High or Low Mileage?
Asked by Mark Apr 10, 2016 at 01:45 PM about the 2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited
Question type: General
OK, when you see a 2013 vehicle for sale with almost 90,000 miles which is
twice the high side average of 15,000 miles per year, is this a deal breaker for
your consideration. Normal mileage is from 10 to 12,0000, maybe 15,000 in
some cases, but, 30,000 per year? So, would you consider a car that has
this much mileage in the first few years?? On the upside, taxi's and other
drivers for hire run up mileage very quickly?? The question is this, is it easier
on a particular car to run up mileage while the car is newer as opposed to later
years?
5 Answers
CarLand, Thank you for your answer. I think between choosing a car with an average of 12,000 miles per year or 30,000 miles per year, the answer is obvious. And, maintenance is the key to any long lasting vehicle. So, you're saying that 90 to 100,000 miles regardless of age is when most cars develop problems. I think that most newer cars today can make it to 200,000 miles. Do you agree?
tennisshoes- good story. Yes, the service records are the key. What do you think about people who drive their cars to the edge of the timing belt and water pump mileage and just sell the cars prior to investing the money to do this service? I know someone looking for a used Lexus from 2000-2001 who keeps finding deals on used cars where the timing belt has never been changed and the car is between 100 and 115,000 miles with 15 or 16 years old.?? I think that sounds like a riskier investment than a 7 year old car with the same mileage? Would you agree??
Still, wouldn't you rather have a 7 year old car with 84,000 to 90,000 miles. Even at 15,000 miles per year, seven years would be 105,000 miles. Anything over 105,000 and seven years is pretty high mileage in my opinion.
tennisshoes-- Yes, it's all about condition. When I purchased my Subaru Outback two years ago this May, it had 66,000 miles on it at 54 months which is just under 15,0000 miles per year. But, since I'm retired and use my Subaru Outback for mostly longer distance trips with my teardrop trailer, I only have 76,500 miles on the car. So, I've effectively slowed down the mileage in the last two years. Have not had any issues at all and I even took out a mechanical breakdown warranty for the first three years or up to 100,000 miles. I'll never hit 100,000 miles in the first three years owning this car.
Whew it would be a great deal if all service was done, if not no way. I bought a van that still had the original oil filter on it. Van had 90000 on it but I had everything that was done to it. Changed oil and filter ran it for a few months. I have been very cautious when I buy used now