How much extra is 35k fewer miles worth?

[Elkins45]

Considering two sub-$10k cars. Same model (RAV4 AWD) similar condition, one a 2009 with 120k miles and the other a 2010 with 85k. How much more would you pay for the one with fewer miles, assuming equally good maintenance and similar condition? Is it worth paying $2k more?

My initial thought is that it is, but I won’t know until tomorrow when I’ve driven both.

 

[demarpaint]

I was thinking $1k to $1.5k more, if in identical condition and both well maintained. Good luck.

 

[JeffKeryk]

I would go for the car you really want. Good luck.

 

[SC Maintenance]

A year newer is a year longer the plastics / rubber will last.

Mileage is a bit of a wash. If they were truly identical condition I would likely Save the $2K and buy the older / higher mile one. Its more about maintenance at there current point.

If one looks like it was garage kept I would definitely buy that one.

 

[Jetronic]

Considering two sub-$10k cars. Same model (RAV4 AWD) similar condition, one a 2009 with 120k miles and the other a 2010 with 85k. How much more would you pay for the one with fewer miles, assuming equally good maintenance and similar condition? Is it worth paying $2k more?

My initial thought is that it is, but I won’t know until tomorrow when I’ve driven both.

depends on the tyres I guess. 85k might have just gotten new, the 120k might have nearly worn? that only applies if they're decent tyres that you won't want to get rid of

 

[pbm]

FWIW....about 5 years ago my inlaw bought a 2009 RAV4 4 cylinder with 164K from a guy who commuted to NYC daily (about 100 miles RT). The brakes weren't great and after changing the master cylinder they improved but still weren't perfect. He took it to a mechanic who said it needed a brake vacuum booster. He held off because the brakes were OK and after seeing the condition of the ATF (brown and ugly) he hesitated putting more $$ into it (he bought it cheap for the COVID era....about $4k IIRC). We did 3 D&Rs on the ATF over a few weeks and the color improved somewhat.. Long story short the transmission went out at about 185K and he junked the car.

I was surprised that a Toyota transmission bit the dust but we do live in a mountain region and the original owner probably never changed the ATF fluid. I guess I'd buy the one that had ATF changes or at least has red ATF on the dipstick.

 

[RooflessVW]

Overall condition is more important than a 20k swing above or below 100k miles.

 

[GW.]

IMO if both have great service history it’s worth it.

 

[AZjeff]

He said equally good maintenance and similar condition. How many miles OP drives annually. If 10k that's over 3.5 years of driving and one year newer. I'd buy newer/lower miles. Admittedly I struggle to buy anything approaching 100k miles so what do I know.

 

[walterjay]

Do you want a deal or the car you really want?

 

[The_Jeff]

They were $25k new so if you knock off $1000 a year you get a 15 year old car worth 10k and a 16 y/o for 9k. By this stupid math alone the older one is the better deal.

If you assume these cars can make 250k miles then it's a dime a mile. The newer one is worth it, barely.

I would go for the slightly newer one so I get the "honeymoon period" from 85k to 120k for "only" $2k. In theory, you could sell it for 2k less after this period. Would that be worth it? Absolutely.

 

[Jerrysends]

I would definitely pay the extra $2k for 35k lower miles, if all other factors are equal.

For the average driver, 35k miles is 3 years of additional life for the vehicle.

 

[Zee09]

Would you please get it over with dude

 

[Elkins45]

Would you please get it over with dude

But I haven’t driven every car in my market yet. This could take years!

 

[Zee09]

But I haven’t driven every car in my market yet. This could take years!

Some moron started a forum for guys like you

Thread 'Lets talk about new vehicles' https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/lets-talk-about-new-vehicles.338563/

 

[Elkins45]

Some moron started a forum for guys like you

Thread 'Lets talk about new vehicles' https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/lets-talk-about-new-vehicles.338563/

I thought that was only for new vehicles. These are old vehicles

 

[Zee09]

I thought that was only for new vehicles. These are old vehicles

It expanded to all things lately

 

[Cujet]

Is it worth paying $2k more?

Yes.

The idea that most engine and/or transmission wear occurs on startup is untrue. Wear is a factor of cycles. Piston and ring scraping cycles, transmission actuation cycles, whether CVT belt and actuators or conventional shifting transmission with actuators/bands and clutches or even an ECVT with it's multiple electric motors and the subsequent stresses.

All else being equal, that's 30% less wear. Since most people operate the same way in your local area, it is somewhat safe to assume similar driving patterns.

 

[KCJeep]

I thought that was only for new vehicles. These are old vehicles

It was, but the thread starter is unable to stay on topic. Pictures of puppies coming next.

 

[walterjay]

I would want the newer one with less miles.