Buying a used car can be an excellent way to save some cash, but we don’t advise you to just jump in blindly. There are some crucial factors that everyone should consider. While the number of miles on a car is a good starting point, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. By taking the time to dig deeper into the car’s history, and how the number of miles relates to the car’s other variables you can uncover a treasure trove of information that will help you make an informed decision.
In this article, we will explore the factors that can influence the lifespan of a used car and provide some general guidelines for determining how many miles are too many.
Factors that Affect the Lifespan of a Used Car
There are many factors that can affect the lifespan of a used car, including its make and model, maintenance history, driving habits, and overall condition. Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors.
Make and Model
The make and model of a car can have a significant impact on its lifespan. Some brands, such as Toyota and Honda, are known for their reliability and longevity and may be able to withstand higher mileage than other brands. In contrast, some other brands may be prone to frequent repairs and maintenance, even with lower mileage such as luxury vehicles like BMW, Mercedes, or Audis. Our experts at FA Financing understand the intricacies of a car’s make and model and how it will impact reliability and potential lifespan.
Maintenance History
The maintenance history of a used car is also an important factor to consider. A car that has been well-maintained and serviced regularly may be able to go further than a car that has been neglected. It is important to review the maintenance records of a used car before purchasing it to ensure that it has received regular oil changes, tire rotations, and other routine maintenance. Assuming, for example, that the vehicle history report indicates around 65,000 miles at 5 years of age, it is highly probable that the odometer reading is correct.
It’s also worth noting that some types of cars, such as those used for commercial purposes, may have higher mileage but may have been serviced and maintained more regularly than a car used for personal use.
That being said, make sure to look at the vehicle’s history report as it will provide you with a wealth of information.
- Accident Check – This is a comprehensive check that uses various sources, including the Department/Registry of Motor Vehicles, auctions, AutoCheck reports, and insurance companies, to identify any recorded instances of auto accidents involving the vehicle.
- State Title Brand and Other Problems – This may include whether the vehicle has ever been designated as a salvage vehicle, rebuilt, or has a lemon title. In addition to state title brand issues, this section of the report may also highlight other problems with the vehicle, such as flood damage or other types of damage.
- Vehicle Use and Event Check – This includes information on accidents, thefts, repossessions, and other events that may have affected the vehicle’s history. This section can also provide information on the vehicle’s previous owners, such as the number of previous owners, the length of time each owner held the vehicle, and if the vehicle was ever used as a rental car or for commercial purposes.
- Odometer Check – This feature may include information on the vehicle’s mileage history, including the mileage readings recorded during various inspections or services, and any discrepancies between these readings. It may also include information on the vehicle’s usage patterns, such as whether the vehicle was driven excessively or only used for short trips, which could indicate that the odometer reading has been altered.
- Structural Damage – This part of the report provides information about any previous incidents that caused structural damage to the vehicle. This helps potential buyers determine the vehicle’s overall driving condition and the extent of any previous damage.
- With FA Fianncing, every vehicle comes with 3 different vehicle history reports. The NMVITS, Autocheck from Experian, and of course Carfax. So you can have more peace of mind with the vehicle you end up purchasing
Driving Habits
The driving habits of the previous owner can also impact the lifespan of a used car. Cars that have been driven mostly on the highway or in less populated areas are generally in better condition than cars that have been driven mostly in stop-and-go traffic. Additionally, cars that have been driven aggressively, such as those used for racing or towing, may experience more wear and tear on their components, leading to a shorter lifespan.
Miles
One of the most important factors to consider is the number of miles on the odometer. But how many miles are too many for a used car? Well throughout this article, we can see that the answer to this question is not always clear-cut.
There are some determinations that use equations, factoring in age and mileage. For example, you can simply multiply 12,000 by its age. That means good mileage for a car that’s 5 years old is 60,000. This equation is using the understanding that generally cars use around 12,000 miles a year.
A good general rule of thumb is to look for cars with no more than 150,000 to 200,000 miles on the odometer. Remember though, this is an accurate number for a car around 10 years old. If it’s an older car with fewer miles, make sure to investigate the vehicle history as mentioned earlier to confirm that there aren’t any other reasons it hasn’t been driven as frequently. And by that same token, if it’s a younger car with more miles, you should make sure it’s been properly maintained for the amount of wear and tear it has undergone.
It can be a daunting task to understand the intricacies of how all these factors relate to your car and what they will mean for your car’s longevity. That’s why at FA Financing we have experts in guidance and financing options to help you find the perfect car that fits your needs. Our team is here to help you every step of the way, providing you with valuable insights and information that will help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re looking for a car with low mileage or one that’s been around the block a few times, we can help you find the perfect car for your needs and budget, contact us today!
