Buying a used car has its pros and cons. One of the many reasons people purchase a second-hand car is that it’s more affordable than buying brand new. This is because the car has depreciated in value since leaving the dealership – and part of that depreciation value is gauged by the number of kilometres the car’s travelled since leaving the factory floor. When it comes to looking at how many kilometres are on the clock of a used car, many would say that high mileage isn’t a good sign. But just how many kilometres is a sign that it would be best to walk away?

Buying a used car is one way to save money, but you still need to be sure that you’re getting the most value out of your cash. Knowing whether or not you’re getting a good deal on a used car can be quite tricky to get right. You might not know what the average mileage for a used car is or what is even considered “good” mileage – but that’s where we come in. We’ve created a useful guide to help you understand how many kilometres you should expect on a used car before you sign to purchase. From what’s considered good and bad, we’re here to set the record straight.

What is Good Mileage for a Used Car?

The best rule of thumb to keep in mind with a used car’s mileage is to add 15 000km to every year of the car. For example, if a car is one year old, a mileage of between 10 000 and 15 000km is considered good. Most people tend to draw the line at 100 000km on the clock, when in fact, that’s not a bad mileage at all. In most cases, sometimes mileage has nothing to do with the performance of a car but rather the mechanical condition of it. The car is good to go if it runs smoothly, has had regular services, and doesn’t flash warning signs.

What Factors Determine Whether a Car’s Mileage is Okay?

If mileage is the only thing you consider when looking at buying a used car, you may need to rethink. A lot of the time, mileage is mistaken for two things: lower mileage = much better condition and high mileage = a higher resale value. Remember that a car’s value is not determined by mileage alone but also by other factors such as make, model, features and more.

These four factors determine if a car’s mileage is okay:

• Good service and maintenance history.
• Accident history.
• The age of the car.
• Any repairs that have been done to the car.

How Many Kilometres on a Used Car is Too Little?

In our opinion, there’s no such thing as “too little” kilometres on a used car. Kilometres on the clock are a good indication of just how much the car has been driven. A car that is not being driven around as much means less of a need for maintenance. It also doesn’t automatically mean that it’s in good condition – that’s where some people are mistaken. As we mentioned above, there should be roughly 10 000 – 15 000 km on the clock for every year on the car.

How Many Kilometres on a Used Car is Too Much?

The magical number that seems to set people off is anything over 100 000km on the clock. This is still a considerably good mileage but also doesn’t let you know the condition of the car. For example, if a 5-year-old car is sitting at a kilometre reading of 250 000 – that’s a red flag. Why? Because a 5-year-old car shouldn’t exceed anything over 75 000km; if it does, the car has been overused and could come with a few unwanted problems.

How Mileage Affects the Value of a Used Car

How much should one factor in mileage on the value of a used car? Well, the higher the mileage, the more affordable the car. This is because cars with higher mileage are often prone to wear and tear and can break down. With this being said, the engine power also gradually decreases as the years go on. All of these factors are contributors to the value of a used car. The car’s full-service history lets a new owner know just how well the car has been maintained.

What’s More Important, the Kilometres on the Dash or the Age of the Car?

While both the age of the car and kilometres on the dash are equally important, which is more so? The answer – neither of them is more important than the other. Some people would argue and say that the age of the car isn’t a factor to consider as long as it’s been serviced routinely. This isn’t always true. The age of the car can indicate engine health, general wear and tear, service history and much more.

How to Choose a Good Used Car

The best way to choose a good and reliable used car is to make a checklist of things to look out for. This checklist doesn’t have to be complicated but merely used as a guide to help you make the best decision. Make sure you consider important elements such as budget, car features, age, service history, crash test results and more.

Looking to find a car that gives you confidence in motion? Check out our wide range of Subaru pre-owned vehicles and find the car that suits your lifestyle. Contact us on + 27116220260, and one of our skilled sales consultants will guide you on everything you need to know. Visit your nearest Subaru dealership today and book a test drive that will make your purchasing decision that much easier.