Is 200,000 Miles a Dealbreaker for Buying a Car?

Car Buying Advice
1

Looking at buying a used car with 200,000 miles on it but feeling unsure if that’s a good move or not. I’ve heard mixed opinions on high-mileage vehicles, and I want to get a better sense of the risks involved.

What to Consider

  • Reliability: Are there specific brands that tend to hold up better at that mileage?
  • Maintenance History: How important is it to have documentation of past maintenance? What should I look for?
  • Potential Issues: What common problems do high-mileage cars face, and how can I spot them before purchasing?
  • Value Assessment: Does a car with this mileage significantly drop in value, and is it worth considering if the price is right?

Personal Experiences

If you’ve had experience with high-mileage cars, especially around 200,000 miles, I’d love to hear your insights or stories. Did you have any unexpected issues? Was it a reliable car for you?

Any advice will be greatly appreciated as I weigh my options!

2

200,000 miles can be a lot, but it really depends on how well the car has been maintained. A great service history can make a huge difference!

3

Absolutely! I bought a car with 220,000 miles mainly because the previous owner had all the maintenance records. It’s been reliable ever since!

4

That’s good to hear, amandascott! But I’ve always been cautious about high-mileage cars. What specific maintenance practices did your car have?

5

Regular oil changes and timing belt replacements were crucial for mine. I think keeping up with the little things can really extend a car’s life.

6

For sure! I had a high-mileage SUV that ran fine until I neglected the brakes. Now I’m a firm believer in preventative maintenance!

7

That’s a great point, preventative maintenance is often overlooked. Have you ever had any unexpected costs with your high-mileage car?

8

Yes, the transmission went out on mine at around 180,000 miles! But because I had a good maintenance history, I could get a decent trade-in value.

9

Good to know! I would be wary but sounds like a diligent owner can offset risks.

10

My old car had over 300,000 miles and still ran well! I think it’s all about how you treat your vehicle. Regular check-ups are key.

11

300,000 miles? Wow! What kind of care did you give it?

12

I changed the oil every 5,000 miles and never skipped maintenance appointments. It really paid off!

13

That’s encouraging! I’ve been eyeing a car with 200,000 miles, but this gives me a lot to think about.

6 Likes
14

Just remember, mileage isn’t everything. Look for signs of wear, especially in older vehicles. They can look good but have hidden issues.

5 Likes
15

I had a car with 180,000 miles and two weeks later, the engine light came on. Maintenance records help, but you still need a mechanic check.

3 Likes
16

That’s true! And always take a skilled friend with you to spot any red flags!

17

Haha, good advice! But at the end of the day, the right high-mileage car can be a treasure if well cared for—just like finding a unicorn in the wild!

18

200,000 miles can be a dealbreaker, but it really depends on the brand. For example, Toyotas often perform better at high mileage compared to other brands. I’ve seen many reaching 300,000 without major issues!

19

That’s true! My friend had a Honda with over 200k and it still ran like new. I guess regular maintenance really makes a difference.

6 Likes
20

I’ve owned a Chevy with 210,000 miles, and aside from some wear and tear, it was still reliable. But I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re not ready to handle minor repairs.