Our country and, in fact, the world as a whole, is currently in a financially tight spot, as a result of the global pandemic and the economic disruption it has caused. But people still need reliable means of transport and if a new car just isn't a realistic option, you could always go with a used model. If your budget is minimal, you may be looking at cars with higher mileage on the odometer - cars that are always on the cheaper end of the spectrum. While looking at a Renault used car or any other used vehicle, you may wonder how much is too much when it comes to mileage. Where is the cut-off point where a car has just done too many kilometres to be a safe purchase?

If you're wondering what makes a car fall within the 'high mileage' bracket, it isn't just as straightforward as looking at the odometer. You could find an 8-year-old car that only has 50 000km on the clock, but you could also find a 3-year-old model that has already racked up over 200 000km. The best way to determine the value of a car and if its mileage is excessively high or not is by considering both the year of manufacture and the total mileage clocked. A fairly new model with high mileage will be in a better structural condition, meaning you won't likely have to worry about rust, the need for a new paint job, or an interior that is outdated or falling apart. An older car comes with the need for more upkeep, not just in terms of the engine but also its overall condition.

The average estimate for most drivers is around 20 000km per year. This can vary largely, depending on what the vehicle is used for and how often or far a person has to drive routinely. A salesperson who has to travel will clock up much more mileage in one year than a retiree who only goes to the shop twice a week, which is why mileage alone isn't the only factor to look at.

Other Factors To Consider
While mileage is a big factor in deciding if a car is worth buying, other aspects could be of just as much, if not more, important to consider.

One of the main factors is how many owners the car has previously had. This is important because each person has their driving style, and some people don't drive their cars with a whole lot of care. Also, the more owners, the more possibility that the car has gone through periods where it suffered worse wear and tear because of bad driving. A long list of previous owners also makes it harder to trace the car's complete history, including how well it was maintained over the years and if it has been in any accidents. One or two previous owners will give you a fairly good idea of how they treated the car and you can more accurately determine if it’s been in good running condition.

The condition of the vehicle is just as important as how many kilometres it has travelled. Inspect the bodywork, paint job, interior, and how well it has been looked after overall, then factor this into the mileage and year of manufacture.

If you're looking at buying a car with higher mileage on it, or one that is several years old and that gradually clocked up the kilometres, you'll need to do your homework about maintenance costs. This varies quite a bit, depending on what make and type of vehicle you're looking at buying, but you should find out what service costs and parts replacement costs average at. Also, be sure to check that that particular model's spare parts are still quite readily available. While it's not an issue with very popular cars that remain in demand over the years, some older models may not have as big a demand for parts, or those parts simply aren't being manufactured anymore. Also, be cautious to buy a used car that is no longer being sold locally, especially if it doesn't have an affiliate manufacturer or brand that has taken over the supply of their services and parts.

The type of vehicle and what it will be used for is also something to think about. Some brands are just known to last for decades, while others have a reputation for randomly causing breakdowns and problems even months after it was first purchased. Bakkies, for example, are built to be tough and keep going relentlessly, which is why mileage on a bakkie can't be compared to the same mileage on a standard car. A well-maintained bakkie with 300 000km on the clock would still be a reasonably safe purchase - something that's not typically the case with a car.

Now that you know a bit more about mileage and how to look for quality in a Renault used car or other used vehicle, we trust you'll be able to shop with more confidence. View our used car options on our site and let's get you in a car that offers many more safe km of driving!

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