How Many Kilometers Are Too Many for a Used Car
If you’re in the market for a vehicle, whether it’s your first or one of many, looking into pre-owned is a great option.
Buying a used car presents you with a lot of choices to consider; what type of vehicle do I need, what make and model, what year was it made, how many kilometres has it driven, how many previous owners it’s had, and so on.
The kilometre question is one that really helps inform your decision. The number of kilometres on a vehicle is indicative of how much wear there is on the engine and how much life it potentially has left.
Ideally, you’d find yourself a fairly recent used car that’s in good condition with only a few thousand kilometres on it, but unless you’re really lucky, that’s not usually the case.
On average, a vehicle will rack up about 20,000 kms a year, so if you look at the age of the car and how many kilometres it has, you’ll have a good idea of not only how much it’s been driven, but how often. The more something is used, the faster it wears down, so more kilometres can mean more wear and tear. There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to a vehicle, and the older it is, and the more it’s been driven, mean repairs will likely be needed.
How Many Kilometres is Good?
The lower the number of kilometres the better, but the magic number for a lot of used vehicles is 200,000 kms. Anything under than number that doesn’t look too banged up is usually considered a good bet. It will likely still have a few years of life left in it without having to shell out a lot of cash for expensive repairs.
How Many Is Too Many?
If the vehicle has over 300,000 kms, you might want to look elsewhere. It’s been driven a lot and likely had to be repaired a lot, and there’s only so many repairs and replacements you can do before a vehicle gives up the ghost. Odds are you’ll be able to find something with fewer kilometres and still at a reasonable price.
Other Things To Consider
Don’t just look at the odometer to tell you how good a used vehicle is. While that will tell you something, looking at the vehicle for body damage and general maintenance will tell you a lot as well.
If you can, get the owner’s history so you know what the vehicle has been through in the years before you discovered it. Also take the time to inspect the vehicle yourself. Can you see that a portion of the body doesn’t quite match the rest? Chances are good it’s been in an accident. How well was the interior maintained?
The number of owners the vehicle’s had will also give you an idea of how well it will work for you. One owner may have taken great care of the vehicle, taking it in for regular maintenance and oil changes religiously. The next person, not so much. An inconsistent service record may not show you any issues until it’s too late and you’re left holding the bag.
This is why a pre-purchase inspection is a good idea. It will let you know if there are any imminent concerns with the vehicle or anything you’ll need to keep an eye on down the road.
Ready To Hit The Road?
In the market for a new-to-you car? We at JustCar can help you find the right vehicle that fits your needs and budget. Visit the shop, find the car of your dreams, and we’ll get you on your way to a new ride!
