When Is a Used Car Too Old? Balancing Years and Mileage

My father had two expressions when it came to used cars: “Never buy a used car from a friend or neighbor,” and, “If you couldn’t afford it when it was new, you can’t afford it used.” It was a cautionary tale about the unseen costs of buying used expensive cars. With almost 60 years as a certified automotive technician and vehicle owner, I’ve bought my fair share of used cars— everything from “auction” car dealers take as a trade that need extensive mechanical or bodywork and would never consider selling on their used lot, to “program” cars that were less than a year old and came with the full factory warranty.

With the average price of a new car approaching $48,000, finding a good, dependable used car that fits your budget can be difficult, but not impossible to find. Read along as experts in new and used car sales offer unique insight on the question, “How old is too old for a used car?”

How Old Is Too Old for a Used Car?

Well, it depends. According to Zander Cook, co-founder of Lease End, “There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but generally speaking, a used car older than 10 years often comes with increased maintenance risks, outdated safety features, and diminishing resale value.”

“A well-maintained vehicle that has a clean accident record, a well-documented maintenance history, then age alone doesn’t make it a dealbreaker,” Cook added.

Today, smart consumers who do their research can buy out a lease on a three to six-year-old vehicle. These cars are still reliable, generally come with many modern safety features and technology at a reduced price point right around the time depreciation levels off.

Years vs. Mileage: Which Matters More When It Comes to Buying a Used Car?

“Mileage affects mechanical parts more than years affect plastic, rubber or electronic components,” said Michael Capote, chief marketing officer at German Car Depot. “A ten-year-old used car with 150,000 miles of highway driving is more reliable than a fifteen-year-old car that has only 80,000 miles of city driving,” Capote added.

Older, lower mileage vehicles usually have spent most of their life doing all city stop-and-go driving, short trips, or remained parked without being driven on a regular basis. “These are considered harsh driving conditions,” Capote added. “It can lead to seal and tire dry rot, fluid deterioration or premature battery failures.”

According to AAA, 100,000 miles was once considered about as far as you could push a car. When your odometer hits six figures, people thought it was safe to assume that they had hit the end of their lifespan. Today, however, many cars will travel well beyond that 100,000-mile mark, especially if they’ve been well-maintained. If you’re shopping for a used car, don’t let that outdated 100,000 mile rule keep you from considering a vehicle as a viable option.

How Do You Check the History of a Used Car?

According to Mike Rocchi former president of Faulkner Mazda, “To determine if a trade-in will be serviced and placed on our used car lot, we always got a vehicle history report from CARFAX, AutoCheck, or National Motor Vehicle Title Information System.” But he didn’t stop there. “We checked service records, a clean title, plus a thorough top-to-bottom visual inspection. Checking for consistent quarter-panel spacing (indicating sheet metal parts were replaced) as well as frame and under carriage damage were as significant as listening to the engine and transmission for abnormal noises or vibrations or checking tires for unusual wear.”

Scott Kunes of Kunes Auto and RV Group added that “a strong maintenance trail tells you a lot more than shiny paint ever will.” Rocchi noted many original equipment manufacturers now offer “factory certified preowned cars.” A factory certified preowned can only be “certified” by the manufacturer’s dealership. For example, only a Volvo dealer can certify a Volvo, and that car can only be sold at a Volvo dealership after it has been inspected, refurbished, and certified by the manufacturer’s dealership.

Tips for Buying a Used Car

“The ‘sweet spot’ for a dependable used car is between three and six years old with under 60,000 miles,” said Cook. On the other hand, Capote says that “the best value can be achieved by purchasing vehicles between three and five years old with mileage between 40,000 to 80,000.” Both do agree that buying a used car in this window offers buyers the best balance of savings, performance, reliability and longevity.

Many cars in this sweet spot “may offer the remainder of the original factory warranty or a no cost/low cost extended warranty, plus the modern features of newer cars at a reduced price outside the initial depreciation period,” said Cook.

Whatever the age, year, make, model, or mileage of a used car you are seriously considering buying, have the vehicle carefully inspected by your mechanic. Expect to pay $100 or more for a comprehensive inspection. If the seller refuses an inspection, walk away.

FAQ

When it comes to servicing a vehicle, what is more important, time or mileage?

Rule of thumb: whichever comes first. For example, if a vehicle’s maintenance schedule calls to replace spark plugs at 50,000 miles or 60 months:

• If you drive 50,000 miles in less than 60 months, you should replace the spark plugs at 50,000 miles — don’t wait until 60 months.
• Conversely, if you drive less than 50,000 miles in less than 60 months, replace the spark plugs at 60 months — don’t wait until 50,000 miles.

About the Experts

• Mike Rocchi has over 50 years of experience in every area of the automotive industry. He was the former president of Faulkner Mazda (retired), Chairperson of the Mazda National Dealer Advisory Committee, and is now Director of Technical Training for the Faulkner Automotive Organization. (Phone interview May 29, 2025)
• Zander Cook is the Co-Founder of Lease End. After earning his degree in economics from BYU in2019, Zander gained extensive experience working in the finance department of a new car dealership. Using this knowledge from new and used car sales and lease-end decision-making he Co-Founded Lease End. Using Lease End’s consumer behavior data allows Zander to speak to how age, mileage, and vehicle history factor into long-term value. (Electronic communication May 28, 2025)
• Michael Capote, Chief Marketing Officer at German Car Depot has several years of experience in the Automotive Industry. Michael has worked every position imaginable since starting from the very bottom, including sales, management, operations, service, finance, and marketing. Michael is currently pursuing his MBA through the non-traditional study-while-working route. (Electronic communication May 28, 2025)
• Scott Kunes, is Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Kunes Auto and RV Group has been working for the Kunes Group for over 15 years. Scott started with the company as Used Car Director, and has since served in many capacities, including General Manager and Regional General Manager. (Electronic communication May 29, 2025)

Resources

• Tomer Ruderman, Founder and Owner at Car Keys Ottawa May 28, 2025
• MSN: “Before you buy a used car, you need to check for these issues.” (May 31, 2025)
• Kelley Blue Book Report: “New-Vehicle Prices Hold Steady in March as Sales Increase Ahead of Anticipated Tariff-Driven Price Hikes” (April 9, 2025)
• MacPherson, J. (2025). AAA, The Extra Mile: “Used car sticker shock” (Spring/Summer 2025 pp. 50) AAA Club Alliance, Inc. Wilmington, DE.

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