Second-hand car sales can be difficult to navigate, and many buyers do not know which factors are the most important when visiting used car yards in Brisbane. While mileage is a very important factor when buying a used car, it is not the only factor and is one of several important things you should consider.
Why Mileage is Important In Second-Hand Car Sales
Mileage is a measurement of how far a car has been driving so far. This simple number can tell you a lot about a car and can tell you what maintenance should have been done and what you might need to do in the near future.
A vehicle's mileage will also impact the upfront costs of a vehicle, with higher mileage vehicles usually costing less at the car lot. A car's mileage could also affect any warranties that the car might have from the manufacturer, with high mileage cars often out of warranty.
What High Mileage Means at Used Car Yards in Brisbane
A vehicle's mileage can often give you a good indication of how much the vehicle has been used. The average Aussie driver drives 13,300 kilometres per year in their cars, utes, and trucks. Check the car's age in years against the number of kilometres and see if it is above or below average.
Higher mileage cars will need more maintenance as specific parts wear out over the kilometres. For example, most brake pads need to be replaced after 30,000 kilometres, timing belts and water pumps after 100,000 kilometres, and clutches and flywheels after 160,000 kilometres, which can be expensive fixes.
Mileage Versus Age
Many experts debate which is a more critical factor: mileage or age. In reality, both are important and should be considered as one singular factor that should be balanced rather than two separate factors.
Use the age of a car in years to judge if the car has been driven more or less than average. If an older car has relatively low mileage, it might be a better deal than a newer car with high mileage.
Mileage Versus Condition
Perhaps the only factor that might be more important than a vehicle's mileage is its condition. A vehicle that has not been properly maintained, left out in the elements, or not regularly cleaned is not going to be a good deal, regardless of the number of kilometres on the odometer.
Be sure only to buy used cars at reputable dealerships that can give you an accurate breakdown of the vehicle's history and current condition as verified by their qualified maintenance technicians so that you can purchase a used vehicle with confidence.
Many factors influence the price and quality of a used vehicle, and mileage is one of the most important things to consider. As the factors can be complex and hard to navigate, stop by one of your local used car dealerships today to speak with one of their knowledgeable staff to ensure you get the best deal possible.
