What is the best mileage for a used car?
3 Answers
3 years and around 50,000 kilometers is more cost-effective. Normally, most people would prefer to buy a nearly new car that's about a year old, but this isn't highly recommended. It's not that the car isn't good, but the price isn't justified. At best, this year's model might save you the purchase tax, but insurance savings aren't guaranteed. Moreover, if the car hasn't been in any major accidents, there are fewer sellers, and the prices tend to be higher. From the perspective of price and value retention, the depreciation rate is highest in the first three years, roughly around 30% of the car's original price. Over the next five years, the depreciation rate becomes more moderate, typically between 5%-10% annually. The condition of the car is the most important factor. Why is that? Because used cars are unique—each new car's usage environment from the moment it's driven off the lot is entirely different, and its purpose varies. Therefore, a newer car doesn't necessarily mean better condition, nor does a more expensive one guarantee good condition. Careful evaluation is essential. A car's lifespan is determined by its usage time and mileage. Generally, after a passenger car has been driven 150,000 to 200,000 kilometers, its technical performance noticeably declines, and repair costs increase.
I've been driving for over a decade and bought several used cars. I think mileage is crucial but not absolute. Generally, 50,000 to 100,000 kilometers is ideal, especially for economical cars like Toyotas and Hondas—less wear and affordable maintenance in this range. My first car reached 120,000 km but still runs smoothly thanks to regular maintenance. Beyond 150,000 km, risks increase, particularly for the engine and transmission, though diesel or German cars might handle higher mileage. Focus on maintenance records: oil changes, part aging. Surprisingly low mileage (under 20,000 km) isn’t always good—long idling can cause issues. Always combine age and brand when judging, don’t just fixate on numbers. A test drive to check noise and vibration is the most reliable.
As a newbie who just bought a car, I prioritize mileage when choosing a used car, and 50,000 to 70,000 kilometers is my sweet spot. This way, the price isn't too high, and there are generally no major issues. For example, my 80,000-kilometer domestic car has run for a year without any problems. But don’t just focus on the number—ask the previous owner about maintenance history; if it’s over 100,000 kilometers, set aside some money for potential repairs. I checked online, and the average family car drives 10,000 to 20,000 kilometers a year, so for cars under 5 years old, the mileage should ideally be between 50,000 and 100,000 kilometers. If you’re on a tight budget, opting for a higher-mileage car with good maintenance records can be more worthwhile. Remember to get a pre-purchase inspection to check brake and tire wear—safety first.
