ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) – If you’re looking for a used car but are on a tight budget, you might be wondering: How many miles are too many miles on a car?
In accordance with progressive, the average car is driven between 10,000 and 12,000 miles per year. With the average age of a vehicle on the road being 12 years, that puts the average car on the road at 144,000 miles.
Every mile driven contributes to the wear and tear on a car, so ultimately how reliable a high mileage car will be depends on the vehicle’s condition, history (did the previous owners keep the car in good condition? ) and the make and model of the car. and year of production.
In the past, a car with more than 100,000 miles would be considered at the end of its useful life.
In accordance with TrueCarengines have come a long way since they were developed in the 1860s. Thanks to advances in engineering, modern car engines produced in the last decade last much longer than before.
If a high-mileage car has few major problems in its vehicle history (which can usually be found through the manufacturer’s website or through reporting services like Carfax), it’s a good indication that the vehicle is reliable.
However, experts recommend that prospective buyers have a car inspected by a qualified mechanic, specifically to check for chassis rust.
In accordance with Forbes, once you see rust, a vehicle is not worth repairing. Rust is especially problematic in states with winter climates, where road salt and water can eat away at the vehicle’s undercarriage.
Also recommended: replace all fluids (oil, transmission, coolant, etc.) in a recently purchased used vehicle, and consider replacing the timing belt or chain and filters, and possibly the fuel pump.
A mechanic should also check the condition of the oil, condition of the tires, engine belts, brake wear and signs of leaks.
Maintaining good maintenance on a high-mileage used car could keep the engine running well past 200,000 miles. In accordance with CNN Businessmost cars and SUVs now have at least 200.00 miles on them.
The benefit of buying a high mileage car generally means cheaper insurance rates, slower depreciation and a lower selling price.
Because the previous owners were so successful in depreciating, a well-maintained car with over 100,000 miles could sell for close to the price paid for it, in the future.
