Should You Prioritize Miles or Age When Buying a Used Car?

Is it better to buy a car that is just a few years old but has lots of miles, or a car with low miles that is much older? Mileage or age is a common conundrum shoppers face in search of the perfect used car. 

The average driver in the United States drives 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year. That means you can expect a four-year-old car to have between 48,000 and 60,000 miles and a 10-year-old car to have between 120,000 and 150,000 miles. 

But what if you come across a vehicle that has significantly more or less miles than it should? Let’s say a 10-year-old car with 50,000 miles or a two-year-old car with 75,000. While there’s no magic formula when buying a used car, understanding the benefits and drawbacks of both mileage and age can help you make the right decision for your needs and budget.

The Pros and Cons of Buying an Older Car with Lower Miles

Pros

• Older cars with lower mileage are more budget-friendly than similar newer cars with age-appropriate mileage.
• Some may have been lovingly cared for by older drivers or those who work from home—and are in impeccable condition.
• You may recoup much of the car's cost when you resell it if you also keep the mileage down.

Cons

• Age and not being driven can negatively impact the condition of a car. There may be rust, cracking gaskets and belts, out-of-date maintenance, etc.
• Less driving may have made the owner lax in maintaining the car as it should have been.
• Parts availability may be limited for cars that are no longer in production or are of significant age.

The Pros and Cons of a Newer Car with Higher Miles

Pros

• Newer vehicles have significantly improved and added safety features, even when compared to vehicles just a few years older.
• The car likely has better fuel efficiency than an older vehicle with the same miles.
• The vehicle may have been driven primarily on the highway, which causes less wear and tear than driving around town. 

Cons

• Higher mileage means more wear and tear on the car, and it could mean expensive repairs and preventive maintenance such as timing belt replacement are imminent. 
• The vehicle has a shorter life expectancy than a vehicle of similar age with average mileage.
• The car may have been used as a rideshare, increasing the chances of problems in the near future.

Deciding What to Prioritize

How heavily age and mileage need to be weighed depends on your priorities, how you plan to drive the car, and the expected length of ownership.

If you work from home and don’t drive much, a newer vehicle with high mileage might be the perfect fit for you. You’ll get all the latest safety features at a discounted price, and mileage isn’t as much of a concern because you won’t continue to rack it up. 

Higher mileage might also be a great option if you plan on replacing the car in a few years and need a solid car to get you through a short timeframe.

On the flip side, an older car with low mileage is a solid choice for budget-conscious shoppers who drive at or below the average mileage. It’s also a good choice for drivers who dislike the touch screens and complicated controls found in most newer cars. 

Things to Consider

• How long do you plan to keep the car?
• How many miles do you drive on average?
• How important are safety features and technological advances?

Steps You Can Take to Mitigate Risks

Both age and mileage are important considerations when buying a used car. Still, the condition of the car and how it was maintained will ultimately have the biggest impact on its reliability and longevity. 

Ask for maintenance records when available.

Whether the car has high mileage or is up there in years, how it was maintained will directly impact your experience and associated repair costs. Older cars may not have been maintained properly due to the lack of driving, and cars with high mileage may have skipped oil changes or other required maintenance because it was needed so frequently. 

Get the car inspected before buying it.

Pre-purchase inspections are important for all used car shoppers, but they carry a particular weight when buying a higher mileage or older vehicle. The mechanic will inspect the car for problems like worn brakes, damaged tires, lackluster maintenance, and rust. The inspection will allow you to go into the purchase with your eyes wide open, knowing what problems it has or helping you decide to walk away and look for something else.