How many kilometres are too many for a used car in South Africa

When shopping for a used car, mileage is one of the most important factors to consider – more so than age.

Mileage speaks to the mechanical wear-and-tear a certain vehicle has experienced.

The more kilometres on the odometer, generally speaking, the more punishment the car has taken, and the more likely it is to give troubles down the line.

This is not the case with each and every vehicle, as some owners take far better care of their wheels than others, though it’s a general rule of thumb once should follow to avoid buying a money pit.

The mileage maximum

As per digital insurer Naked Insurance, the average car racks up a mileage of around 15,000km every 12 months.

So, if a car is five years old, a reasonable amount of kilometres should be 75,000km.

As such, Naked recommends looking for a vehicle with under 100,000km if it’s a rather new model.

“These cars usually have plenty of life left and are less likely to have problems down the line,” said the insurer.

If an older car has been well looked after, it shouldn’t have many issues even if the clock sits somewhere between 100,000km and 150,000km.

“This can still be a great choice if the car has been well-maintained,” said Naked.

“These cars often offer a good balance between cost and reliability.”

If the vehicle has done over 150,000km, only pull the trigger if it comes with a solid maintenance history.

“These cars might need more regular repairs but they can also be bargains if they have a maintenance history and are known for going forever,” said Naked.

Apart from mileage, there are a number of other things to consider when perusing the market for a new-to-you set of wheels.

First off, ask for any and all records of services and maintenance carried out on the vehicle.

A car with a full service history is gold, as this means it has received regular oil changes, timely repairs, and routine servicing which can significantly extend a car’s life.

“Even a high-mileage car can be a good buy if it’s been well taken care of,” said Naked.

“For example, a car with 180,000km but with detailed service records showing regular maintenance can be more reliable than a 90,000km car with no maintenance history.”

If it’s a private sale, also try to enquire where the car spent most of its life, and how it was driven.

“How the car was used matters,” said Naked.

“A car mostly driven long distances might be in better shape than one that’s been stuck in stop-and-go traffic its whole life.”

Next, determine whether the make and model are considered reliable.

Researching online and asking previous owners are the best ways to do so.

Finally, always have a trusted mechanic inspect the car before you buy it, regardless of the kilometres.

“A professional inspection can reveal hidden problems such as engine wear, transmission issues, or previous accident damage,” concludes the insurer.

“This could save you from unexpected expenses down the road.”