If you're thinking about buying a used car, it's important to know that there are plenty of great options out there with over 100,000 miles on them. Not only do these cars typically have low prices, but they're also likely to be in great condition. If you're looking for a reliable car that won't break the bank, these are definitely the options for you.
Is Buying A Car With 100K Miles A Bad Idea?
As mentioned already, reliability is a key factor to consider when choosing a car. Many people are willing to pay extra money for a low maintenance vehicle that runs smoothly and doesn't break down too frequently.
We have included our list of favorite brands and models to consider. However, this is not an end all be all. There are many brands that can last a long time but a lot depends on the maintenance service record.
Mileage is the number of miles your vehicle has driven since its last service. When determining whether a car is reliable enough for long distance trips, look at the average mileage per month.
For example, a car that averages 15,000 miles a month is probably fine for daily commutes, while a car that averages 25,000 miles a month would be best suited for long road trips.
Why Low Mileage Cars Don's Always Guarantee Repair Free Ownership
When you are looking for a car to buy, you have a lot of different factors to think about. One of the things that you may not have considered is how much mileage the car has on it. If you are looking at low mileage cars for sale, then you need to be aware of the risks involved in buying one.
TIP: Super low miles are a bit of a concern for me, especially if the engine is not driven often. There is a potential for sludge to build up despite the short local trips. This can happen if the miles do not reach the oil change intervals (OCI) recommended by the manufacturer. A good rule of thumb is to change the oil at least every 12 months or per OCI.
This poses one of the biggest risks that the car may not have been properly maintained. This can lead to problems with the oil changes and other routine maintenance tasks. If these tasks are not done regularly, then it can lead to serious problems with the car down the road., like sludge or clogged oil passages, like lifters.
Another risk is that the rubber on the car may have aged prematurely. This is often caused by a lack of use, and it can lead to problems with the seals and other components in the car. If this happens, then it can be very costly to repair.
Used Cars That Have High Mileage
I would personally stick with Japanese brands and European brands as I have not had great experience with American brands for cars. However, American trucks have a long history of being tough and running into the 200k+ miles.
A Word on Cheap Used Cars
An old used car can be a better value than a new one. A used car has already taken its biggest depreciation hit, so it’s a more affordable long term investment. And since it’s already been driven, you know exactly how it handles and what to expect in terms of repairs and maintenance.
When you are looking for a car, the first thing you need to do is figure out what your budget is. This is especially important if you are on a tight budget.
You don't want to overspend on a car and have no money left for anything else. If you are looking for a good deal on a car, you should consider buying a used car.
Another benefit of an old used car is that it will last longer than a new car. New cars tend to fall apart after only a few years, while a well-maintained used car can easily last 10 years or more. This means less money spent on repairs and maintenance over the long term.
What Kinds of Cars Sell Well In The Market?
Cars that retain their resale value, typically indicate that they hold their value because of the reliability and the lack of repairs needed to keep it on the road. This is especially true for brands like Lexus, Toyota, Honda.
It's important to remember that a car that needs repairs is probably not worth purchasing. (See below of an example: Maserati)
Also, avoid buying a car that requires major repairs. These types of cars tend to cost more money to fix.
Tips on Buying a Used Car
What To Check For In a Used Car - Know What Kind of Vehicle You Want
Before you go out and purchase a used car, you should first decide what type of vehicle you want. Do you want an SUV, sedan, minivan, truck, or something else?
When buying a used car, you need to determine how much money you can afford. This means finding out how much you can spend on a monthly basis. Also think about maintenance costs as well as insurance and fuel.
After you've determined how much money you can spend on a car each month, you can shop around for a used car.
These sites will show you different vehicles based on their features and prices.
Are There Any Specific Things to Remember when Buying a Used Car?
Anything with over 100k, I suggest you do some research on potential issues. In this case, I would google the model with "maintenance schedule" or maintenance, then cross reference with the CarFax regarding the servicing.
There might be an upcoming major service repair that might need your attention. It has been understood that used cars can potentially have a big repair bill coming up, thus the seller is looking to avoid paying that.
Overall, if the condition of the car looks ok and the test drive was good overall, you should be ok moving forward, especially if it's one of the following cars:
Top Most Reliable Cars with High Miles
There are many factors that go into choosing the right car. One factor that is often overlooked is the mileage of the vehicle. Many people don't realize that the number of miles a car has driven affects its reliability.
There are several cars out there that have been driven thousands of miles without any problems occurring. However, there are others that have had major issues after driving only a couple hundred miles.
Honda Civic
Honda Civic is a reliable car. It has a great track record for reliability and has never had any major issues. Honda Civic is known for being a solid car that can last long. In fact, the Civic has won awards for being one of the most reliable cars on the market. The Civic also has a good reputation for being able to handle high miles as an ideal commuting car.
Toyota Camry
This is a popular car among Americans. It has been around since 1989 and is still going strong. It is known for its reliability and durability. It has a reputation for being a safe vehicle. It is also known for its fuel efficiency. It gets about 26 MPG.
Its engine is powerful and efficient. It is also known to be a comfortable ride.
Honda Accord
Honda was founded in 1937 and is one of the oldest car companies in the world. It is known for producing reliable vehicles. It is known for its safety features. It is also known as an affordable luxury car. It is known to be a comfortable and quiet ride. Its engines are powerful and efficient.
It is also known to be spacious and roomy. It is also known not to be too loud. I have known at least (3) Honda accord owners that have reached 200k miles. So with 100k on the odometer, you should still have plenty of likes left. Be aware of potential rust on the body panels.
Ford Crown Victoria
With a long list of accolades to its credit, the Ford Crown Victoria is one of the most reliable cars on the market. It has been praised for its strong build and reputation for holding up well in even the harshest conditions. Its numerous features also make it a favorite among drivers and has been a favorite for Taxis and Police cars for years.
Honda Pilot / Acura MDX
Honda Pilot is a reliable car that has been around for many years. Honda does a great job of keeping the car updated, so it is always in compliance with the latest safety and emissions standards. The Honda Pilot also has a variety of features that can make your travels more comfortable. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone looking for a reliable vehicle.
Lexus GX
Lexus GX has been known to reach 250,000 miles or more. The car has a long history of being a quality vehicle and its latest iteration, the Lexus GX, does not disappoint. This luxury SUV offers great performance and comfort both inside and outside of the car. Take a look at overlanding options for the GX and this might be the next project for the BCB site.
Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 is one of the most reliable pickups on the market. It has a long history of being a dependable vehicle and has been in production for over 50 years. The F-150 is comfortable to drive and has plenty of storage space. It's a great option for anyone who wants a reliable car that can take them anywhere they need to go.
Chevy Tahoe
The Chevy Tahoe is a very reliable full size SUV. It has been in production since 1982 and has received favorable reviews from consumers and experts alike. It has a variety of options and is capable of doing a lot. It is a great vehicle for families and can comfortably seat up to seven people, making it a great option for people who need a vehicle that can handle plenty of cargo and passengers. The Tahoe also has decent fuel economy, making it an economical choice as well.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep is another popular brand of autos. And the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a great example of their most reliable model. It has a wide range of engines, transmissions, and AX4 off-road packages that make it versatile for any type of terrain. The car also has excellent safety features, such as four-wheel drive and airbags. This car was initially introduced in 2004, and it's been going strong ever since.
Final Thoughts Buying Car High Mileage
A car with 100k miles should not cause too much alarm or be an obstacle in making a decision. Many car brands today can operate well into their 150k+ mile mark. Granted, you might have to put in a little money for repairs but if you select from the list above, you improve your chances of getting a good, reliable car to enjoy for years to come.
It is very important to get a PPI or have a professional look over the car and stay up to date on oil changes and maintenance.
Should you have any questions, please comment below and I will be happy to share my thoughts.