Everybody knows that it is important to check the odometer when you want to buy a used car. A car’s condition also depends on how far it was driven and cars with a higher mileage are usually cheaper to buy. But just how much should the mileage influence your decision?
What qualifies as low, medium or high kilometres? Sumarie Greybe, co-founder of Naked Insurance, says an average car does around 15 000 km per year. You can divide the car’s metre reading by its age to determine whether it has done a lot of mileage for its age or not.
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If you have to choose between a newer car with higher mileage or a slightly older one with less mileage, which one is the right choice when you buy a used car? Greybe says in many instances an older car with fewer kilometres, a careful previous owner and a full service record can be a better buy than a newer car with higher mileage.
“That three-year-old car with 90 000 km on the clock has probably endured a lot of wear and tear in its short life. It may have been a corporate fleet car or a former rental vehicle driven hard by numerous different drivers. By contrast, a seven-year-old car with only 70 000km might have had one owner who really looked after it. It could be in better condition.”
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If you are buying a car newer than three or four years old, look for one with less than 100 000 km on the clock. It should have plenty of lifespan to go, Greybe says.
Getting something older? She says 100 000 to 150 000 km is fine if the car has been looked after. “You should be able to find a well-maintained and reliable car. This can help you get a good balance between cost and reliability.”
If you consider a car with over 150 000 km on the clock, Greybe’s advice is to insist on seeing the full service history. “You might be able to get a bargain if it is a brand known to keep going forever. Nonetheless, such a car will probably need more frequent repairs and preventative maintenance.”
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Lower mileage often means fewer problems and more life left in the car but there are other key factors to think about:
Regardless of the kilometres, get the car inspected by a trusted mechanic before you buy, Greybe says. “They can give you a report about the general condition of the car and potential issues such as engine wear, transmission issues, or previous accident damage. This service is well worth the money because it can save you from grief and costs down the road.”
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