Is it bad if a car has over 200.000 kilometres or 200.000 miles on the speedometer?

[Anonymous]

I'm looking at buying a car. My budget can only afford a 2nd hand car, but I am finding a lot of cars have between 150.000 and 280.000 on the speedometer, and they are wanting between $15k and $20k for the car.

I've never brought a car before and I don't have anyone in my life who knows about cars.

[Oliverlogan263]

Ah man, I don't know too much about cars but I can give you my two cents. From what I've heard, once a car hits like 150,000-200,000 miles (like 250,000-300,000 km) it's usually past the halfway point of its life, ya know? Like things start needing more repairs and wearing out quicker after that.

But it really depends on how well the previous owner took care of it. If it was maintained properly and has good service records, a car with that kind of mileage could still give you a few years of driving no problem.

Maybe look closely at the service history and ask if it's ever needed any major work done. Also consider getting a mechanic to do an inspection before buying, just to check for flaws. As long as they don't find anything too serious, I'd think a car around 200k should be alright. Just might have to be prepared for more little fixes down the track.

It's kinda a gamble, but if the price is good and it looks well looked after, I don't think the mileage alone should rule it out ya know? Just don't expect it to last you like 10+ years probably. Hope this gives you a bit of an idea, good luck choosing!

[Asker]

Thank you. I really appreciate your help and all the information you have provided. I'm thinking I might be better off saving more money and see if I can maybe afford a brand new car. I know I get finance to get a brand new car, but the interest rates alone are a killer. Car brand new could be $30k and you could potentially end up spending $50k in total before you officially own the car

[Oliverlogan263]

Yeah, financing a new car can definitely end up costing way more in the long run with interest. That's totally not worth it in my opinion.

A couple other options to consider that could be better than a super high mileage used car or a new one with crazy financing:

- Look for a 1-3 year old used car that's still under warranty. Much lower miles and you avoid the big Depreciation hit of a brand new car.

- Consider certified pre-owned vehicles from dealerships. They come with extended warranties to cover major stuff. Might be a slight premium over private sale but worth the peace of mind I think.

- See if your credit union or local banks offer low-interest auto loans. Sometimes way better rates than the dealer financing. Shop around!

- Stick it out longer in your current ride if you can. Save hard and spend a bit less elsewhere so you can expand your budget for a solid used vehicle without loans.

Depending on your situation, one of those alternatives might work better than waiting forever to buy new or risking a super high mileage vehicle. Just some other options to think about as you save up more money. Lemme know if any help!

[Astarlessnightsky]

Yes and no.

Ideally you want a car with low milage, as newer or less driven cars are generally better with less flaws and less wear on the moving parts.

But it also depends how the car was driven. The stop and go within a city adds less mileage but its worse than a car with higher milage thats been driven smoothly on highways.

It also depends on the cars model, some cars still drive absolutely fine with 400.000 km.

Also depends on the type of engine, diesel stays good longer than regular petrol.

And its also a question of pricing, or of its been in an accident, when were the parts replaced that wear down over time, like breaks, tires, transmision, oil change, ...

Its quite complicated. At best you take someone with you who knows a little bit about cars, and let him or her check everything.

[Asker]

Most cars in Australia are petrol. Car I am looking at is either an small type of SUV or a sedan. I can't really go anything smaller due to having a carseat.

Some of the cars I'm coming across are 2018 models and have close to 200k. My dad's car is from 2015 and he has only 100k.

Regarding accident. If a car has been in an accident its supposed to be recorded so that it can be logged into this system where we csn pay to gain access to it before buying a car to help us not buy a car that is not roadworthy

I honestly wish I had someone to take with me unfortunately I have my baby infant baby in my life and no one else I really appreciate your help thank you

[petitedollbabee]

Yes, it’s definitely not good. Especially not for the price that they’re asking. Typically (from what I’ve heard) cars have a life of 300,000 kilometres. So if you’re buying a car that’s already at 200K, that’s 2/3 of its usage already gone. If you’re buying a second hand car, it’s best to find one with less than 150,000 kilometres on it.

[Asker]

I had a feeling it would be bad. I really appreciate your help. Thank you heaps thank you

[DannyUk2017]

Stay away from that Number, steer clear of them, unless is a VOLVO, those cars have 1.000.000 miles/km guaranteed on their engine, before changing any parts.
And on that Money $15k-20k that should give you a car with about 70.000miles/km.
So don't throw your money around like that. Look on the market, not from the people. People are deceveing regarding cars all they want is just to take your money.
The paint m/interior can look tiptop shape but the engine can be busted, so don't fall for these scams.

[DannyUk2017]

Depends where you live i could have a look for you and what would be your budget for buying the car?

[Asker]

I live in Sydney Australia. I've been looking at dealerships that sell both brand new and used cars. I know I could get finance to get a new car but the interest rate alone could run into the thousands and I'd be locked into that contract for 5 or more years.

[Asker]

Thank you heaps for your help appreciate it so much

[DannyUk2017]

Yeah, don't get locked in to this "dealer's trap" is like a Sure Wage for them for at least 5 years.
You very welcome hun, just look on sites like Gumtree.
I'm sure you have it in there, we have it here in Uk. 👍 Good luck.
And look for a car that Servs Your purpose not to be Fancy on the Road! Like for me i live on the village side so for me i have a Volvo xc90, that can look fancy and suit its purpose at the same time, never been let down. Now depends of your area, and what you need it the most for.

[exitseven]

200,000 Miles is a lot but it also depends how the car has been driven and how it was maintained. If it had mostly highway miles it has less wear and tear than if it was driven locally with a lot of stop and go driving. It the oil was chanced regularly and little problems were addressed before they became big ones is a good sign. The make and model are also important.

[Asker]

Than you for your help appreciate it heaps
The makes are Holden, Toyota, Suzuki sedans and suv. I can't go anything smaller due to my carseat.

[exitseven]

You cannot find anything made in thr USA? I would never buy a foreign car

[JacobJordan]

I can not advise you to purchase such a car for more than 15k max for around 150k miles. cars tend to start having issues at around 100k also if you live somewhere that gets snow you need to check under the car for rust.

[Asker]

Thank you I really appreciate your help

[RavVid]

200K miles is a lot in my view and I wouldn't buy. Find a family garage and get a prospective car inspected. Will cost but better than buying a dud.

[Asker]

These cars are from actual dealerships. Some that are also family owned. I didn't know you could get someone to inspect a car. I will definitely look into this because I have a baby and I don't want to put her life in danger or my own. Thank you for your help thank you

[RavVid]

No problem, glad to help. I don't know how it works in the US but in Australia there are auto clubs which do car inspections and most people get one done. Go looking with someone knowledgeable on cars but still get an inspection. Look at the underside of an engine and don't buy if there are oil leaks - so wear clothes you can get dusty in.

Some used car places offer warranty periods but that adds to the cost.

Good luck

[Asker]

I'm from Australia Sydney. Had absolutely no idea about the auto clubs. I will definitely look into this. I know I can get financing to get a brand new car but the interest rates are a killer and I don't particularly want to be locked into paying this off for the next 5 to 10 years.

I really do appreciate your help thank you so much thank you

[RavVid]

NRMA for you then. Also factor in repairs. Less common cars have more expensive parts. Best off with common cars like Holdens.

Don't allow yourself to be pressured. Some sales person is gonna tell you this car might not be here tomorrow. Don't bite

Glad to help. I remember the trauma of that first big purchase decision.

[Anonymous]

Yikes. Ideally you want to look for something with less than 100,000 miles on it.

Once you get over 100k the cars tend to start to have little issues. Fix this. Change out that. Hmmm I don’t like how the transmission is shifting...

You start running into stuff like that over 100k. Leaks. New air compressors or powe steering pumps needed etc.

None of these repairs or maintenance are super expensive, but they do add up. Especially when money is tight and you’re young.

There is absolutely no way I’d even consider buying a vehicle with the mileage you mentioned. Those cars are on their last legs. It’s like expecting a 90 year old to run a marathon. Sure, SOME can. But they are damn rare.

Good luck. If you do buy something high mileage buy a Japanese car like a Honda. Or an ooooold Volvo.

[TomMarks]

Depends on the vehicle and how well it was taken care of. My dad used to say that with a good four wheel drive for example, the first 100,000 miles is just breaking it in.

[Asker]

Looking more towards a sedan or an suv. Anything smaller than an suv, my baby's carseat won't fit without being squeezed.

Thank you for your help appreciate it heaps

[TomMarks]

In that case look at how well it was maintained. I’m not personally a fan but some Japanese car manufacturers have models known to be able to “run forever.”

[ChicoFromThe305]

It's a high mileage which is normally not worth nowhere near the 5 digits, what car is it tho?

[Asker]

A small suv
Different types of sedans I wish I could post a photo of the cars. Living in Australia is expensive

[Asker]

Thank you heaps for your help thank you

[ChicoFromThe305]

If you know the car is reliable then that's good but I don't know

[Anonymous]

200k kilometers and 200k miles are not the same. either way, anything over 100k is too much in my opinion, unless its a toyota or honda, most other cars are built to last their warranty period then fall apart and break in every way imagineable. if you're spending 15-20k on a vehicle with 150k 200k miles you have severe brain damage.

[DryGermanGuy]

200.000 miles is a lot, 150.000 km is somewhat okay. I would stick to Japanese cars with a good service record (stamped booklet, if on paper).

[Dargil]

For some, RUN. others have some life left.

[Asker]

Thank you heaps thank you