What's More Important: Mileage Or Age Of A Car?

Mileage or age? When you’re in the market for a used car, you’re likely to hear these two words a lot. For many prospective buyers, these are two of the most important factors to consider when buying a used car. But just how much of an impact do they really have on a car’s overall condition? And which one is more important?

Why Mileage Matters

Mileage refers to the number of miles covered by a vehicle. Simply put, mileage matters because it gives buyers a glimpse into a used car's "former life". In most cases, the more miles there are on a used vehicle, the more likely it is to have signs of wear and tear.

However, a high mileage car isn't necessarily in worse condition than a low mileage vehicle. Mileage is just one of many factors that affect a car's condition. When shopping for a used car, you also have to look at the following:

Terrain and Use

Where did the previous owner drive the car and how often did they use it? Even if two similar models show the same mileage numbers, a car that's been driven mostly through suburban neighbourhoods will likely be in better condition than a vehicle that's been put through the wringer on rural dirt roads.

Be wary of commuter cars used to travel through big cities too. In the long run, the stop-and-go traffic of busy cities can be harder on a car's engine than long, continuous drives on highways.

Finally, be cautious of anyone selling an older car with significantly low mileage. While it's true that the more you drive a car, the more likely it is for parts to wear down or become damaged, the inverse isn't necessarily better for a car either. Keeping a car unused for too long can lead to the build-up of rust and corrosion in the engine, as well as flat spots on tires.

Maintenance and Repairs

Consistent upkeep is just as important as mileage. Make sure the previous owner was diligent about oil changes, tire pressure maintenance, and battery replacements, among others – and find out if they were consistent about these routine checks too. Typically, an old car should go in for maintenance after 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 25,000, 50,000, 70,000, 90,0000, and 160,000 kilometres.

Don't settle for cheap, low mileage cars that are in need of "quick" repairs too. If the previous owner couldn't find a long-term solution for the damage, it's likely that you won't either – leaving you with a used car that's just taking up space in your garage.

Tip: Request for a vehicle's identification number – this is similar to a car's fingerprint, which gives you access to the vehicle history report. The report provides a full overview of the car's history, from accident history, existing liens, and title changes, to any safety recalls issued on the model.

How Age Affects A Car

Just like mileage, a car's age can tell a lot about its overall condition – but it also shouldn't be the be-all-end-all indicator of whether it's worth the buy.

Age affects vehicles in a number of ways. First, an older car is more likely to be a little more banged up than a newer one, simply because time and exposure to the elements naturally wear down its moving parts. Chemical wear, corrosion, as well as the accumulation of dust and mould in a used vehicle can all affect its performance.

Buying an older car also means sacrificing certain features, from safety advancements that can only be found in newer models, to more sophisticated cruise control technology. A newer model of the same car could even have a better fuel economy than its predecessors.

Finally, age has a significant effect on a vehicle's value. Cars depreciate fast. In fact, a new car depreciates the minute it's driven off the lot. At one year old, a new car could lose 20 to 30 percent of its original value. At five years old, that car could be up to 60 percent less than it was sold for.

How Much Mileage Is Good For A Used Car?

The average mileage per year is 24,000 kilometres.

To find out the average mileage on an old vehicle, just multiply the car's age by 24,000 and compare the answer to the number on the odometer reading. Another way to do it is to divide the car's odometer reading by its age. If the reading is higher than 24,000, the vehicle can be considered high-mileage.

But is there a "ceiling" on the mileage that you should look out for? Some car enthusiasts believe that a vehicle shouldn't exceed 160,000 km in mileage. However, it should be noted that advancements in manufacturing and safety technology allow today's cars to go much further than their predecessors before hitting their limits. Years ago, cars could incur significant wear and tear after just a year of use on the road. Today, a one-year-old car could measure up to a brand new car in almost all aspects, thanks to the creation of more affordable and longer-lasting car parts.

What Is The Best Age To Buy A Used Car?

As mentioned, cars can lose up to 60 percent of their value within the first four or five years. With that in mind, it's best to purchase a vehicle that's between one year old and five years old, and hits an average mileage of about 24,000. By the fourth or fifth year, the vehicle usually loses its warranty, which means that you could incur additional costs for repairs and maintenance. 

And while buying an old car can mean getting a better deal thanks to depreciation, you don't want to get something too old too. As a car continues to depreciate with age, it gets to a point where it isn't worth much anymore, making it harder to sell in the future and more of a liability than an asset. 

Is Mileage More Important Than Age?

The short answer is no. There is no clear winner in the battle of mileage vs age. This is because, when shopping for a used car, you don't just base your decision on either one. You have to take a look at the car's overall condition, history of use, and repair and maintenance report.

You’ll need to check where and how the vehicle was used – different terrains, climates, and frequencies of use affect vehicles in different ways. In addition, ensure the vehicle underwent thorough and consistent maintenance. Always request the vehicle's maintenance history and service receipts from sellers and dealers too. Better yet, hire a mechanic to do a full, independent inspection of the vehicle to check for unreported damages and issues.

At the end of the day, age and mileage are both important criteria for judging used cars – but neither is the be-all-end-all for determining whether a model is worth the buy.