Does the year of a used car matter?

Modern cars are much more reliable, even as they age. Five-year-old cars record what is considered a major problem every three years, while 10-year-old cars are more likely to face a problem every 18 to 20 months. Once a car is 20 years old, replacement parts will become harder to find and likely much more expensive.

Does age of car matter?

Vehicles are only designed to last so long. While an older car may seem like an unattractive buying option in comparison to a newer model, there are also things to keep in mind where age is concerned. Alternatively, an older car may have fewer miles on the clock and actually have a surprising amount of life left in it.

How many miles should I expect from my car?

A typical passenger car should last 200,000 miles or more, says Rich White, executive director of the nonprofit Car Care Council (which offers a free car care guide). Another way of looking at it: “The average lifespan [of a car] is now almost 12 years,” says Eric Lyman, chief analyst at TrueCar.

Should you buy a new or used car?

When buying a car, the age of the vehicle under consideration merits serious consideration, too. Used cars that are newer with low mileage (at or below the 12,000 miles per year gauge mentioned above) might be well-positioned to provide long-lasting, reliable service.

What makes a used car more expensive to buy?

When buying a used car, it comes down to two things — the miles on the vehicle and its age. Newer used vehicles typically cost more than older ones, as they usually have less wear and tear. And used cars with lower mileage usually cost more than those with higher mileage.

Is it better to buy a 10 year old car?

While it’s a good idea to consider the age of a vehicle and the number on its odometer, it’s more important to look at how well the owner maintained the car. A 10-year-old car with 100,000 miles may have received more TLC than a five-year-old model with 50,000 miles.

Does mileage affect the life of a used car?

Again, a vehicle with a lot of less-taxing highway mileage will likely have more life left in it than one with heavy city miles that age a car more quickly. When buying a used car, the age of the vehicle under consideration merits serious consideration, too.