Mileage for used cars

Fant11

Hi lads, what sort of mileage is acceptable when buying a used car, petrol & diesel? Looking at 2008 used cars and unsure of what figured I should looking at. Also, spotted a avensis with decent mileage, are these models reliable?

Bravobabe

Hi
rule of thumb
Low mileage: less than 10000 miles or <16000km per annum
Average mileage: 10k - 15k miles per annum or 16k to 24km pa
Above Average: 15k - 20k miles (24k to 32k kms pa)
High/Commercial: above 20k miles or 32kms per year

Also depends whether petrol or diesel (diesel tend to have higher mileage)

A 2008 car - effectively eight years old
Less than 80000 miles or 128000km would be low mileage
less than 120000 miles or 192000km would be average enough.

Road Tax: You might consider a newer than 2008 to save on annual Road Tax.
(obviously depends on budget)

Avensis: are a good car

Driving Conditions: 20000 miles of Motorway driving is probably better than 12000 miles of urban driving. But unless you know the seller you will be taking someone's word for it (its amazing how many One Lady owner from new cars there out there:))

I recently traded in a 2007 Primera and it had 20000km (125000 miles) and it was in very good condition.

Good Luck

Fant11

Great help. Thanks a million.

bazz26

Don't put all your faith on mileage as it's not an accurate indication of use or condition. An above average mileage car with proof of regular servicing can be a better buy than a low mileage car that only got one oil change in 5 years.

milano77

bazz26 wrote: »

Don't put all your faith on mileage as it's not an accurate indication of use or condition. An above average mileage car with proof of regular servicing can be a better buy than a low mileage car that only got one oil change in 5 years.

Totally agree! Where do you live in Ireland? My mechanic has a good used cars for sale, he can also advise you on buying a car elsewhere. you can contact him via his website jf.ie

Dont want to boast or advertise, but that man helped me out so many times, and I cant recommend him enough. After quite a sad experience of buying a Golf privately, I just don't trust people anymore. Won't tell you what I've been through with that car!

If you come across two identical cars, same price, same year, same spec, etc. and one has lower mileage then it'd be a good idea to get the lower mileage one.

However, do keep in mind that higher mileage doesn't necessarily mean that the wheels are about to fall off it. My car has done about 70,000km this year alone. But it's been treated meticulously. It's been in with my mechanic every 6 weeks for a general look over (after each period of high mileage driving, it goes into him to be looked over to make sure nothing got worn or damaged). Serviced 4 times in a year, etc. (complete overkill, admittedly, and something I'll pull back on a bit).


I can't imagine anyone doing massive mileage without the car being part of their job. And if the car is part of their job, chances are they're going to want to keep it in tip top shape to make sure it doesnt die on them and end up costing them money. That said, I'm sure there are just as many people doing high mileage and not even considering maintenance until it comes to getting it through the NCT.

So you have to take it on a case-by-case basis. But I just wouldn't immediately rule out a car due to mileage alone. A car with 500km on it could be in much better shape than one with 100km on it.

Mc Love

Deleted User wrote: »

So you have to take it on a case-by-case basis. But I just wouldn't immediately rule out a car due to mileage alone. A car with 500km on it could be in much better shape than one with 100km on it.

You really have to take this advice going forward. I've seen both genders absolutely not treat their cars well. If you see lady driver, means absolutely nothing, because many a lady driver have I seen use their brakes non stop or dont even slow down going over ramps...that being said I've seen the same with men.