Should You Buy A Used Car With Over 100k Miles?

Like many others in Youngstown or nearby Boardman, you might be considering purchasing a used vehicle. If so, you’ll probably want to ask our sales staff at Cochran Cars about the vehicle’s mileage, and for good reason. Mileage affects a car’s price and calls into question its reliability. So, what about used cars with over 100K miles on the odometer? Read on to learn whether you should buy a used car with mileage this high and to better understand how mileage affects a vehicle.

Good vs. Bad Mileage

The average American drives close to 13,500 miles each year. So a Chevy Silverado that’s 5 years old will have 67,500 miles, and a 10-year-old model will have 135,000 miles. The standard way of thinking tells you that the fewer miles a car has on it, the better the value you’ll receive. So if you find a car that’s 10 years old with only 100,000 miles on it, you might think it’s a good vehicle.

Although that can sometimes be true, that only looks at yearly average miles. A car’s model year provides a definitive age, and the odometer shows how many miles the vehicle has on it. The auto industry uses these figures to calculate a value. But you should also consider other factors when determining value related to mileage.

Hardworking Miles Affect Value

How previous owners drove a vehicle can impact its value more than its age or mileage. An older car with low mileage might be less reliable if the previous owner drove it hard. If the Silverado we mentioned earlier has 100,000 miles on it and towed and hauled gear and equipment six days a week, it might have more wear and tear than a similar truck the previous owner gently drove around Boardman or Youngstown. Similarly, a sedan that spends most of its time cruising the highways will usually be more reliable than a car subjected to heavy stop-and-go commutes.

Impact of Unusually Low Miles

Just like a vehicle having over 100,000 miles doesn’t automatically mean it’s bad, a car with low mileage doesn’t immediately mean it’s a good purchase. Some cars suffer from sitting. For example, a vehicle parked in the driveway exposed to rain, snow, summer heat, and winter cold can suffer from premature wear simply because no one drove it.

Water often collects in areas that, with regular use, wouldn’t normally retain it. Pooling water can cause components to rust and corrode. Additionally, high temperatures and exposure to direct sunlight cause plastic and rubber components to dry out, crack, and break. Unfortunately, without a thorough inspection, you can’t see most of these parts, such as rubber gaskets, hoses, and clamps.

Proper Maintenance Adds Value

How the previous owner maintained a vehicle also impacts its value. The manufacturer has a recommended maintenance schedule for maximum performance and longevity. But many car owners don’t keep up with maintenance, so it’s essential to find a used vehicle the previous owners maintained properly, no matter the mileage.

How Many Miles Can Cars Drive?

Vehicles built in the last 10 years will run well over 100,000 miles with few issues when properly maintained. Most manufacturers design engines and drivetrain components to last longer than ever. Some brands even back their vehicles with lifetime warranties because they’re confident in their construction. Generally, you can rely on a car to reach 150,000 miles without needing significant repairs if the owner maintains the vehicle correctly. But more cars today cross the 200,000-mile threshold than ever, and some reach 300,000 miles with the proper love and attention.

When deciding whether to buy a used car with over 100,000 miles, it’s also important to consider the vehicle’s components. Check each essential part’s age and condition to fully assess the car’s value.

Parts You Can Rely on as Vehicles Age

All parts have a definitive life span. Fortunately, many of these parts will last longer than the vehicle will remain in operation. For example, your car’s frame made from high-strength materials could last 30 years without problems. Axles, wheels, and major steering components generally perform for 10 to 20 years with very little maintenance.

Budget Money for Wear and Tear Parts

Other wear and tear parts require replacement. For example, your car’s tires will eventually wear out. The same applies to your vehicle’s brake pads, air filters, and windshield wipers. Depending on your driving style and the weather conditions in Boardman and Youngstown, you may need to replace some of these parts yearly.

Reliability of Electronics

Manufacturers use electronic systems more each year. These parts operate everything from the infotainment system to the ABS and climate control. Electronic components generally perform well for long periods but can be unpredictable. They can fail without warning and for various reasons, such as exposure to moisture or extreme temperatures.

Used Car Shopping Tips

While you shouldn’t ignore the mileage or a vehicle’s age, here are a few tips to help you find a reliable vehicle:

Ask for the Vehicle History Report

At Cochran Cars, we provide a vehicle history report for all our used vehicles. If a dealership refuses to give you one, you should be cautious because it may be trying to hide accident damages on the vehicle you’re considering.

Confirm Past Repairs

Just because a car was in an accident doesn’t mean it’s a bad vehicle. The car should run fine if technicians completed repairs to factory specifications. Seeing the vehicle history report allows you the opportunity to confirm repairs were done properly.

Take a Test Drive

Test-drive any car you’re interested in before buying it. It may look great and run perfectly, but getting behind the wheel and driving can tell you a lot. For example, the seats may not feel roomy enough, the road view may be uncomfortable, or it may not handle well for your driving style.

Get an Inspection

We also recommend having a mechanic inspect the vehicle. You can do this when you take it for a test drive. Most reputable sellers will allow this. At Cochran Cars, we inspect all our vehicles for quality and dependability and welcome another mechanic to confirm our findings.

Shop Cars With Over 100K Miles in Youngstown

At Cochran Cars, we know how important it is to find a used car you can rely on, so we inspect our used vehicles and provide a vehicle history report. If you need a pre-owned car, consider mileage and age, but don’t let that distract you from overall quality. You can shop our pre-owned inventory online and find great-value options that have over 100K miles.

100,000 Miles by Peat Bakke is licensed with CC BY 2.0