When used car shopping, the main factor you look at is the number of miles on the odometer. High mileage cars may equal a lower price but what’s the limit and what other things factor in?
All three of our dealerships specialize in finding, buying, and selling pre-owned cars. So we have a good amount of experience determining the worth of used cars. When it comes to deciding if a high mileage car is worth buying, the biggest component is if the vehicle still has the manufacturer’s warranty or if you’re able to get an extended warranty.
Next on your high mileage car buying checklist is maintenance and service records. Then, how the car was driven/kept by the previous owner. Let’s take a look at:
- Why is warranty important on high mileage cars?
- Was the maintenance kept up with?
- How did the previous owner treat the car?
- So how many miles on a used car is too much?
Why is warranty important on high mileage cars?
Commonly, when asking the mile cap of a high mileage car, the car has driven for 7+ years. Like every machine, eventually, it’s going to break.
With older cars, the costs can add up very quickly. The risk vs savings equation moves further from your favor as time passes and the mileage increases. You must consider what warranties and extended service contracts are still available for this used high mileage car.
If the vehicle has the bumper-to-bumper “factory” warranty or power-train warranty still active is a huge plus! When cars get older, parts start to deteriorate from years of use. The warranties will cover hundreds of dollars in repair costs! Kia’s have the longest warranty with their 10-year/100,000-mile warranty program!
For cars passed the manufacturer’s warranties, try to get an extended warranty or extended service contract at a dealership. Your wallet will thank you. There are many extended warranties and service contracts to choose from but essentially you want a safety net that will cover the costs of repairs. With vehicles with high miles, it will be well worth the investment.
Was the maintenance kept up with?
As a potential buyer, check, inspect, and examine everything from belts and hoses to paint chips! Request the history of the vehicle to help estimate the quality and potential future costs.
Keeping up with a car’s maintenance schedule isn’t a ploy for mechanics and dealers to make money. It directly affects the riding and longevity of a vehicle and should be considered as an investment in keeping the car running better for longer.
For example, regular oil changes are extremely important for your engine because the oil lubricates the engine and absorbs heat. Over time the oil’s effectiveness on the engine decreases. Without this service, the engine would blow and diminish to nearly nothing in value.
How did the previous owner treat the car?
How the driver handled the car while on the road affects the car’s value and remaining lifespan. If the previous owner drove the car like crazy by hitting turns hard, flooring the gas every red to green light, and even smoked in the car, the quality and value decrease and may not be worth a purchase. The parts will have more wear and tear than usual, making a higher longterm cost to you.
Other questions to ask:
How well kept was the interior of the vehicle? Are there dings? Paint chips? Scratches?
So how many miles on a used car is too much?
Unfortunately, there’s no specific number without thorough evaluation. Each vehicle will have a different history. Take into consideration the warranties available, if maintenance was kept up with, and the wear and tear. Gambling your money on a higher mileage vehicle may not be gabbling when you invest in an extended warranty. Matt Blatt has a huge selection of used cars with the option of an extended warranty. Don’t throw your money away on something that could break in a month. Weigh your options!
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.