When it comes to buying a used car, one of the most important factors to consider is mileage. The mileage of a car can give you an indication of how much distance the car has covered, and how much wear and tear it has experienced. Knowing what the best mileage is to buy a used car is essential in order to make an informed purchase.
As a car dealer or car sales and purchase expert, I would recommend looking for a used car with a mileage of between 10,000 and 15,000km per year of age. This is considered to be an acceptable range for a well-maintained vehicle. However, it’s important to keep in mind that mileage alone is not the only factor to consider when buying a used car.
The Importance of Maintenance History
One of the most important aspects to look at when buying a used car is the maintenance history. It’s important to ensure that the car has been well looked after and that important parts have been replaced at the appropriate times. For example, tires should be replaced every 30,000 to 35,000km, brake pads every 30,000 to 35,000km, shocks every 50,000 to 60,000km, the cam/timing belt every 70,000 to 100,000km, and a major service every 15,000km.
If the seller can provide evidence that these items have been replaced at the appropriate times, it’s a good indication that the car has been well-maintained. However, if the seller cannot provide this information or if the car has not had these parts replaced, it could be a red flag that the car has not been looked after and may require expensive repairs in the future.
Number of Owners
Another important factor to consider when buying a used car is the number of owners. A car that has had only one or two owners is generally considered to be in better condition than a car that has had multiple owners. This is because cars that have been owned by the same person for a long period of time are more likely to have been well-maintained and taken care of.
Purpose of the Car
It’s also important to consider what the car has been used for. Cars that have been used for long-distance drives, such as bakkies and four-wheel drives, may have a higher mileage than smaller cars of the same age. However, these types of cars are built to handle the distance and tend to wear down slower than other cars. Diesel vehicles also have more mileage capacity than petrol cars.
Low Mileage vs High Mileage
While a low mileage is generally considered to be ideal when buying a used car, it’s important to keep in mind that a car with incredibly low mileage for its age could be a red flag. This could mean that the car has been sitting somewhere and neglected, which can cause mechanical issues from lack of use. It could also mean that the odometer has been tampered with.
On the other hand, a car with high mileage could also be a red flag if it hasn’t been well maintained. High-mileage cars will require more maintenance and repairs in the long run, so it’s important to consider whether you’re willing to pay for these expenses.
While mileage is an important factor to consider when buying a used car, it’s not the only factor. It’s important to also consider the maintenance history, the number of owners, and the purpose of the car. A good guideline to follow is to look for a used car with a mileage of between 10,000 and 15,000km per year of age.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that every car is unique and requires a thorough examination before making a final decision. As a car dealer or car sales and purchase expert, it’s my duty to ensure that my clients make informed decisions when buying a used car. I always recommend thoroughly inspecting the car, taking it for a test drive, and checking the vehicle’s history before making a purchase. It’s also important to keep in mind that a lower mileage does not always guarantee a better condition car. A well-maintained car with a higher mileage can be a better choice than a low-mileage car that has not been well taken care of.
In addition, it’s also important to consider the price of the car in relation to its mileage. A car with a lower mileage will generally be more expensive than a car with a higher mileage. It’s important to consider whether the extra cost is worth it for the lower mileage or if you’re better off spending less money on a car with a higher mileage but has been well-maintained.
Final Verdict
In summary, the best mileage to buy a used car is between 10,000 and 15,000km per year of age. However, it’s important to keep in mind that mileage is not the only factor to consider when buying a used car. The maintenance history, number of owners, and purpose of the car are also important factors to consider. A thorough examination of the car and a review of its history is always recommended before making a purchase. As a car dealer or car sales and purchase expert, I am always available to assist my clients in making informed decisions when buying a used car.
