Many people wonder if they should buy a used car with high mileage. It makes them hesitate. Will it run for much longer? What other parts might be wearing out after so much driving? The reality is that mileage, although we focus on it a lot, is probably the least of your concerns when buying a used car, especially at Southwest Motors.
Cars are lasting longer and longer these days, and there are plenty of other things you need to look for when buying a used car that don’t have anything to do with high miles.
In fact, while high mileage does perhaps mean that the car is a little bit older and has been driven a bit more, there are actually some really great reasons why you should consider purchasing a car with high mileage.
You’ll Get Better Deals
Cars with higher mileage tend to be priced more affordably. An older car that’s been driven more costs less money. That’s the reality of the way the market works. So if you are looking for a used car, consider one with a few extra miles, because you can save quite a few dollars and still get a fantastic value out of the vehicle.
This theory actually works out very well in practice, especially if you buy and sell cars often. You’ll save quite a bit of money buying higher mileage vehicles, because you really only need it to last until you decide to get a new one.
Plus, a couple of years from now, if you’ve taken really good care of it, you may be able to sell it at just about the same price you bought it, effectively meaning you drove it for free all this time.
Higher Mileage Cars Last Longer
The parts in your car will wear out over time, no matter how many miles you put on it. That means that whether you make use of your purchase and drive it or let it sit to try to preserve its value, it’s going to wear out anyway. So why not drive?
In fact, cars with higher mileage last longer because as you drive it, it lubricates itself and burns away the carbon build up on your engine. You can rest assured that if you’re looking at buying a high mileage car, it’s probably in pretty good condition.
Higher Mileage Cars are Better Maintained
Assuming the previous owner did the regularly scheduled maintenance visits required of a vehicle, a car with higher mileage got its fluids changed on a more regular basis than did a car without high miles.
You really shouldn’t be paying attention to how many miles are on the car, but at what intervals service was given. A car with 50,000 miles that was not very well cared for is a poor purchase, but a car with 100,000 miles that has been maintained beautifully is a great choice.
When all other things are equal, there’s really not that much of a difference between 100,000 miles and 120,000. What you should be focused on are style, seating arrangements, features, and all of the other things that will make your driving experience exactly what you need it to be.
A well-maintained vehicle can often last 200,000 or even 300,000 miles. So don’t balk if the odometer has made it to six digits. Consider the condition, price, and overall value you’re getting, and then make your choice.
