How Many Miles Are Too Many Miles For A Used Car?
Photo by Arvid Skywalker on Unsplash
How many miles are too many miles for a used car? It’s a very legitimate question whether you are looking at a new-for-you used car or are considering selling a current vehicle. The truth is, there is no easy answer.
Let’s take this from a people perspective. Who is healthier: the 70-year-old who runs marathons or the 40-year-old who never exercises? Sure, you can run some tests and take some measurements, but ultimately there is no 100% certain answer. And, it’s the same with used cars.
However, let’s explore the “how many miles are too many miles for a used car?” question in greater detail and suggest some ways to make the used car journey a little bit more certain.
Buyer’s Want To Know A Used Car’s Background
The most important things about a used car are perhaps its history and upkeep. This includes repair and maintenance information as well as the number of owners. Which used car would you rather buy? A one-owner 12-year-old sedan with 110,000 miles and detailed service records or an 80,000-mile, 8-year-old sedan with no service history that’s been through three owners?
Most mechanics would probably choose the 12-year-old car because there are no surprises and the car has been well maintained by the same person. That 8-year-old car passed through too many hands too quickly and likely never received the proper attention.
Let’s face it: buying a used car involves uncertainty and many people are uncomfortable with potentially “buying someone else’s problem.” Removing the mystery increases buyer confidence which can only be helped by service records and vehicle reports from CarFax, AutoCheck, or similar service.
So, one way to answer “how many miles is too many miles for a used car?” is through information. Part of a vehicle’s background includes identifying “gremlins” that are prone to some cars and learning more about vehicle recalls that are becoming more and more common. Let’s investigate.
FEEL SECURE IN THE CAR YOU CHOOSE
You don’t want to buy a car - you want to get the best deal on the car you’re looking for. The CoPilot app will notify you if there’s a similar vehicle in your area at a better price, so you’re always certain you got the best deal available.
Known Issues: No car is perfect, but some cars or more prone to specific problems than others. Older model Subarus, for instance, are notorious for having bad engine head gaskets that cost about $1,500 to repair. The same can be said for some Chrysler and Dodge automatic transmissions that often require complete replacement.
You may not be able to totally avoid an issue, but some research into a model you own or are considering may prevent a problem for you before it happens. Be sure to check out online owner forums and consumer review groups for more details.
Recalls and Bulletins: Automotive recalls are part of life. In fact, almost 30 million cars in the U.S. were recalled in 2018 - a mind-blowing number. Manufacturers do pay for recall repairs but an unresolved recall may cause problems with adjacent vehicle components.
It’s important to know if a current or potential vehicle is subject to a recall and how long the problem might have been ignored. Before buying any car, new or used, always go to https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/ to check for recalls. Remember, a dealer or private seller is legally permitted to sell a used car with an open recall.
Equally as important as checking for recalls is understanding what is a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) which are sometimes called hidden or secret recalls. These are advisories issued by car manufacturers that don’t have the legal force of an official recall but provide guidance to service shops about a certain mechanical issue with a particular car.
Sometimes the manufacturer will pay for the repair (at a dealer) and other times vehicle owners are on their own. Always check with the manufacturer or dealer if there are outstanding TSBs on a car you own or are considering.
IS GAP INSURANCE WORTH IT?
Gap insurance can prevent you from making payments on an already-totalled car, but is gap insurance worth it? We break down what gap insurance is, if it’s worth it, and more - simply and with plenty of examples.
A Car Is Only As Good As Its Components
No matter how detailed a vehicle history is, a car is still a machine that is only as good as its components. So, part of the answer to the “how many miles are too many miles for a used car?” question will come from a thorough review of its major systems.
Unless someone is buying a $1,000 beater car that will only be used for months, a used vehicle should always be inspected by a qualified mechanic for possible trouble. In addition to this professional once-over, look at these key vehicle systems that may affect a buying decision.
Engine: It’s hard, if not impossible, to predict what can go wrong with an engine. However, you can save a potential headache by identifying if your care or one under consideration relies on a timing belt or timing chain in the engine.
With some exceptions, timing belts need to be periodically replaced while timing chains should last the life of the engine. In most cars, a failed timing belt can cause significant and expensive engine damage. If your potential new ride uses a timing belt then assume, unless service records say otherwise, that the timing belt was not replaced.
For a current car, is the expense of a new timing belt a better option than swap out cars? Only you can figure out an answer. Be sure to review the car’s maintenance schedule for recommended service time frames.
Transmission: Along with the engine, a car’s transmission is the most complex vehicle component; repairs tend to be expensive. It’s safe to assume that a car with 140,000 miles and zero record of transmission service will require transmission repair at some point in the future.
So work this into your calculations when considering a particular used car. For example, is that car a good deal if you wind up spending $2,200 on a replacement automatic transmission a year from now? If the car is in great shape or is offered at an attractive price, then this expense may be worth it. Unfortunately, there’s not a precise formula to figure this all out.
Although cars with manual transmission are increasingly rare these days, understand that a vehicle with a stick will require clutch replacement. It’s not a question of if, but when.
Tires: Tires are perhaps the easiest part of a used car to look at. They are mostly visible and have a manufacturer date code. Assess the tires’ remaining tread life and note that most tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires that are more than six years regardless of mileage.
THE BEST USED LUXURY CARS ON THE MARKET
Buying a used or CPO luxury car is one of the smartest buys you can make - you can get a lot of car for not much money. You can pick up a three-year-old luxury car for about half of what you’d pay new. Check out this list of the best used luxury cars on the market to find the best deals.
Brakes: Brakes don’t last forever. Depending on driving habits and the quality of the components, expect brake repairs every 30,000 to 70,000 miles. Do you know when the brakes were last serviced on that used car you are considering? Ignored brakes repairs could also mean that the repair goes beyond simple brake pad replacement but could include costly brake rotor change out.
Safety Systems: In most cases, modern safety systems like airbags and anti-lock brakes (ABS) don’t need service or repair, these components are designed to last for the lifetime of the vehicle.
There are a couple of exceptions involving airbags. If the car is more than 30 years old, there may be warning stickers advising airbag replacement by a certain date. You can also call the company’s consumer support number to verify if airbag replacement is required. Keep in mind that airbag replacement is very expensive.
Also, be certain that any car you encounter has not been affected by the Takata airbag recall that involved more than 41 million cars in the U.S. A quick check at https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/ will tell you if that used car you are considering has Takata airbags and if the repair was already performed. Recall repairs are done at the manufacturer’s expense.
The Mileage Myth: It’s Not Just About Numbers
When shopping for a used car, many buyers fixate on the odometer reading. But is this number really the be-all and end-all of a vehicle’s worth? Not necessarily. While mileage is certainly a factor to consider, it’s just one piece of the puzzle in determining a used car’s value and reliability.
Beyond the Odometer: What Really Matters
A well-maintained car with higher mileage might actually be a better buy than a neglected low-mileage vehicle. Modern cars, when properly cared for, can easily surpass 200,000 miles. So, instead of asking “How many miles are too many?”, consider asking, “How well has this car been maintained?”
Look beyond the mileage and consider these crucial factors:
- Maintenance history: Regular oil changes and scheduled services can significantly extend a car’s life.
- Number of previous owners: Fewer owners often means more consistent care.
- Vehicle history reports: These can reveal accidents, flood damage, or other red flags.
- Known issues for the make and model: Research common problems for the specific car you’re considering.
Remember, a car’s true value lies in its overall condition, not just the number on its odometer. By considering all these factors, you’ll be better equipped to make a smart used car purchase.
The Perfect Tool For Used Car Shopping
Whether you are in the market for a used car or want to know how your current car stacks up to the choices in the marketplace, the free CoPilot car shopping app will create customized, on-target lists that match your specific choices.[](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.copilot.app.release)
The best part? CoPilot is built using the same technology that dealerships use to buy and sell their inventories, so we have more info on each vehicle than competitors. CoPilot doesn’t work with dealerships, so there are no sponsored posts or other shady practices - just the most info on the best cars. Check out our About Us page to see how CoPilot works.
