What Mileage Should Not Be Exceeded When Buying a Used Car?
2 Answers
Generally, for private cars, a mileage of 120,000 to 150,000 kilometers over 6 years is considered normal for a used car. Below are detailed explanations regarding purchasing a used car: 1. Choose a newer model if the mileage is similar: Vehicles, like people, age even when not in use. A car with 50,000 kilometers can be considered in its prime, with no major issues and few minor problems. 2. Consider older models with good maintenance: Assuming an average annual mileage of 20,000 kilometers for family cars, if you find a car that has only driven 50,000 kilometers in 6 years, it might indicate the owner took good care of the vehicle, performing regular maintenance, detailing, and cleaning. Thus, even a car with 100,000 kilometers isn't necessarily old, and such well-maintained, older models are worth considering. 3. Age has a greater impact than mileage: From the perspective of a vehicle's actual lifespan, the age of the car affects it more than the mileage, primarily because the actual service life of a car is long, while the impact of mileage is relatively minor. 4. Long actual service life of vehicle components: Components like the engine, chassis suspension, and transmission have very long service lives. Naturally, higher mileage leads to more wear and tear. So, what does a car with 200,000 kilometers mean? It's equivalent to a regular family car being driven for about 10 years. However, in terms of scrapping, a vehicle is only recommended for scrapping after exceeding 600,000 kilometers. Thus, 200,000 kilometers is akin to just reaching adulthood. In reality, these components are designed to last well beyond 600,000 kilometers.
I've been driving for decades and always see high-mileage used cars causing problems. Generally, it's more reliable not to exceed 120,000 kilometers. A new car averages 15,000 to 20,000 kilometers per year, so calculate the age when buying. For example, a 5-year-old car is best kept under 75,000 kilometers. If it exceeds 150,000 kilometers, engine wear increases, the transmission may fail, and repairs can be expensive and troublesome. Don't forget to check the maintenance records—if the owner frequently changes the oil and brakes, you might consider a higher mileage. In short, don't just go for the cheapest option; test drive one around 100,000 kilometers to assess the condition.
