When you're looking for a used car, one of the first things you probably pay attention to is runMost buyers are afraid of numbers over 200,000 km and believe that such a car is already “on its last legs.”
But is it really high mileage = bad car? 🤔
Let's figure out when buying such a car can be profitable, and when it's better to refrain.
🔢 What is considered a high mileage?
You can roughly navigate like this:
🚘 up to 100,000 km — low mileage, almost new car;
🚘 100,000 – 200,000 km — average mileage, normal for most models;
🚘 over 200,000 km — high mileage, requires thorough inspection;
🚘 over 300,000 km — a car at the end of its service life or after a major overhaul.
However, it is important to remember: age, engine type, operating conditions and service often have more meaning than the number on the odometer itself.
🧰 It's not the mileage that kills the car, but the owner's attitude
A car that has been driven a lot along the route, but has undergone regular maintenance, may be in better condition than a "home" car that has been parked in the yard for most of its life.
✅ Good signs:
service book with service notes;
oil change every 8–10 thousand km;
use of quality parts;
no traces of careless repair.
❌ Bad signs:
"twisted" mileage (which, unfortunately, is a common practice);
freshly painted body elements without explanation;
engine noise, exhaust smoke, play in the chassis.
💰 Advantages of buying a car with high mileage
1️⃣ Lower price
This is the main argument. Such a machine can cost 30–50 % cheaperthan an analogue with lower mileage. For many, this is a chance to buy a higher-class car for a reasonable price.
2️⃣ Reliability with proper care
If the car is "worn in" on the highway, it has one owner and a good service history — its resource is far from exhausted. Some Japanese and German engines can easily cover 400–500 thousand km.
3️⃣ Cheaper maintenance
Cars with high mileage often have already had:
replacement of timing belts and chains;
chassis repair;
brake system upgrade.
That is, by buying such a car, you can avoid high costs in the first year of operation.
⚠️ Disadvantages of cars with high mileage
1️⃣ Wear of parts
Even with careful treatment, metal has its resource. In the risk zone:
suspension, shock absorbers, steering tips;
turbine, injectors, clutch;
gearbox (especially automatic).
2️⃣ It's harder to sell
Such a car is more difficult to resell, because most buyers are looking for cars "up to 150 thousand km."
If you plan to travel for 2–3 years and are not afraid of investments, this is not a problem.
3️⃣ Potential hidden defects
Unfortunately, sellers often inflate mileage.
⚡ Tip: check the data via CarVertical, AutoCheck, or official services if the car is from Europe.
🔎 How to check a car with high mileage
Before purchasing, be sure to:
Diagnostics in the service (engine, gearbox, chassis);
Body inspection — measure the thickness of the paint;
Computer verification — does the mileage correspond to the real one;
Test drive — pay attention to noises, jerks, and the behavior of the box.
💬 If the seller evades verification, this is a red flag.
🧮 When the purchase is justified
A car with high mileage is not always a risk.
The purchase can be smart, if:
the car has an honest history and service book;
you understand that something will have to be repaired;
The price is adequate and there is a margin in the budget for maintenance.
🚗 For example, a 10-year-old Volkswagen Passat with a mileage of 280 thousand km, but in good condition - may be a better choice than one "freshly imported" from Europe after an accident and "twisted" to 120 thousand.
💡 Alternative - car buyout
If you already have a car with high mileage and don't want to sell it yourself, contact car redemption service.
Advantages 👇
assessment in 30 minutes;
fair market price;
quick receipt of money 💵;
without nerves and paperwork.
This is convenient if the car is already “tired” and you need to buy a newer model.
✅ Conclusion
A car with high mileage is not a sentence, but only a signal to check the car more carefully.
Sometimes it can become a smart purchase at a good price if you approach the matter wisely.
Evaluate the condition, not the number on the odometer.
Trust only proven services.
And remember: even an "old" car can provide comfort if it is well cared for.
🚘✨ Buy wisely - and your new vehicle will become a reliable friend, not a source of expenses!
