is it okay to buy a car with 100k miles

[OWalker]

Yes, buying a car with 100,000 miles can be a smart financial decision, but it is highly conditional. The key factor isn't the odometer reading itself, but the vehicle's maintenance history, brand reputation, and your willingness to budget for future repairs. A well-maintained Toyota Camry or Honda Accord at 100k miles is often a much safer bet than a luxury European sedan with the same mileage. The most critical step is a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) conducted by a trusted independent mechanic.

Before you commit, focus on the car's past. A detailed service record is more valuable than a low price. Look for consistent oil changes, timing belt replacements (if it's an interference engine), and transmission fluid services. Cars that have spent most of their life in states without harsh winters will also have less corrosion on the underside, which preserves critical components like the brake lines and suspension.

Be prepared for higher-than-average maintenance costs. Even on a reliable model, wear-and-tear items will need attention. Budgeting an extra $1,000-$2,000 for immediate and near-future repairs is a prudent safeguard.

Consideration	Low-Risk Example (e.g., Toyota Camry)	High-Risk Example (e.g., Luxury/Performance Car)	Key Data Point
Powertrain Reliability	Proven 4-cylinder engine; simple automatic transmission.	Complex turbocharged engine; advanced all-wheel-drive system.	RepairPal reliability rating: 4.0/5 vs. 2.5/5.
Major Service Interval	Timing chain (often no replacement needed).	Timing belt due at 90k-100k miles (~$1,200 service).	30% of 100k-mile cars need immediate major service.
Suspension Costs	Strut/shock replacement: ~$800.	Air suspension strut replacement: ~$1,500 per corner.	Average suspension repair at 100k: $700-$1,200.
Common 100k Mile Issues	Spark plugs, fluid flushes, brake pads/rotors.	Turbocharger failure, electronic module issues.	1 in 5 used cars need $1,000+ in repairs within 90 days.
Long-Term Viability	Can often reach 200k miles with proper care.	High risk of costly failures beyond 120k miles.	JD Power Dependability Study: Top brands have 135 PP100 (problems per 100 vehicles).

Ultimately, a 100k-mile car is a calculated risk. It offers significant upfront savings on depreciation, but you are trading a higher car payment for potential repair bills. Your peace of mind will come from the inspection and a solid maintenance fund.

[McBlakely]

I've done it twice. My rule is simple: only consider models known for reliability, like a Honda or Toyota. I walk away if the owner can't show me a stack of service receipts. That paper trail is everything. I also immediately set aside $1,500 for whatever might go wrong in the first year. It's not an "if," it's a "when." For the right car, it's a fantastic way to avoid a car payment.

[LaEverett]

It's a gamble. That mileage is a major turning point where expensive components can fail. The transmission, suspension, and even the engine itself are under much more stress. You could be buying someone else's looming headache. Unless you are mechanically inclined or have a trusted mechanic who gives it a thorough inspection, the potential for a financial pit is very real. The initial savings can disappear with one major repair.