Used Car Buying Guide. Age of Car Vs Mileage

If you’re new to the world of driving or simply want to save some money, you might be interested in the idea of buying a used car. Cars lose a lot of their value in a relatively short space of time, and that means you could make a huge saving by buying a vehicle that’s a couple of years old. However, though you can save heaps of cash on the actual purchase price, you need to know that all cars will inevitably run into problems and require repairs. The last thing you want to do is buy a very cheap car that’s going to cost thousands to fix in the near future.

Age and mileage are amongst the most common factors people take into consideration to gauge the condition of a vehicle. Some people believe that buying a slightly older car that’s done very few miles is the best option while others passionately believe that the newer car, the better its condition. You should be aware that there are many more factors at play that determine whether a car will stand the test of time or end up in a scrapyard within a few months, meaning it’s always a good idea to have used cars inspected before you make a purchase.

If you’ve found a car that you’d like to buy, you might want to get a used car inspection by Spot On Vehicle Inspections or a similar company that’s earned a reputation for professionalism. Unless you have a lot of experience inspecting vehicles, utilising the professionals for such a task is the best thing to do. Below, this article will explore whether it’s better to buy an old car that’s done few miles or a more recent car that’s driven more than the average for its age.

Finding a Good Condition Used Car

As aforementioned, having a pre purchase car inspection is always a good idea for those who want to be sure the car they’re buying is in good condition. However, before you do that, looking at the vehicle’s age and mileage is a good place to start.

• Arguments for buying a relatively new car – Though it’s easy to think that new cars that have done lots of miles may have degraded quickly, cars that have been mainly driven on the motorway are likely to be in good condition and may still be covered by a manufacturer warranty.
• Arguments for buying an older car with low mileage – Some people will tell you that low mileage means the car is in good condition, but that’s not always the case. Constantly stopping and starting causes more damage than driving on the motorway often, so cars with low mileage that have only been used in the city may not be as good as you think.

The Verdict

Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to the question discussed in this article, which is why it’s always a good idea to have the car inspected before purchasing it. As long as you only utilise the very best professionals for inspections, you can feel confident that your used car will stand the test of time.