When looking to buy a used car, one of the most important factors to consider is the vehicle’s mileage. Mileage refers to the total number of miles a car has been driven over its lifetime. As a general rule, the higher the mileage on a used car, the more wear and tear it is likely to have. There are several key reasons why you may want to avoid purchasing a high mileage used car.
Higher Risk of Mechanical Problems
One of the biggest concerns with high mileage vehicles is that they are more prone to developing mechanical problems. Parts like the engine, transmission, drivetrain, suspension, hoses, belts etc. are subject to wear over time. The more miles a car has, the more worn these components become. Once a car reaches approximately 100,000 miles, critical parts like the timing belt and water pump should be replaced. If the previous owner(s) neglected to replace these parts on schedule, it could lead to very expensive repairs down the road. Parts that commonly fail on older, high mileage cars include:
- Engine – Items like piston rings, cylinders, spark plugs, valves and seals wear out over time leading to loss of power, oil leaks and eventual engine failure.
- Transmission – Hard shifts, fluid leaks and complete transmission failure become increasingly likely after 100k miles.
- Suspension – Shocks, struts, tie rods, ball joints and other steering/suspension components wear out leading to poor handling, vibrations and uneven tire wear.
- Electronics – Sensors and control units that operate everything from the engine to lights, A/C and entertainment malfunction more often.
Repairing these types of issues can cost thousands of dollars and lead to a lot of headaches. With an older, high mileage car, it becomes a matter of “when” not “if” major repairs will be needed.
Higher Maintenance Costs
In addition to a greater likelihood of breakdowns and large repairs, high mileage cars also typically have higher routine maintenance costs. Items like tires, brakes, batteries, spark plugs, timing belts, fluids and filters need regular replacement regardless of mileage. But with higher mileage, these maintenance items often need attention more frequently than on a lower mileage car.
For example, tires may need changing every 30,000 miles on average. A car with 180,000 miles would likely be on its 6th set of tires already. Brakes are another wear item directly related to mileage – by 100k miles or more, you’re probably on at least a 2nd or 3rd set of brakes. Batteries typically last about 5 years or 60k miles before needing replacement. And critical engine components like timing belts and water pumps should be replaced around 90-100k miles at the latest.
It’s not just wear items that have higher maintenance costs either. Older engines and transmission tend to burn/leak more oil and transmission fluid requiring more frequent top-ups. Rubber seals and gaskets also tend to harden and crack over time, causing coolant, oil and vacuum leaks. Ignition components like spark plugs and wires degrade resulting in misfires and poor performance unless replaced regularly. These types of maintenance expenses really add up.
So in summary, if you buy a 150,000 mile car, expect to replace a lot of expensive parts immediately, and then contend with higher repetitive maintenance costs down the road versus a lower mileage car.
Shorter Remaining Lifespan
Not only do high mileage cars have more existing wear, they also have a shorter remaining lifespan before even bigger repairs are needed. Engine rebuilding or replacement for example, typically becomes necessary between 150k-200k miles for most vehicles. Transmissions also have a finite lifespan, normally needing an overhaul or replacement in the 125-175k mile range at most. For a car that already has 175,000 miles let’s say, you’re at the point where these huge repairs could be imminent.
Beyond 200k miles, other major components like the alternator, water pump, power steering, and AC compressor often fail as well. At this point, additional repairs become less worthwhile since the car’s overall value is rapidly declining. It doesn’t make financial sense to dump $5,000 into major repairs on a 15+ year old vehicle with 200k miles. The car may nickel and dime you to death with smaller repairs for a while, but its days are numbered.
The bottom line is high mileage cars have fewer years and miles of practical service left. Unless you plan to just drive it into the ground as-is, extensive repairs will eventually be needed that exceed the vehicle’s worth.
Safety Concerns
There are also some valid safety concerns to consider with very high mileage vehicles:
– Older tires – Tires degrade over time due to sun exposure and loss of elasticity. Old tires are more prone to blowouts and lack grip.
– Weak brakes – Brake pads, rotors and hydraulic systems wear out over miles driven. Weak brakes increase stopping distance.
– Worn out suspension – Shock absorbers and steering components lose damping ability resulting in poor handling and control.
– Malfunctioning lights – Bulbs burn out and headlight housings get cloudy over time. Poor visibility is dangerous.
– Rust and structural issues – Excessive rust or collision damage that was not properly repaired can compromise the safety cage.
While minor in most cases, it’s worth thinking about whether an older high mileage car could present added safety risks compared to a lower mileage vehicle. Tires, brakes and lights for example are basic items directly linked to mileage that affect safety. Make sure to thoroughly inspect these components on any high mileage car you’re considering.
Diminished Resale Value
Mileage has a very direct impact on a used car’s resale value. The market value of vehicles drops significantly as mileage increases due to all the factors discussed previously. Generally speaking, resale value decreases exponentially above 100k miles. For example:
| Mileage | Resale Value Drop |
|---|---|
| Under 50k miles | +10% over average |
| 50-75k miles | Slightly above average |
| 75-100k miles | Average |
| 100-125k miles | -10% below average |
| 125-150k miles | -20% below average |
| Over 150k miles | -30% or more below average |
On a $10,000 used car for example:
– Under 50k miles = approx. $11,000 resale value
– 100k miles = approx. $10,000 resale value
– 150k miles = approx. $7,000 resale value
After 100k miles, resale value drops by thousands of dollars with each additional 25k miles. A car with 150,000 miles or more has a large percentage of its useful life already used up. This significantly narrows the pool of interested buyers, forcing sellers of high mileage cars to reduce pricing to attract interest.
If you plan to resell the used car you buy a few years later, mileage should be a top consideration. Higher miles will directly diminish the future resale value and trade-in worth of your vehicle.
Indicates Possible Neglect or Abuse
Very high mileage can also be a warning sign that a car was neglected or abused over the years:
– Missed maintenance – Lack of proper oil changes, tune ups, belt/hose replacements etc accelerates wear.
– Severe service use – Extensive idling, frequent hauling or towing accelerates engine and transmission wear.
– Lots of short trips – Frequent short trips prevents the engine from reaching optimal temperature leading to condensation buildup which damages cylinders and oil.
– Harsh driving – Aggressive driving, speeding and rapid acceleration wears components faster.
– Previous wrecks – Even professionally repaired accidents add chassis stress and alignment issues.
– Multiple owners – More owners means more driving styles and maintenance inconsistencies.
On a 15 year old car with 250,000 miles for example, basic maintenance would have been due multiple times over. The probability is high that some of those intervals were missed or deferred by previous owners to save money. The extensive mileage also raises concerns of towing, commercial use or ride-share history which are all red flags for accelerated wear. While not always the case, unusually high mileage provides reasons to be skeptical of a vehicle’s condition and past treatment unless documentation proves otherwise.
Finding a High Mileage Bargain
Avoiding high mileage cars altogether limits your options. The key is finding a bargain vehicle where the lower price offsets the inherent risks of higher miles. Here are some tips:
– Consider mileage in context of vehicle type – Certain trucks and fleet vehicles can still be reasonable buys at 150-200k miles if well maintained. Japanese sedans for example typically have lower mileage limits before major repairs.
– Verify continuous maintenance – Ask for service records showing oil changes every 5k miles, regular tune ups, major repairs etc. Gaps in service history or an absence of records are major red flags.
– Have a mechanic inspect – Pay a few hundred dollars for an independent inspection focusing on the engine, transmission and suspension components. This will reveal existing or imminent issues.
– Calculate total cost of ownership – Factor in not just purchase price, but projected maintenance and repairs. High miles don’t mean a good deal if thousands in repairs are immediately needed.
– Look for original owner – Original owners tend to take the best care of vehicles long term. Subsequent owners are more likely to neglect maintenance to save money.
– Test drive extensively – Drive at highway speeds and listen closely for any noises indicating issues. Ensure transmission shifts smoothly and engine accelerates briskly.
With diligence, higher mileage vehicles can still be suitable if maintenance history is verified, major repairs were done recently, and total cost of repairs will still be reasonable. While extra precautions are required, the potential savings may outweigh the risks for the right car.
Ways to Determine True Mileage
Since mileage is so crucial to value, it’s important to ensure odometer readings are accurate. There are a few key ways to detect mileage tampering or odometer rollbacks:
– Vehicle history report – Reports from sources like CarFax can show mileage inconsistencies between service records or state inspections over the years.
– Check maintenance records – Look for unusual gaps on service invoices where no mileage is recorded. Also see if mileage suddenly jumps then drops again which can indicate rollback.
– Inspect condition – Seat and carpet wear, brake and gas pedal condition should match the claimed mileage. Too much wear suggests higher actual miles.
– Compare to similar models – Research what typical mileage should be for that make/model/year based on age. Much lower than average suggests the odometer was altered.
– Check diagnostic systems – Many cars have integrated diagnostic ports that can be accessed to show actual mileage driven that may differ from the odometer.
– Examine odometer casing – Loose panels or tamper proof seals that appear altered could mean physical dashboard tampering.
Trusting the seller provided mileage without verification is risky. Use vehicle history data, visual inspection of wear, and diagnostic systems to feel confident no odometer fraud has occurred.
Alternatives to High Mileage Cars
If you are uncomfortable with the risks of high mileage vehicles, what are your options? Here are a few suggestions:
– Buy newer model year – Consider sacrificing model preferences for a newer, lower mileage car in budget. Repair risks drop significantly under 100k miles.
– Extend budget – If possible, increase budget to afford more expensive but lower mileage options. Paying more upfront reduces long term maintenance costs.
– Lease new vehicle – Leasing returns after 2-3 years before major repairs are needed, often with maintenance included.
– Purchase extended warranty – Major component warranties can offset repair risk on certain higher mileage vehicles.
– Consider hybrid/electric – Battery technology reduces many mechanical repairs. Mileage matters less on newer electrified powertrains.
– Rent when needed – Rental cars for trips may cost less overall than owning an unreliable older vehicle.
For peace of mind and lower ownership costs, buying newer and lower mileage is recommended if feasible. If not, alternative options exist to offset the risks and expenses of high mileage machines.
Conclusion
In summary, there are many good reasons to avoid purchasing high mileage used cars if possible:
– More frequent mechanical breakdowns
– Costly maintenance requirements
– Shorter remaining lifespan before major repairs needed
– Diminished resale value
– Increased wear and tear
– Possibly abusive previous use
However, not every high mileage car should be automatically dismissed either. With careful inspection of maintenance records, professional appraisal for issues, and consideration of repair costs – sometimes a higher mile vehicle still makes sense if condition proves good and price low enough. Just take extra precautions evaluating condition before committing.
Analyzing factors beyond just mileage is important as well, including vehicle history, manufacturer reputation, previous owner care, and evidence of regular servicing. Combined together, these aspects provide a better overall representation of a used vehicle’s worth than mileage alone. But there is no doubt extremely high mileage rapidly decreases value and increases ownership liability from both safety and financial perspectives.