Fast facts about low mileage used cars
- Buying a used car with low mileage is onebig choice, but finding one for sale can be a challenge.
- Avoid scamsby comparing the mileage with the mileage on the vehicle history report, maintenance records and signs of wear and tear.
- Buy onecomprehensive inspectionand review the maintenance history before making a decision.
One of the first things most people notice when they buy oneused caris the number of miles on the odometer. It is usually a general rule of thumb to choose the car with the lowest number of kilometers on the odometer.
The more miles a car has, the more likely it is to need repairs and maintenance. But what about a used car with unusually low mileage? Could having much less than average miles lead to problems down the road?
Finding a 5 year old car with only a few thousand miles on the odometer can be a cause for concern as this is extremely low mileage for an older car. The lack of driving skills may mean reliability problems for you, but is that always the case? We have the answers.
- Unusually low mileage is no problem
- How to Avoid Low Mileage Scams
- Examine the odometer carefully
- Ask a mechanic's opinion
Unusually low mileage is no problem
In general, buying used cars with low mileage is a good decision, even if the mileage seems unusually low. Due to the lack of affordable cars on the market, many owners aredrive their vehicles longer, and as a result, finding a five-year-old car with a few thousand miles on the odometer can be a challenge.
RELATED:Guide to buying a used car
If you find one at a dealer orthrough a private seller, you should consider yourself a lucky person.
The low mileage means you are unlikely to encounter any reliability issues along the way. That said, we have a few tips to ensure your low-mileage find doesn't become a major headache.
Benefits of buying a used car with low mileage
- Minimal wear: Cars with lower mileage were generally driven less often. This means that there will be less wear and tear on components such as tires, brakes and interior finishes.
- Warranty Coverage: Low mileage cars that are still within the time limits may still be covered by the manufacturer's warranty (e.g. three years/36,000 miles). The car manufacturer is responsible for repairs if major parts or systems fail within the coverage period.
- To live: A car with a low mileage still has enough life to drive. As long as you perform regular service and maintenance and follow all recalls, you can enjoy your car for many years to come.
Disadvantages of buying a used car with low mileage
- Taken: Used cars with lower mileage will be priced significantly higher. When you compare the price with a new car, it may be worth it to buy a new one, especially since you will become the first owner of the car.
- Depreciation: The value of a newer used car with lower miles can still drop. You still run the risk of paying significantly more for the car than it will be worth over the next two years.
- Maintenance requirements: The original owner may not have been trackedPlanned maintenanceif they did not use the car regularly. Some maintenance items have a time element and are not solely dependent on mileage. In such situations, you as a new owner could be playing catch-up.
BUT:Buying a new car can be cheaper than buying a used one
How to Avoid Low Mileage Scams
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), you should always compare the mileage to what's on the title. Although most used cars are legally listed with lower mileage, you should always contact your state's law enforcement agency if anything looks suspicious. Here are a few tips to avoid low mileage scams.
- Make sure the mileage matches what the car's maintenance history indicates. Ask questions about any discrepancies.
- Look for oil change stickers on the windshield or door frame and look at the stated mileage.
- If the vehicle has less than 20,000 miles, check to see if it still has the original tires.
- Examine the wear and determine if it matches the mileage shown on the odometer.
Examine the odometer carefully
NHTSAestimates that more than 450,000 vehicles sold annually have falsified odometer readings. Before purchasing the car, we strongly recommend that you ensure that the stated mileage is correct. As automotive technology advances, tampering with the odometer has become easier than ever. While there is no surefire way to prove that your odometer has been tampered with, we can suggest some tools to help you.
One of the most effective ways to check this is to obtain a vehicle history report from a well-known company such as AutoCheck or Carfax. When you receive a history report for a vehicle you are considering, you can usually find out if the odometer has been tampered with.
RELATED:Legal aspects when buying a used car from a private seller
Read vehicle history reports
Most car history reports show mileage progress over the life of a car. But keep in mind that car owners don't always report accidents. As a result, these are not reported to AutoCheck and Carfax.
But just because something wasn't reported doesn't mean it didn't happen. Checking for physical signs of tampering is another good way to protect yourself from these types of scams.
Ensure consistent number spacing on documents. Make sure the numbers are legible and not crooked. Obtaining oil change records will also clearly show the number of miles the car has on the odometer.
Another way you can judge the accuracy of a car's mileage is by examining the general condition of the vehicle. A car that has driven 10,000 miles should still look reasonably new with very few dents or scratches on the exterior, and the interior should not show much wear and tear.
It is also smart to check the car's accelerator and brake pedals. If they look worn, the driver has probably traveled more than a few thousand miles. If the car looks too beat up for a very low mileage vehicle, this could be a signal that the odometer has been tampered with.
Ask a mechanic's opinion
After you've verified that the mileage is legitimate and hasn't been tampered with, you'll still want to have the car inspected by a trusted mechanic. We recommend this to anyone buying a used car, but there's an even bigger reason for this.
If a car has been sitting for a while, several parts may need to be replaced immediately simply because they have dried out over time. Amechanical inspectionis the only way to know for sure if the car you are considering has any problems. It can also tell you if large bills may be needed in the future.
BUT:What if the seller won't let you have a mechanical inspection?
What is a good mileage for a used car?
There are no set rules about thismileage on a car. Quality is more important than quantity. A car that has driven 50,000 miles, mostly on the highway, will generally be in better condition than a car that has driven the same number of miles around town.
OfFederal Highway Administrationestimates that the average motorist drives his car approximately 21,500 kilometers per year. Use this number as a baseline to estimate how many miles a used vehicle should have compared to its age.
Read related articles:
- Buying a used car: does the number of kilometers matter?
- How long do the tires last?
- Buying a used car: why are highway miles better?
Editor's note: This article has been updated for accuracy since it was originally published. Austin Morris contributed to this report.
