What are the disadvantages of purchasing a car with a lot of miles on it?

Question

I'm trying to buy a car and I've noticed that cars with a lot of miles put on them are a lot cheaper than those with fewer. Why is that?

Answer 1

First of all it is not "new!" So the question is how long, and how far do you want to drive it! Also how much money do you want to spend? I have been driving since 1951, and have never owned a new car yet! And I suppose that if I had all the money I ever spent buying "used cars",- I still probably wouldn't have enough to buy a "mid range" american car! I started out early doing all my own maintainance, (started fixing cars in 1949). All the money I spent on parts replacement might buy Ford "Crown Vicki", but maybe not yet!

I have found that a well maintained car (by mechanics that know what they are doing)- - even if it has high miles will serve you quite well. Yes it will break down a little more often, and yes you will have to pay the bill. But bear in mind that you can buy a fairly reliable car for "$3500 of less), - and you aren't making payments of $350 or more for the "rest of your life". Now that new car that has all the "free" warranty" only costs you about $15,000 or more depending on model (foreign cars may run a little cheaper). New is impressive, -but old will get you there just as well if it is a good car!

I have a sister that once traded in her "old car'"for a new one with "only $6000" difference. The car had 60,000 miles on it ,-and it needed new tires (nothing else).The "new one" was basically an identical model (same body style, color, and interior even). It turned out to be a "Lemon"! In 70,000 miles ,-in the next three years, -it "ate" two engines and a transmission, - the last engine was out of warranty! Also the front end "fell apart, and suspension needed severe rebuilding. Oh!!,- the last thing, the guy that bought the old one drove it for 5 more years,- and had no major expenses, - just oil gas, and tires! I ask,- was this a fair deal to get a set of tires "free" (except for the $6000 extra on the trade?)

As for finding a car, it is best to buy from an individual (preferably one you know), - or appears to be on the "up & up", when telling you about his car! An honest seller will tell you about what he knows about the car, some of the shortcomings, and may have a record of things he has done to it in past months, (some even have service slips from day they bought the car)! It is worth it to have an independent mechanic check the car out (meaning somebody that hasn't been doing the maintainance). Also if it is a computerized car, it might pay to have it checked by 2 different service shops! Yes it will cost you a little money, but it can save you much more later on,-also if it has things that need fixed, you may be able to get the owner to fix them first, - or lower the price some to offset the cost of your repairs later!

Last thing I reccomend is that if you are in a "big city",- you might consider buying a new car, - (since "tow jobs" cost quite a bit, and towing would be the dealers problem under warranty). But then,- if you are in a city that big why would you want a car in the first place? Getting parking, and "garaging" costs a bundle in these citys too. So public transportation would be the best "bang for the buck "!

Answer 2

The more mileage a car has, the more wear and tear it has on the car's components IE. axle, compresser, radiator. Older cars that have hundreds of thousands of miles on them depreciate because cars become less and less reliable as the "wear and tear" progresses. The vast majority of us aren't educated about maintaining every single component; thus, we tend to neglect preventing problems until they manifest IE. overheating engine, no air conditioning, broken wheel axles. That is why, for example two 2000 editions of let's say a Toyota Corolla; one with 50,000 miles; one with 120,000 miles will have a few thousand dollars of difference in the value. It's VERY important to thoroughly investigate if the car in question has a warranty; especially when buying a pre-owned vehicle. Ask the salesman if the car has been flooded, has had more than one owner, or has been in a collision. The vin number (a car's ID number) can be searched when looking up it's history. These factors will decrease the car's reliability; therefore, the price should reflect that.

Answer 3

they will not last for longer than the one with fewer miles on it

Answer 4

because they are not expected to last much longer. cars with alot of miles have a greater chance of being mistreated or reworked or overhauled.

Answer 5

the biggest thing is it is worn out it is not going to last much longer it is cheaper because you are going to need to put money in it real soon

Answer 6

It's all about what you don't know about the car:

How it was maintained
How it was driven
Where it was driven
What's broken
What is about to break
What it will cost you to repair

Answer 7

Its old and more prone to problems. Beware. Old parts can be a *****.