Is a private car with 150,000 kilometers considered old?

[SanAmy]

A private car with 150,000 kilometers is not considered old. Generally, with proper maintenance, a car's lifespan can reach up to 1 million kilometers. The national regulation that sets the scrapping mileage for household vehicles at 600,000 kilometers also indicates that a car's lifespan can far exceed 150,000 kilometers. Therefore, a car with 150,000 kilometers is still quite young. According to the latest national regulations on vehicle scrapping, ordinary household 5-seater cars and 7-seater SUVs, as long as they are non-commercial private vehicles, have no usage time limit. However, when the mileage reaches 600,000 kilometers, the state will guide the vehicle to be scrapped. If the vehicle is over 15 years old, it needs to be inspected every 6 months, and if it fails the inspection, it will be forcibly scrapped. Vehicles that still do not meet the national safety technical standards for in-use vehicles after repair and adjustment; vehicles that still fail to meet national standards for pollutant emissions or noise after repair, adjustment, or control technology application; vehicles that do not obtain an inspection qualification mark for three consecutive inspection cycles after the expiration of the inspection period; vehicles that reach a certain age and mileage.

[OliviaDella]

As a seasoned mechanic with years of experience, I must say that whether a 150,000-kilometer car is considered old can't be generalized. It depends on the specific condition and maintenance, such as whether the engine has oil leaks or unusual noises, the smoothness of the transmission, and the state of the chassis suspension. I've seen some Japanese cars that have run over 200,000 kilometers and are still in great shape, all thanks to regular oil changes and timely fixes for minor issues. On the other hand, if maintenance is neglected, even a car with lower mileage might be headed for early retirement. 150,000 kilometers is like reaching middle age for a car—it's no longer new, but with careful maintenance, it's more than capable for daily commuting. I recommend a comprehensive check-up every six months, especially focusing on brake and tire wear, to ensure safe and cost-effective driving.

[LaCamilla]

My family car has already clocked 150,000 kilometers, and it feels like a reliable old friend. It's used for daily school runs with the kids and weekend trips to the suburbs. Although the fuel consumption is slightly higher than when it was new, it's not a significant issue, and maintenance costs are reasonable—just replacing brake pads or spark plugs occasionally. The key is sticking to regular maintenance; for instance, I religiously change the engine oil every 5,000 kilometers to keep the engine in good shape. At 150,000 kilometers, the car isn't too old—the chassis still feels solid, and the air conditioning works perfectly. If you're not chasing the latest car trends, it can definitely serve you well for several more years. In terms of ownership costs, insurance and taxes are lower than for a new car, making it ideal for budget-conscious families like ours.

[CarsonMarie]

In the used car market, a vehicle with 150,000 kilometers is considered to be in its quasi-geriatric phase. Such cars typically depreciate to 30-40% of their original price, though popular German or Japanese brands depreciate more slowly. The remaining lifespan largely depends on brand reliability—for instance, a Toyota might run another 100,000 kilometers, while lesser-known brands require caution. Buyers should focus on inspecting the engine, transmission, and accident history, as repairs for these can easily cost tens of thousands. I always advise clients: avoid financing cars older than 10 years, as maintenance costs can spike sharply later on. However, high mileage has its perks—many owners have already replaced wear-and-tear parts, making the car potentially more hassle-free after purchase.