How Many Kilometres Is Too Much? A Practical Mileage Guide for Used Cars

There’s no single number to define “too many kilometres” on a used car. Ideally, the lower, the better. However, any car with less than 60,000 km on the odometer can be presumed to be a desirable option. Similarly, a pre-owned car driven over 1,50,000 kms may have a higher chance of expensive repairs and more significant wear. In general, the ideal mileage for a used car is a combination of its age, maintenance history, and brand reputation. Read on to see how to assess the mileage of a used car for smarter buying.

The General Rule of Thumb for Used Car Mileage in India

To begin to understand mileage, it’s important to know that high mileage is a relative term. To understand it better, start with the average annual use. In India, privately owned cars usually cover a predictable number of kilometres each year, with only a few cases being much higher or lower than this.

• Petrol Cars: Average around 12,000 to 15,000 kilometres per annum.
• Diesel Cars: Usually max out at being driven between 15,000 and 20,000 kilometres per year, sometimes for longer commutes.

With this information, a petrol car of 5 years with 60,000 to 75,000 km fitted on its speedometer would technically fall under the average use category. If the reading is higher than this, then definitely it demands further scrutiny.

Certain numbers create a psychological impact in the used car market, and 1,00,000 km is often seen as the big milestone. Any used car that has covered more than 1,50,000 km is considered high mileage and should be fully inspected by a professional before purchase.

Also Read: What is Depreciation and Factors That Affect It in Case of a Used Car

Assessing Mileage Usage of a Used Car

You might think a car with low mileage is automatically better. But to make a smart choice, you need to look beyond the odometer and consider the car’s history and current condition and understand its true health and longevity.

Age vs. Kilometres Driven

How you use the distance on the car matters as much as the total kilometres. A car driven mostly on highways usually has less wear on the engine, brakes and suspension than one used mainly in stop-and-go city traffic.

Here’s an oversimplified comparison of how to understand a car’s usage based on its age and mileage:

Service History

The maintenance history document would include all the oil changes, top-ups of fluids, and other servicing actions that have been done as per manufacturers’ recommendations. Such records are always helpful in cross-referencing the odometer reading and ascertaining its authenticity. So, if a car with 1,20,000 km has full and recent service records, it can be a safer choice than a 70,000 km car with poor or missing maintenance history.

Also Read: A Guide to Car Loan Transfer to Another Person

Fuel Type and Brand Reputation

Diesel engines are generally made for rugged use and can often take higher mileage than the petrol variants if maintained well. However, bear in mind that a BS6 diesel car (post-2020) will need to have its Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) systems serviced at the required intervals or face costly repairs.

Moreover, some brands have a great reputation for longevity. Brands like Toyota, Maruti Suzuki and Honda are known for making cars that stay reliable even with high mileage if they are well maintained.

A Practical Checklist for Assessing a High-Mileage Car

Use this checklist to have a thorough evaluation done if you’re considering buying a used car with a high odometer reading:

• Inspect Service Records: Look for a stamped service booklet with entries for regular maintenance. Also, check the insurance history for any patterns of accident claims.
• Verify the Odometer Reading: Compare the kilometre reading on the odometer with those in the service records to ensure that both matches, and also to detect any possible tampering that may have been done.
• Have a Professional Inspect the Car: Get a trusted mechanic to have a thorough inspection done on the engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, and electrical systems.
• Conduct a Thorough Test Drive: Take the car out on a drive on a mixture of road types. Listen carefully for any noises that may seem out of place from the engine or suspension, pay attention to vibrations at certain speeds, and make sure it feels solid going over bumps.
• Verify the Condition of the Tyres: Uneven wear on a car’s tyres can suggest problems with alignment or the suspension apparatus, and these can prove expensive to repair.
• Rust Check: This must be done paying close attention to the underbody, inside the wheel arches, and along panel edges with special concern if the vehicle had been previously owned in a coastal city.
• Bodyline: Make sure the doors open, close and lock properly. Ensure the bumper and boot open and close well, and check that panel gaps are consistent.

Also Read: Documents Required for a Used Car Loan: Complete Checklist

To Conclude

For your used car purchase, look at the odometer as one of the important factors, and consider it alongside the vehicle’s age, service history, and overall condition. Then, find a trusted lender who will consider a car’s age and valuation alongside its mileage.

For hassle-free financing of your used car loan purchase, opt for Poonawalla Fincorp’s Pre-owned Car Loan and enjoy benefits like high loan-to-value ratio, competitive interest rates, flexible repayment options and more.

FAQs

What is a good mileage for a 5-year-old used petrol car?

In India, good mileage for a 5-year-old petrol car would lie between 60,000 and 75,000 kilometres. Any figure dipping down below this range would be an extra advantage, while if it is higher, one should definitely take a closer look.

Are diesel cars a better option for high mileage?

Generally, yes. Diesel engines are designed with higher stresses in consideration and therefore have a longer lifespan but ensure that BS6 diesel engines get timely DPF and EGR services.

Is service history more important than low mileage?

More often than not, yes, service history is more crucial than low mileage. A recorded history of regular servicing is a healthier sign for a car as compared to the low reading on the odometer.

Can I get a loan for a used car with over 1,00,000 km?

Yes. Most lending institutions consider the overall condition of the car, its age, and valuation rather than the number on the odometer. However, an upper age limit may be imposed by the lender for the vehicle for granting the loan, which usually lies between eight and ten years.

What is a major red flag related to a used car’s mileage?

A major red flag is a mileage reading that doesn’t align with the car’s visible wear and tear or its service records. This could be a sign of odometer tampering.