By Joe Santos Autoblog
Want to save money? A high-mileage used car could be the answer
With tariffs on the horizon and the ever-inflating price of new cars, it's a good idea to look into a high-mileage used car if you're in the market. These are typically older cars, trucks, or SUVs that have well over 100,000 or 200,000 miles on their odometers and typically sell for around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the make and model. If you're on a tight budget, this route could be your best option.
However, before you start perusing the classified ads on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, it's good to know what you're getting into beforehand. While buying a high-mileage car can lead to a good deal, it can also lead to some pitfalls if you're not careful. Here are some of the pros and cons of buying a well-used car, truck, or SUV.
The benefits of buying a high-mileage used vehicle
Although the thought of buying a high-mileage used vehicle might sound scary at first, mainly due to its age and mileage compared to a low-mileage example, there are some potential benefits.
The first benefit is the obvious bargain that you could have in front of you. Let's face it, the higher the mileage, the greater the depreciation. As such, a car with 200,000 miles on it will cost you far less than a low-mileage car with only 80,000 miles on it. And while those high numbers on the odometer are indeed alarming, consider the fact that cars are supposed to be driven, so a well-used one could be a good thing.
Driving a car regularly allows its engine to heat up properly and lubricate all the seals and rubber gaskets, which is beneficial for its longevity. So, while a high-mileage car might sound like it could be dead on the road at any given minute, that may not be the case. A car with lower mileage could look pristine, but if it hasn't been driven regularly, it could have some potential hidden issues.
As a caveat, a car loaded with miles could be a good thing as long as it was properly cared for by the previous owner. This means that all the proper maintenance items, like a timing belt (if needed), a valve adjustment, and all the fluids, were done at proper intervals.
Potential downsides to buying a high-mileage used vehicle
Although buying a high-mileage used car can save you a lot of money, the downside is that you could end up spending more money after the sale. If the car that you buy hasn't had much maintenance or repairs done during its lifetime, then some parts may need replacing after you take ownership.
In this case, checking the car's vehicle history report (from sites like CarFax or AutoCheck) can tell you the car's history. However, the report might not tell you everything, so it's a good idea to have a pre-purchase inspection done on the car by a qualified mechanic as well. Checking the car's history and current status can also alert you as to whether it has been in an accident or not.
If you find out that the car you're interested in has some body damage or even has a salvage title, then you might want to look for a different one. However, if a minor accident doesn't bother you and the car's drivetrain and interior condition check out, then you could have a hidden gem on your hands.
It can also be a good idea to do a little research on the dealership or person you are buying the car from. If you're buying from a dealership, check for any bad reviews from previous customers, which could tell you whether the dealership is reputable or not.
Test driving and maintaining a high-mileage used car
Before purchasing a car with a lot of miles, be sure to take it on a long test drive to get a feel for it. Listen for any squeaks or rattles, which could mean that the brakes or other suspension components need replacing. Pay attention to how the car steers and maneuvers at different speeds, and remember to drive it on the highway as well.
It's also a good idea to get on the ground and look underneath the car after the test drive to check for any potential oil or fluid leaks. Some older cars leak power steering fluid, coolant, or brake fluid due to cracked lines or other faulty parts.
When it comes to maintaining your high-mileage car, it's a good idea to follow the car's maintenance schedule in the owner's manual. Typically, if the car has a lot of miles, then you may have to get the 100,000-mile service done on it, which can cost a pretty penny. However, changing all of the necessary maintenance parts can give you the peace of mind that the car will last longer during your ownership, and you will be able to keep track of what it needs going forward.
Final thoughts
While a six-figure odometer in a used vehicle may seem scary at first, it doesn't necessarily mean that the car has a short life span. Some of the cars that you drive next to every day have well over 300,000 miles on their odometers and are still chugging along just fine. As long as the car you buy has been properly maintained, it could easily give you another 100,000 miles or many more years of use for a great price.
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This story was originally published April 23, 2025 at 6:00 PM.
