How Many Kilometres is Good for a Used Car?

How Many Kilometres is Good for a Used Car?

When it comes to purchasing a car so many important factors need to be considered before signing the paperwork. One of the simplest ways to assess a car’s value is to check its odometer for the number of kilometres travelled. 

According to Global General Manager of Redbook, Ross Booth, “Cars in Australia, on average, do 25,000 km a year. A good car is 15,000 km a year, so if you can find a 10 year old car that has done 150,000 kilometres, that’s a good car. On average, though, it’s more likely to be 250,000 km.

How Many Kilometres Can a Car Log?

In general most cars don’t last more than 350,000km unless they’ve been well looked after. However this will depend on the make of the car and how well it has been maintained. 

Obviously the older the car, the more wear it has had, and the closer to the end of its life it will be. A quick search for car service Brighton will ensure older vehicles are well maintained to avoid any costly repairs.

How Many is Too Many?

Generally, cars over 300,000 kilometres aren’t worth your time unless you have the experience and skills to work on them yourself. Luckily Brighton Auto have a variety of used cars well under 300,000 kms. 

Although the condition of a car should be factored into the equation, mileage can be an indicator of how much wear a car has had and therefore how much life it has left in its components. If the vehicle is pushing 300,000 kilometres it’s unlikely that it will be performing without any issues. 

What Threshold Should I Look At?

When looking at mileage thresholds for used cars, both budget and the type of car play an important role. Different types of cars have different price points so the guidelines on what constitutes ‘too many kilometres’ is going to differ. Search car dealer Brighton or used car Brighton to get a feel for what is available. 

For example, take a used car purchase for a first time driver. Quite often parents are willing to pay less than $15,000 – $5,000. Taking this into account, if you set a threshold at around 200,000 kilometres you’ll have quite an extensive range of cars to choose from. If you’re searching for second hand cars Brighton or used cars Brighton, within this threshold you’ll be spoilt for choice with an extensive range of used cars perfect for first time drivers. 

Should I Avoid Buying a Car With More Than 200,000 Km on It?

Depending on your situation, if you find a car with more than 200,000 kilometres, don’t be too concerned. Although the high odometer reading may deter some, a vehicle that has been regularly serviced with oil changes, tire rotations, tune-ups, etc, still has time left. 

Advantages of Low Mileage Cars Are There, but Not the Whole Story

Many buyers find used cars with lower kilometres more appealing. Theoretically the lower odometer reading the longer life expectancy of the engine and most components of the vehicle. However lower kilometres doesn’t necessarily mean greater reliability.

• Check Service History 

A used car with higher kilometres but good service history is favourable. The car is likely to have received proper care and maintenance, giving the car’s engine the best chance to stay in good condition over the long term. Sure you might be up for the occasional parts replacement but remember new cars also have significant service milestones. 

• Check Brand Reputation

When it comes to vehicle longevity it’s important to take the brand reputation of the make and model into consideration. These factors have an impact on both the car’s potential lifespan, as well as potential ongoing maintenance costs. Models highly regarded for their reliability will last longer than 100,000 km. Comparatively less reliable models are going to have shorter life spans with potential issues.

When browsing used car dealerships Brighton, explore an extensive range of reputable used cars available to all types of buyers.

• Check Condition

Service history and brand reputation are important but neither of these matter if the previous owner has not looked after the vehicle. Take the time to enquire about previous owners in addition to checking for signs of damage. If the car is 4×4 or SUV check for signs of wear and tear. This will help to avoid making any costly mistakes.  

If you’re unsure of what you should be looking at prior to buying, take the time to do a bit of research. Brighton service centre is able to assist with service related enquiries when it comes time to purchase your next used car. 

• Check Major Service Milestones

Before saying yes to any used car you are interested in, be sure to check major service milestones. The car you’re interested in may be due for a major service. Sometimes this is not covered by previous owners before trade-in so it’s worth taking the time to check before getting stuck with hefty service fees shortly after purchasing. Brighton service centre and car service Elsternwick are able to assist you with this.

If you’re looking for a trusted used car dealership in Melbourne search used car dealerships Brighton and second hand cars Brighton. Combining the proper knowledge and advice you need, you are in the right place.