If a car has 130,000 highway miles on it, is that bad?

Question

I'm looking to purchase a used car and one I am interested in has that amount of miles. Those who know about cars, help me out.

Answer 1

Depends on the brand of the vehicle. Most Japanese cars run a long time if taken care. I would request any service records that may have been kept. Proper service is a must for an engine to last a long time. Also, take it to a mechanic you trust and have it looked over closely. Put it up on a lift and see if there is any noticeable damage anywhere. Request a carfax report and see if it has been in a major wreck before. If it's been in a wreck or you notice body damage that has been covered up I wouldn't buy it. You run a risk of buying anything with that high of mileage, however, you could get a very good car that you want for very cheap as well.

Answer 2

High mileage is only one of the indicators in deciding on a car. How does the car look overall? Does it show signs of hard use (abuse)? When you test drive it, how does the steering wheel feel as you drive down the road? Strange noises, shifting problems? We buy ONLY used vehicles these days because quality has improved tremendously with the major manufacturers and depreciation is huge on new cars.

Buying used things (cars or anything else) means that there's a certain amount of chance involved. That's just the way it is. But if you really like this car, take the chance, assuming your common sense tells you that it's been cared for. Be willing to put repairs into it should things go wrong. It's the nature of machines to break. We've had 2 vehicles over the years that required new transmissions, so what? But even with big dollar repairs, it's still less expensive than buying a new car.

Also, don't believe the generalization that all Japanese-made cars are superior. Life isn't that simple. My neighbor's Camry has almost 200k miles on it but the body has huge gaping rust holes in it.

Answer 3

You should try to find a car that's around 80,000 miles or less for a used car. Unless you are looking for a rare model, in which case you should take anything you are up to maintain.

In general, 130,000 miles is not 'bad.' My family owns a pickup with 191,000 miles and a minivan with 180,000 and they both run excellently.

Answer 4

Now days, if the maintenance is kept up you can get 2-300,000 miles out of a car. You will have to expect some things to go bad along the line, like a starter, fuel pump, water pump, power steering pump, hoses, belts. but you can get that with any car.

If you like it, can afford it, and have a mechanic check it out, then go ahead and get it. Just be sure this car is what you want. You may have to live with it for some time. Good luck

Answer 5

as a matter of i just bought a car with 180,000 miles on it and it runs like a beast. As lng as the motor was serviced when it was suposed to and the wheels don't feel like they're going to fall off you should be fine... But remember buying an old car willneed more maintanance than the nanny

Answer 6

NO THATS NOT ALOTE OF MILES OK THAT IS REALLY GOOD CAUSE BEING THAT THEY ARE HIGHWAY MILES THEN THE ENGINE IS MORE THEN LIKELY NOT AT ALL TIRED AND WORN OUT BUT IF THEY WAS THEN THE MOTOR AND TRANS WOULD BE WORN OUT A WHOLE LOT FASTER AND IT HAS BEEN PROVEN OVER AND OVER AGAIN THAT HIGHWAYS MILES ARE BETTER YTHEN CITY DRIVEING AND THE MOTOR AND TRANS WILL ALST LONGER IF THE VEHICALE HAS THE PROPER REPAIRS AND MAINTANCE WHEN NEEDED AND RECOMMENDED SO I HOPE THIS HELPS THANKS.........

Answer 7

I'd say it depends on the purpose of the car. If it's for daily use, it sounds pretty high. i'd look for something under 70,000. If it's a classic, antique or very unique auto it might be worth it. Also depend on the price.
Vic

Answer 8

They always say "highway" miles! Don't believe the hype! Also, if it hasn't gone already, the transmission is surely ready to go! About $1000.00 or so to fix, take that into consideration!

Answer 9

Depends on the brand of car, the reliability issues, etc.

Check out consumerreports.org, or cars.com

Personally, I think the Japanese cars will be fine.

Answer 10

don't buy a car with that many miles. Esp. an American car unfortunately