Buying a high-mileage car might seem like a risky purchase to some, but if you’re on a strict budget, it’s worth considering. In general, buying a car with a lot of miles is not a bad idea. Cars are a lot more reliable these days, so a car with over 100,000 miles is likely capable of traveling another 100,000 miles!
With that said, cars do start to experience more problems once they reach the 100k mile mark. The car is technically past its prime, so you’ll need to be prepared to put some work into it. The good news is that the cost of the vehicle should offset repairs and maintenance.
Let’s learn more about the benefits of purchasing a car with over 100,000 miles and why you may very well come out on top!
Lower Purchase Price
If you don’t have a lot to spend on a vehicle, you’ll have to compromise on a few things. Fortunately, when you do make these decisions, you’ll decrease the purchase price significantly. According to Kelley Blue Book, the average price for a new vehicle is $40,472!
With these prices, you’re almost forced to go into debt just to afford a new car. That’s why a car with 100,000 miles can be so appealing. You can still get a great car with all the latest features and technologies at a fair price. In fact, you might even be able to save up and pay cash for a vehicle. Without a car payment, you can save on interest and instead put this money into repairs.
Minimal Depreciation
If you do purchase a new car, did you know that it will depreciate by 20 to 30 percent in the first year?! This means that if you purchase a vehicle for $40,000, it might only be worth $28,000 a year later. A car with over 100,000 miles will not depreciate this much – maybe $1,000 or so depending on how much you paid for it. This sounds like a much better deal, doesn’t it?
Cheaper Insurance
Auto insurance isn’t getting any cheaper, either. And the more expensive the car, the more expensive the insurance. A newer car is worth more money so insurance companies are going to charge a premium that reflects this risk. They have to protect themselves, too.
When you buy a high-mileage vehicle, your insurance will be a lot lower because your car isn’t worth as much. And, if you pay in cash, you don’t need to carry full coverage.
Lower Registration Fees
Registration fees are lower with a high-mileage car. States do vary on this, however, so you’ll need to check with your state to find out how much you can save by choosing an economic vehicle. Add these savings to a lower purchase price, cheaper insurance and minimal depreciation and now you’re really starting to see the difference!
Don’t be afraid to purchase a car with 100,000 miles or more on it. Cars have become a lot more reliable these days, so you can still get many years from this vehicle while saving significant money. To find an affordable vehicle that meets your needs, shop with Repofinder today.