when buying a used car, what more important -the age (years) or mileage?
January 21st, 2010 | by |
carolinekwright asked:
I'm buying my first car. I'm buying used for several reason, but want to know what's more important to consider the age or the mileage? I can't see myself taking many roadtrips - I just want something that is safe, can pass emissions, and get from point A to Point B. I also don't know alot about cars (isn't that obvious) so I'm not sure what's worse - having a car that's a 1986 with 117K miles a paying less money than having a 1999 but has 80,000.00.
I'm buying my first car. I'm buying used for several reason, but want to know what's more important to consider the age or the mileage? I can't see myself taking many roadtrips - I just want something that is safe, can pass emissions, and get from point A to Point B. I also don't know alot about cars (isn't that obvious) so I'm not sure what's worse - having a car that's a 1986 with 117K miles a paying less money than having a 1999 but has 80,000.00.
Thanks a lot.
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By tonalc1 on Dec 26, 2008
Mileage. It indicates the wear and tear on the car.
By solo on Dec 27, 2008
The condition is the most important thing (will to a degree be based on mileage and age).
Get someone you know that knows about cars to go with you.
Good luck
By chuckles on Dec 30, 2008
Mileage, but I’d really check out what other things might be wrong on the older car – could need a lot of work.
By furelise78@sbcglobal.net on Jan 1, 2009
Your better off with a car with fewer miles. Yes, the more miles the cheaper because seller knows you’ll have to invest more money in the future for repairs. The fewer the miles, the less worn are the gaskets (won’t leak oil soon), belts won’t bust, etc… If it is a car that’s easy to get parts for and you have the time to maybe repair it yourself then you have a bargain but if not, stay away from high mileage cars.
Good Luck!
By ShaH on Jan 3, 2009
Mileage and engine
By SALLI58 on Jan 4, 2009
Check out the links below. I would look into a used Honda. They run forever if they’re maintained.
By Amanda on Jan 7, 2009
both, if you find a really old car that has little mileage, you can run into the problem of it just sitting for so long that it will not run right and needs alot of belts and stuff replaced, also if you find a newer car with tons of miles, that is not good either. Rule of thumb, a car should average 12k-15k per yr. So, I would personnaly say the 1999 would be a safer car and better deal. You could save money in the long run, also parts would be alot easier to find.
By dnfroggy29 on Jan 10, 2009
the mileage. you have more of a chance of it breaking down
the higher the mileage
By Arnie on Jan 10, 2009
Look at the service history of the car. A well maintained car with a lot of miles can still be reliable. Also, check what brand you are buying. Go for a car that many people drive (e.g. a Camry, Civic, Sentra), can’t be so bad. In general, japanese cars are the most reliable. Go for a four cylinder car, gives you better mileage.
Maybe you can afford to get it from a major dealer who might give you a warranty. Even though that is not worth much those dealers usually check their cars before they sell them.
Best would be a car from a first owner who did all the maintenance on time. If you’re not buying from a dealer also look at the pre-owner. How does he maintain himself? If he doesn’t leave a good impression, the car he offers also won’t.
Last advice: take someone with you who knows a bit about cars. Two pairs of eyes see more than one and two sets of ears hear more than one.
By dr_jeckle_86 on Jan 10, 2009
Depends on a lot of factors, mainly how the previous owner(s) treated the vehicle (did they keep it maintained, did they rod the piss out of it, etc.). Your best bet would be to ask some one non-biased (not involved with the deal) who knows about cars to come with you to further scope the car out. Also check for extreme tire wear (an indicator of rodding the car), major leaks, abnormal noises from the engine compartment, etc. Allow money to be a partial deciding factor, but also buy something that you are comfortable with to drive, will be reliable, and definitely make sure it will be something that you WILL ENJOY TO DRIVE.
Good Luck!!!!!
By superfly on Jan 11, 2009
mileage is. the less miles the better. One of my good friends owns a dealership in Chandler, AZ & when someone has a trade the very 1st ? he asks is what is the mileage. Any car if it is well taken care of will get 300-500k miles. It depends on the make(chevy) of the car. Remember the older the car the harder it will be to get parts 4 it. Both car are under mileage(15k a year), so you should be ok. always go forgin when in doubt. Toyota is the only auto maker that posted a profit in 05. I now drive a Lexus selling my benz. If the 86 is honda, toyota…get it. it prob only had 1 owner and drove it to work & back
By chhipa_asm on Jan 11, 2009
Basically, when you buy a car you have to make sure that it has got less milage.At the same time try to get it evaluated by authorised dealer or a car mechanic who would give you the true advise. He can evaluate the value of the car.
At the same time search for One Hand Used Car. If you get that kind of car it doesn’t matter what year are you using; initially. I guarantee it will be a reliable car. I hope that answers your questions.
By Ranjer49 on Jan 13, 2009
Mileage and condition. Also go to CARFAX.com to get the history report on the VIN number, and make sure you get it thoroughly checked out by a mechanic your family knows to make sure it won’t break down on you as soon as you drive it off.
If you live in the northern United States or in a coastal area, be very aware of rust damage to the undercarriage and floorboards. Ask the owner or dealership if they have recipts of all the maintainance and repairs done on the car in the last 2 years.
First car or not, you want a car that can withstand a road trip. If the car can’t handle a run down the highway, it certainly won’t last you long in town. Start-and-stop traffic adds far more wear and tear to a car.
By Just wondering!☺♥☻♥ on Jan 14, 2009
As a rule of thumb-mileage! However keep in mind that highway miles are much less stressful on a car’s engine etc than city miles. Consideration should also be given to where the car was stored/kept on a regular basis. Eg in a covered garage, carport, outdoors subject to the elements and therefore rust. etc. If it was woman driven it’s in better shape as men rough handle their vehicles to some extent. In conclusion if you must choose between a newer vehicle with high mileage or one that’s a few years older with low mileage-choose the lower mileage one! You’ll have less headaches!
By usedcarwise on Jan 14, 2009
Hi Caroline,
Contact me and I’ll send you a free copy of my e-book-How To Buy A Used Car The Smart way, it will offer some good advice for someone who is not very familar with the process of buying used cars.
My contact info is in my profile.
Jerry Christopher
By phonecardlady on Jan 15, 2009
I bought a 1995 Plymouth Acclaim in 1998 that had over 85,000 miles racked up on it. Most of it was HIGHWAY miles. Most people would pass it up, but I looked it over, asked alot of questions, and even checked Kelly’s Blue Book as to what the asking price should be. I also took into consideration how solid the body way (a rust bucket or not), gas mileage, oil consumption, etc.
I sold it almost two years ago when it only had 118,000 miles on it. I was so comfortable with it that I would have taken it from MI to TN and back!!
By fire4511 on Jan 16, 2009
Condition of the vehicle is the most important thing. Prior to the purchase of any used car, have it checked by a qualified mechanic. Expect to pay about $100 for a complete check.
The age of a car tells you how long it has been since the car was made. The mileage tells you how far it has been driven. It does not tell you how the car was driven. City driving is harder on a car than highway driving. If a car has 100,000 miles on it and 95% of those miles were in city traffic, there has been a lot of wear and tear on the vehicle.
If a car was driven in a rural area, at highway speeds, the same 100,000 miles may not cause much wear at all.
Pick a car that is in the best mechanical shape that you can afford!!