to unexpected repairs.
Additionally, advancements in automotive technology have brought about improvements in safety features, fuel efficiency as well as informational and entertainment systems. An older car might lack these modern amenities and safety enhancements, making it less appealing compared to a newer model. However, it’s important to note that some vintage car enthusiasts actively seek out older vehicles for their novelty, charm and unique characteristics.
The Mileage Myth
Mileage, on the other hand, serves as a general indicator of a car’s usage and potential wear and tear. Lower mileage vehicles are often perceived as having less mechanical stress and thus are believed to have more life left in them. However, this isn’t always a straightforward equation. A car that has been predominantly driven on the highway might have less wear than a city-driven car with the same mileage due to the differences in driving conditions.
Modern engines are designed to last longer than those from previous decades. Regular maintenance and adherence to recommended service intervals play a crucial role in preserving the health of a vehicle, regardless of its mileage. Consulting maintenance records can offer valuable insights into the care the car has received.
Prioritizing the Factors
Ultimately, the decision to prioritize age or mileage depends on a variety of factors, including the car’s intended use, budget and personal preferences.
If reliability and safety are paramount, a newer car with moderate mileage might be the ideal choice. This ensures access to the latest safety features and improved fuel efficiency while minimizing the risks associated with aging components.
Conversely, if you’re a vintage car enthusiast or have a limited budget, an older vehicle with lower mileage could align with your goals. Conducting a thorough inspection and requesting maintenance records becomes even more critical in this scenario.
The Balanced Approach
Striking a balance between age and mileage often leads to the best outcomes. A well-maintained car, regardless of its age, can offer years of reliable service. Likewise, a low-mileage car that has been neglected or poorly maintained might end up costing more in repairs than a slightly older, well-maintained counterpart.
Whatever you decide, we’re here to help whenever you’re ready for your next Consumers auto loan.
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FAQs
If reliability and safety are paramount, a newer car with moderate mileage might be the ideal choice. This ensures access to the latest safety features and improved fuel efficiency while minimizing the risks associated with aging components.
Is age of car or mileage more important? ›
In conclusion, while it's a good idea to consider both the age of a vehicle and the mileage on the odometer, how it was maintained is the key. A 10 year old car with 100,000 miles may have received more maintenance and upkeep then a 5 year-old car with 50,000 miles.
Does mileage really matter when buying a used car? ›
When purchasing a pre-owned vehicle, the miles it has traveled are important. However, it's not the only factor to consider. The condition of the car is the most important factor. A vehicle with less than 100,000 miles and a service record with regular maintenance are ideal.
What mileage is too high for a used car? ›
What is considered high mileage on a car? Often, 100,000 miles is considered a cut-off point for used cars because older vehicles often start requiring more expensive and frequent maintenance when mileage exceeds 100,000.
Is it better to get a newer car with more miles or an older car with less miles? ›
“I would lean more toward newer vehicles, even if they have more miles,” says Jennifer Stockburger, director of operations at Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center. “And the reason I say that is because there have been so many advances in terms of safety and fuel economy.
Do cars depreciate by age or mileage? ›
The two biggest factors that affect car depreciation are your vehicle's age and mileage. Automakers release new models every year, “so older versions are regarded as less valuable,” says Eric Ibara, director of residual value consulting for Kelley Blue Book. And the more miles on a car, the less it's worth.
How old of a used car is the best value? ›
If your goal is to save on a pre-owned vehicle, it's advisable to seek one that has already undergone most of its depreciation. This entails finding a car that is at least two years old, but ideally between three and four years old.
What is the best mileage for a second hand car? ›
On average, a car should have around 10,000 miles per year. So, for an easy way to calculate how many miles on a used car is too much, just multiply its age by 10,000. For example, a five-year-old car would ideally have 50,000 miles or less on its odometer.
At what mileage should a car be replaced? ›
How many miles does a car last? A conventional car can last for 200,000 miles. Some well-maintained car models will reach 300,000 or more miles total.
Why shouldn't you buy a car with high mileage? ›
Vehicles with over 100,000 miles typically face more frequent issues with major components such as the engine, transmission and suspension. The average cost of engine repair or replacement can range from $3,000 to $8,000, while transmission repairs can cost between $1,800 and $3,400.
The sweet spot for mileage often aligns with the average annual mileage accumulation, which hovers around 12,000 to 15,000 miles. A used car with moderate mileage, ideally below the annual average, suggests that it has been driven responsibly and not subjected to excessive wear.
At what mileage do most cars start having problems? ›
What mileage do vehicles begin to have issues at? Most vehicles will run smoothly until the 50,000 to 80,000-mile benchmark, but this is not guaranteed. Some vehicles may experience issues with their clutch, oil, and even transmission before this point, depending on how well the vehicle is maintained.
Is a 10-year old car too old? ›
Cars over 10 years old can still be reliable. Most vehicles can last well over a decade with proper care and maintenance. In fact, the average car on U.S. roads is now 12.5 years old, according to a study from S&P Global Mobility. Furthermore, a car doesn't really stop depreciating until it hits that 10-year mark.
Does the age of a car really matter? ›
Even when mileage is low, the older a car gets, the less reliable it becomes. Modern cars are much more reliable, even as they age. Five-year-old cars record what is considered a major problem every three years, while 10-year-old cars are more likely to face a problem every 18 to 20 months.
Does car age affect mileage? ›
Calculating average annual miles
Factors such as a car's age, what kind of driving it's used for, and how well it's maintained all also impact mileage. For petrol cars, low mileage is generally considered to be under 10,000 miles per year.
Is it smart to buy an old car with low miles? ›
It's typically a general rule of thumb to go for the car with the lowest number of miles on it. The more miles a car has, the more likely it is to need repairs and maintenance.
What's the correlation between car age and mileage? ›
To find out the average mileage on an old vehicle, just multiply the car's age by 24,000 and compare the answer to the number on the odometer reading. Another way to do it is to divide the car's odometer reading by its age. If the reading is higher than 24,000, the vehicle can be considered high-mileage.
