Looking for a used car? Then you would like to tap a solid model on the head. From what mileage does the purchase of a used car become risky?
The answer to that question is not simple, and certainly not unequivocal. After all, there are many factors that can play a role. The reliability of a car depends on the make, model, year of manufacture and even the country where the car was built. For example, cars from Japan have an almost proverbial reliability and you can almost close your eyes to buy a Mercedes C, E or S from the 1980s or 1990s with a mileage of 200,000. Even at 300,000 kilometers you can still take the plunge.
Hybrids are also extremely reliable. Perhaps because manufacturers have made them extra durable so that doubting consumers would be convinced.
However, according to the Royal Dutch Tourist Association ANWB, the mileage is of secondary importance. “A second-hand car with a high mileage can be a good choice,” says Marcus van Tol of the ANWB. “Provided there is a conclusive maintenance history.” Paul de Waal of the Dutch sector organization BOVAG agrees. “Cars last much longer these days. The demolition age is only increasing and is now on average 19 years. That is extremely high. Rules of thumb that you should stay away from a petrol car with more than 100,000 kilometers and diesels with 200,000 kilometers are a thing of the past.”
Buy a car with a warranty
If you want to avoid risks, it is best to buy a second-hand car with a guarantee, says De Waal. “The older the car, the greater the temptation not to do it, but that way you avoid unpleasant surprises. When purchasing, also ask what costs are to come and record them in your purchase agreement. This is also an advantage for the selling party, because it prevents discussion afterwards. So you can easily buy a car with more than 200,000 km on the clock, as long as it has been serviced on time.”
With these types of models, it can be risky to buy them with less than 100,000 kilometers on the clock
200,000 kilometers as the lower limit
Other experts also mention a mileage of at least 200,000 kilometers as the lower limit. Simply because, on average, given the mileage, it is more or less normal that from that moment on things such as the clutch, gearbox, shock absorbers, timing belt, alternator and starter motor can theoretically be due for replacement. That is not to say that they could not last for hundreds of thousands of kilometers, but the risk of broken parts is increasing rapidly.
These are the fragile car brands
When you look at reliability, there are still a few specific brands that stand out in a negative sense. A number of models of the Renault, Peugeot, Volkswagen and Mercedes brands from 2001/2002 to 2007/2008 do not excel in reliability. Also fragile are certain models equipped with poorly constructed engines, such as the 1.4 TSI blocks from Volkswagen, the models with the first DSG gearboxes, the 1.2 TCe Renault or 1.2 Puretech PSA engines, but also the 2.0 BMW N47 diesels. With these types of models, it can be risky to buy them with less than 100,000 km on the clock.
Cars with a rock solid reputation that have been well maintained, always stored indoors and not abused by their previous owner can easily remain reliable up to 300,000+ miles. But it is therefore important to always check whether there are any comments regarding the reliability.
Tip: Compare car insurance policies in your search for the formula that suits you best, you can do so via the Independer.be box below.
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