What is the optimal age and mileage for a used car?
3 Answers
The optimal age for a used car is within 5 years, and the mileage should be under 50,000 kilometers. Below are some related introductions about used cars: 1. Optimal age and mileage: The optimal age is within 5 years, as environmental regulations are being upgraded rapidly, and annual inspection standards are becoming stricter. If the new car's market value is below 200,000, then the mileage should ideally be under 50,000 kilometers; if the new car's market value is between 200,000 and 700,000, then a mileage under 100,000 kilometers is still acceptable in terms of performance. 2. Considerations when purchasing: Check the brand and model—here, the model refers to the vehicle's specific type. Some brands are easier to maintain, with more available and cheaper spare parts, making such used cars more convenient for future use. Also, consider the price drop of the new car. If the new car's price is relatively stable and the price drops slowly, the used car's resale value will be higher.
Let me talk about used cars from an economic perspective. Over the past few years, I've changed three cars, and my experience is that cars aged 3 to 5 years offer the best value. You avoid the steep depreciation of new cars while still enjoying good performance. It's best to keep the mileage under 100,000 kilometers to minimize engine and transmission wear, which saves on repair costs. For example, the four-year-old car I bought last year had only 80,000 kilometers on it, with low fuel and insurance costs, and it's been running smoothly for a year without major issues. When choosing a car, check the maintenance records and prioritize Japanese brands for their fuel efficiency and durability, which can also save you a lot on daily expenses.
As a family user, I prioritize reliability and safety. I believe that cars aged between 4 to 6 years are the most dependable, with mileage around 60k to 80k kilometers, as they have just passed the break-in period and are less prone to breakdowns. With modern safety technologies like ABS and tire pressure monitoring, I feel more at ease when picking up and dropping off my kids for school. Last month, I chose a 5-year-old used SUV—it drives smoothly, has ample space for family trips, and comes with complete maintenance records, which gives me peace of mind. Remember to regularly check the brakes and tires to avoid unexpected repairs.
