Can a car with 270,000 kilometers still be driven?
3 Answers
A car with 270,000 kilometers can still be driven. The latest 2021 vehicle scrappage regulations: The driving age limit for non-commercial cars has been abolished, while the mileage limit for private cars has been set at 600,000 kilometers. Vehicles are exempt from inspection for the first 6 years, inspected once a year from 6 to 15 years, and inspected twice a year after 15 years. As long as the vehicle passes the annual inspection, it can continue to be driven on the road. Taxis and ride-hailing vehicles are subject to mandatory scrapping after 8 years. Below are the precautions for vehicles that have not undergone annual inspection: 1. Accident liability: For all traffic accidents caused by vehicles that have not undergone annual inspection on time, the party involved will bear full or primary responsibility, and the insurance company will not be liable. This is because the insurance policy specifies that vehicles with expired inspections are among the objects for which claims are denied. 2. Mandatory scrappage: According to the 'Mandatory Scrappage Standards for Motor Vehicles', vehicles that fail to obtain a valid inspection mark for three consecutive inspection periods after the expiration of the inspection validity period will be subject to mandatory scrappage.
I've been driving high-mileage cars for many years. A car with 270,000 kilometers can indeed still run, but the key lies in maintenance. My old Toyota has over 300,000 kilometers on it, and the engine is still quite stable. The secret is regular oil and filter changes, plus checking the chassis and suspension for looseness or rust. At this mileage, you need to keep an eye on wear-and-tear parts like brake pads and belt drive systems—don't wait until something breaks to fix them. I recommend finding a reliable auto repair shop for a full inspection, including tire wear and electrical systems. Pay attention to rust prevention in daily maintenance, and test drive before highway trips to check for unusual noises or vibrations. In short, with proper maintenance, you can drive it for another three to five years without issues, saving a lot on car replacement costs—just treat it like an old buddy.
From a cost perspective, whether to keep driving a 270,000-kilometer car depends on cost-effectiveness. My own used car has clocked 250,000 kilometers—it saved me monthly loan payments, but repair costs occasionally popped up, like replacing the oxygen sensor and clutch disc. If you're on a tight budget, do a simple calculation: it's worth it if the engine has no major issues; otherwise, a single repair costing thousands might make buying a new car more sensible. Compared to a newly purchased vehicle, high-mileage cars may have slightly higher fuel consumption, but fuel costs are still lower than monthly payments. The key is to check its history and records—don't overlook minor issues like coolant leaks or tire wear. If maintenance is up to par, the monthly savings could cover a few nice meals, but always prioritize safety components.
