Should I Buy a High-Mileage Car (Used Car)?
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- Issue Time
- Sep 11,2025
Summary
Buying a new car can be a daunting process—especially if you're unfamiliar with the process and worried about overpaying.
Buying a new car can be a daunting process—especially if you're unfamiliar with the process and worried about overpaying. If you're on a tight budget, there are ways to save money. High-mileage cars, especially those that have been well-maintained, can be a cheaper alternative to new or used vehicles and are worth considering.
A well-maintained used car can still give you thousands or tens of thousands of miles. In fact, choosing a car with higher mileage can be a good way to get a better deal than buying a new one.
What is considered high mileage?
Being labeled "high mileage" depends on a range of factors, including the car's age and the number of kilometers it has traveled. High mileage isn't necessarily a bad thing. With proper maintenance, a car can have a lifespan of around 200,000 miles. This doesn't necessarily mean the end of the car's lifespan.
What checks should I do before buying a high-mileage car?
Buying a car online has become easier, especially with the availability of convenient tools like MOT checkers. Knowing the car's license plate can highlight many problems ahead of time.
If you're buying a high-mileage car, certain inspections may be performed to minimize risk. Some examples of inspections for high-mileage used cars include:
Wheel alignment should be checked regularly, but after 50,000 miles, the shock absorbers and struts should be checked.
After 60,000 miles, the car may need a new cam belt. You can obtain proof of purchase by checking your receipt or by contacting a pre-purchase mechanic.
New spark plugs may be needed after 100,000 miles, and should be checked every 10,000 miles thereafter or if the engine misfires.
You should also request a vehicle history report. This allows you to view detailed information about the vehicle's history, including a list of any previously reported accidents.
Benefits of High-Mileage Cars
The biggest benefit of buying a high-mileage car is that it's cheaper than a new one. This assumes you choose a well-maintained car. Online car inspection tools can check any high-mileage car by its registration number to ensure it has a good history.
What is the best high-mileage car?
The best high-mileage cars are those that have been well-maintained. Former company cars or taxis are often well-maintained because they often have a complete service history and are likely used for long trips. Cars used for long journeys, rather than short ones, are generally in better condition. As a high-quality used car exporter from China, Yitongda has a wide selection of used cars, both zero-mileage and high-mileage, across a wide variety of brands and models.
How to Maintain a High-Mileage Car
If you choose to purchase a used car with over 100,000 miles, you should consider several things to keep it running smoothly for as long as possible.
As with any other vehicle, you should perform monthly inspections to ensure everything is working properly. These regular checks should include monitoring oil and coolant levels, tire pressure and tread depth, and the cleanliness of the headlights and license plate. Also, make sure to keep your washer fluid topped up.