The high-mileage versus low-mileage argument

[SteveSRT8]

^^^Absolutely. Due to variations in owners and usage every car is unique. Each must be evaluated independently in order to determine whether or not it is worthy of purchase.

I am selling a fleet truck with half a million miles on it. The buyer was so impressed with its condition he cheerfully paid my price. Most people would not even come and see it!

 

[xfactor9]

You guys who prefer high-mileage cars seem only concerned about the engine. What about all the other parts -- suspension, drivetrain, emissions, fuel system, body, interior , etc. They wear out based on mileage.

I'd take the low mileage car

 

[Jarlaxle]

150,000 highway miles is easier on just about everything than 50,000 miles in Boston! I can see the first car on its original brakes, and the second on its third or fourth set. NOTHING beats up a car like city driving.

 

[hattaresguy]

The problem with buying a 260k mile vehicle is that all the parts on said vehicle are near the end of their service life.

So if expensive stuff starts to break, like say you have to put a transmission and rear end in it, and exhaust system. Well now you will have to much money in it and could have just bought a better example.

Vehicles have a service life, which can be extended like anything else, but you need to evaluate at what cost.

 

[Jarlaxle]

Assumes facts not in evidence!

Again: I'll take 150K highway over 50K city every time. Also note: the previously-mentioned Charger has its original transmission, exhaust (except chrome tips), A/C system (factory charge), master cylinder, fuel pump, and cooling system (except hoses). I have owned and driven high-mileage vehicles...it's just not an issue unless you buy something with a known defect. (And why would you do THAT?)

 

[SteveSRT8]

Originally Posted By: Jarlaxle
Assumes facts not in evidence!

Again: I'll take 150K highway over 50K city every time. Also note: the previously-mentioned Charger has its original transmission, exhaust (except chrome tips), A/C system (factory charge), master cylinder, fuel pump, and cooling system (except hoses). I have owned and driven high-mileage vehicles...it's just not an issue unless you buy something with a known defect. (And why would you do THAT?)


Exactly. Each vehicle needs careful individual evaluation before purchase. My son has successfully purchased many cars with 150k miles and up and has had real good luck. But any used car is a [censored], so buy enough of them and sooner or later one will need repairs!

Blanket statements will get you in trouble...

 

[Artem]

I recently bought a 2011 Toyota Avalon Limited with the 3.5L V6 and 6 Speed Automatic for $25,500 with exactly 30k on the clock. The Carfax showed all mantenance done at the dealer every 5k miles (and a vin search at the service desk proved the work was done)

It's originally a $40,000 LOADED, top of the line Avalon that I saved close to 15k on by purchasing a beautifully preserved pre-owned example. It was owned by an older gentleman who kept it in the garage. I mean this thing is MINT with that new car smell still inside.

Now THAT'S a good deal!

 

[dwcopple]

Originally Posted By: Artem
Now THAT'S a good deal!

what was book value when you bought it?

 

[SuzukiGoat]

I bought my stock sidekick with 160k miles on it, questionable maintenance history, a dying AC compressor, bad tires, and a dirty interior...for 2k.

It was replacing an 05 scion xb with 230k on it... all done by me.

I replaced all the maintenance items and the suspension.

Now 40k later, rides like new, runs like new. Pulled the interior anyways to Bedline it.

The only thing mechanical that needs replacing is the AC compressor, and I ride with tge windows down 95% of the time anyways.

I've driven it to each coast and back in the last six months, and if told I had to leave for Alaska right now, ID do nothing more than check the oil.

 

[DrDusty86]

Hattar,
B/S I got rid of a 99' Ford truck with 331k miles on it and it ran PERFECTLY when I sold it in June of 03'. I wouldn't even blink an eye to take it to Alaska. The ONLY reason I sold it was that I was offered WAY WAY WAY more than BB value. I had no plans to sell it either, I was approached by a guy when I was pushing my HEB cart up to it. He said "How much for the truck?" I told him it wasn't for sale. Heck, I had a 40' tailer hooked to it too. He then shot me an offer of over $9k OVER BB price. CASH IT WAS SOLD 3 HOURS LATER.

 

[KitaCam]

Originally Posted By: hattaresguy
Usage is usage cars like anything wear out.


I still think its cheapest to buy new and keep it for 10 years or 200k whichever comes first. Beyond that I'm not much interested in owning it as a daily ride.

For me to buy a 2011 or 12 anything with 45k on it, it would have to be way, way cheaper than new. $5k or something like that won't cut it, $10k-$20k, way cheaper. If I'm only saving a few bucks why bother?


In terms of cost effectiveness, I used to think of 4 years and 50-60k miles as the sweet spot for a used car that I would keep for up to 10 years and another 100-150k miles...

...but model generations introduced in THIS CENTURY are MUCH better technologically designed than their previous generations and I believe that 100k miles and 7 years is a very safe buy @ 1/3 their new car price...and still get 100-150k more miles...

The concern might not be high-mileage, but age...after 7 year up north, it may be a concern with rusting under-carriage and parts there...while down south it may be dry rotting rubber and plastics due to year-round summer heat...

In any/all cases, knowledge of the previous owners' PM is a critical factor in whether that long-mile runner is a safe buy...

 

[jimbrewer]

Sure, we all prefer low mileage creampuffs, but are we willing to pay the premium? I'd say overall we pay too much for the privilege of low mileage and that there is too much of a discount in high mileage.

I am a low mileage driver, so I admit a high mileage used car is more attractive to me than an average person.

I figure high mileage is lemon insurance. A high mileage car might be worn out, but at least it didn't come out of the box with problems. The lemon car gets left in the garage in favor of the second car for family vacations.

A high-mileage car probably hasn't had its odometer rolled back. Think it doesn't happen anymore? Think again.

A high mileage car is somewhat more likely to have had reasonable maintenance. I know some disagree with this.

On a related note, its harder to disguise long term bad maintenance on a high mileage car. Did that four year old Honda only get its oil changed twice in four years? You'd never know the difference (until later). Sure, a high mileage car can be spiffed up, but its harder to do and there are more tell-tale signs of abuse.