Mileage vs Age: What Matters More When Picking a Used Car
Buying a used car may seem intimidating, especially when you don’t know what to look for. While an old car with low mileage can look appealing, you are pulled back to wonder whether a newer car provides more security despite having higher mileage. With all these factors, you’re left asking: which among the two holds better ground?
This guide will help you make smarter decisions and avoid surprises down the road.
Understanding Mileage
Mileage refers to the total number of miles (kilometers in the Philippines) a car has been driven. Shown on the odometer, it is used as an indicator of how much life a vehicle has left. However, this number by itself cannot tell the car’s full story. For one, highway miles usually cause less wear and tear as they involve constant speed and fewer stops, while city miles tend to be more stressful due to more braking, acceleration, and the presence of varying road conditions.
What is Considered a Good Mileage
A general rule of thumb is that a typical car accumulates about 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year. Given this:
- A three-year-old car should ideally be within a 36,000 to 45,000-mile range.
- A five-year-old one with around 60,000 to 75,0000 just sits right on target.
If it is significantly below this range, it most likely indicates a lighter use. If the mileage is way above, the car has definitely been through the road a lot.
But again, miles are not equal. While a car with way above average miles suggests longer road time, if those were mostly highway miles rather than city ones, it could still be a pretty reliable purchase.
The key takeaway: It is less about fitting within the ideal range, but more about how it is driven and cared for. A well-kept car with higher mileage can easily ride out a neglected low-mileage one.
Is Car Age Important?
Typically, the older the car, the longer it has been driven. That is why ‘the newer, the better’ is a common catchphrase when investing in important assets such as a car! Even if it has below average miles, there are damages outside the odometer that only time can tell.
- Wear and tear: Rubber parts (belts, hoses, seals) dry out and crack over time, even if it has not been on the road too much. Similarly, batteries and electronics also degrade over time.
- Technology and safety: Newer cars often have better fuel efficiency, updated technology, and modern safety features. An older car, on the other hand, may lack these improvements, reducing both comfort and protection.
- Market value: A car’s age is among the key factors that affect its resale price. A five-year-old car with low miles may be valued less than a three-year-old car with higher miles due to depreciation trends.
So, in short, yes, a car’s age is important because of its effects on the overall condition, features, and value; however, we now wonder: how do we determine the right balance between mileage and age?
Finding the Right Balance
When purchasing a used car, the dilemma is often left to the two: mileage or age? Is it better to buy a newer car with high miles or is it smarter to choose an older one with low miles? The truth is, one factor alone is not able to lay out the whole story.
- Mileage over age: If long-term reliability is your aim, a car with lower mileage can be appealing since it likely has less wear. However, it is important to note the type of miles the car has been through—highway miles are gentler than city miles!
- Age over mileage: If technology, safety, comfort, and market value are your non-negotiables, you might want to look for newer cars even if they have higher miles. Older cars may have hidden age-related problems such as outdated technology and worn-out parts. Be careful—it might come biting you back!
- Finding the balance: The best choice, more often than not, lies somewhere in the middle: a reasonably new car with mileage that’s within the yearly average, supported by perfect maintenance records.
Ultimately, a well-maintained car with balanced mileage and age is undoubtedly a smarter decision than relying on one number alone. Make sure to always review its history and service records, and most importantly, examine it before buying!
