Buying a car with high odometer reading – is it a bad idea?

The odometer reading is one of the essential value factors that should be taken into consideration when purchasing a used car. As a rule of thumb, fewer kms make for a car with a potentially longer lifespan than a car with higher kms. Aussie’s now driving an average of 19,200 kms each year. So, a pre-owned car considered “average mileage”, which is about five years old, will have been driven around 96,000 km.  

But is buying a used car for sale Cairns with high km’s going to cost you more in the long run? Here’s what you need to know about mileage when weighing up your decision.

1. Advantages of low mileage cars are there, but not the whole story.

Benefits of low km used cars

Theoretically, the lower odometer reading the car has, the longer life expectancy of the engine and most components of the vehicle. If the car’s odometer hits six figures, oil leaks can start cropping up plus the eventual wearing out of some key and expensive parts like the timing belt..

Generally, low km cars are more appealing to buyers as there is perceived value in an older car which has below average km’s, meaning an easier resell having more interested buyers.

While scheduled servicing can be expensive, general ongoing repairs and maintenance costs can be lower with cars that have less wear and tear due to extensive use. This is probably the biggest benefit when buying a low kms used car. There is nothing worse than ending up with a car that has expensive repair after expensive repair due to heavy use over its life.

Low kms in used cars is not the whole story

Although buyers might prefer buying lower mileage cars, lower kms doesn’t necessarily mean “reliable”.

• Cars with a good service history and higher kms are going to had proper care and maintenance, giving the car’s engine the best chance to stay in good condition over the long term. Yes you will be up for occasional part replacement of worn parts, but this is also true of newer cars which have significant major service milestones in.

• The brand reputation of the make and model of the car also has an impact on its potential lifespan, as well as potential ongoing maintenance costs. Models synonymous with reliability will fare better way past 100,000kms where as less reliable models are going to have potentially costly issues from the off. Do your research, see what the market looks like and how the cars you are interested in fare doing high kms.

• Low km’s is important, specific model is important, service history is important, but none of these things matter if the car has been thrashed by an owner who has not looked after the vehicle. When buying a used car, especially a 4WD or SUV, check under the car for signs of damage. Always enquire about previous ownership, try to determine if the car has had one or multiple owners. Often this is not a huge factor but getting a feel for these things can help avoid a costly mistake.

• Another consideration of low mileage used cars is inflated pricing. Of course, it costs more to get a lower than average mileage for a second hand car.  If you need a used car to serve your needs for many years, the difference between 40,000 and 60,000 kms may offer minimal operational difference but their prices have a significant gap. So, it may be counterproductive to pay that low-mileage premium upfront unless you can afford it.  

2. Service milestones

Generally, the fewer kms a car has driven, the better. But a used car that has higher kms can be a great buy if it has been maintained properly and driven sensibly. Like people, cars need tune-ups and checkups to stay high performance. Before making a decision to put money down buying a second hand car, review the car’s log book, owner history, and overall condition.

Be also careful  -  the used car you are interested in may be nearing a major service and hasn’t been taken by its previous owner, you could end up paying a very significant extra cost for the car. This information is not always easy to obtain but a car dealer knows this and a good one will make sure they know their cars.

If you’re looking for a trusted used car dealership in Cairns that helps you buy your next car with the proper knowledge and advice you need, you are in the right place. Established in 1985, Mr Wheels has maintained a solid commitment to our customers. It won’t disappoint you when you step into our second hand car dealership. We provide a wide range of used and pre-owned cars to ensure your satisfaction.

3. Other important factors in buying a used car

Good mileage is a key factor, but it’s not the only one you want to judge when you are ready to buy. The other elements you should consider before purchasing a car, include:

Condition of second-hand car

A used car with 20,000 kms regularly driven on rough roads will be quite different from a used car with 20,000 km that came from good roads in a city. The geographic location of a car can also affect the condition of it. Potential used car buyers should check these components:

• Brakes and steering
• Transmission and engine
• Signs of rust
• Emissions
• Suspension
• Oil and other leaks
• Power and pick up during acceleration
• Air filters, valves, etc.

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