Are low-mileage cars better?
Weighing up all the various considerations when buying a new, used car can be overwhelming. So many factors need to be considered and one of the biggest considerations is always the mileage of the potential purchase. Here's why you don't always need to worry too much about finding a low-mileage model.
Shopping for a used car presents you with a lot of questions that you need to ask yourself. These are important questions and go beyond what colour a brand you'd like to see in your driveway. Running costs and maintenance needs to be factored into the equation. One of the first aspects of a used car that you're likely to look at is the combined mileage; how many kilometres does the car have on the 'clocks'?
Related: How much mileage is too high for a used car?
Is a low-mileage car better than one with higher mileage? Usually, but not always. It's often believed that the lower the mileage, the better condition the car is in. While this is true for the most part, there are some exceptions to this rule and one needs to do a little more digging in order to be able to ascertain whether that high-mile roller you're looking at is trouble or not.
History over numbers
The number on the dashboard only tells half of the story. It's entirely possible to find a low-mileage vehicle that hasn't been looked after, has been treated badly and has missed critical services and maintenance. On the opposite end of the spectrum, you could very easily find a higher-mileage vehicle of the same year that has been meticulously maintained, regularly serviced and is well-looked-after. In cases like this, the safe bet would be on the higher mileage model. If you are looking at a higher mileage example, read what we had to say about high mileage vehicles here.
The type of use that the vehicle has been subjected to is also, just as important. A low-mileage vehicle that has only been used for short trips, typically only saw congested traffic or was used infrequently may not be the right car for you. By comparison, the same model with higher, quality mileage would be the better option. Extended journeys where the clutch and brakes were used less frequently should show fewer signs of wear and generally be in a better condition overall. The fluids would also have been properly circulated and allowed to get up to operating temperature. You can find out what dealers have to say about high-mileage vehicles here: What Is The Best Age And Mileage For Buying a Used Car?
Benefits of lower mileage
Buying a car that has lower mileage does sometimes have its benefits. Careful consideration is required though and you will have to think past the immediate and consider the next few years. You may be tempted to look for a vehicle that still has the balance of its warranty and moreover, its service plan. This may help give you peace of mind and alleviate the cost of one or two services but may not be worth it.
If the vehicle that you're looking at has expensive services as a whole, then you're still going to be footing the bill down the road when the service or maintenance plan expires. If you're unsure of the difference between these two, read this piece on how service and maintenance plans differ. It may be worth looking at that high-mileage vehicle though if the model that you're considering has affordable services. Keep in mind that the popular mileage of 100 000 km often means that there's a rather expensive timing belt/chain service due in the next few months.
