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Although used car prices have dropped slightly this past year, you can still expect those 4-year-old models to cost an average of $29,000, which is still more than many will want to pay for a used car as a daily driver or as a first car for the family teenager.
Recently Used Car Estimates
According to a Zebra dot com article titled “Average miles driven per year in the U.S.” this past February, writer Susan Meyer posts a number of fun and interesting facts about driving in the U.S. that includes a Federal Highway Administration estimate that in the U.S car owners now drive an average of 14,263 miles per year.
Therefore, you can expect that 4-year-old car to have approximately 57,000 miles on it, which is near the typical 5-years/60,000-mile warranty period of most cars and past the 3-years/36,000 miles of some makes and models.
A Better Used Car Deal by Looking for Older, Reliable Models
However, if you are looking for a better used car deal, then considering older models past their warranty period and with 100,000 miles or more on the odometer just might provide the savings used car shoppers are looking for as recently recommended by Consumer Reports automotive analysts.
“Decades ago, 100,000 miles was seen as the upper service life for a lot of cars, and that number has sort of stuck in people’s imaginations to mean that a car is past its prime,” says Mike Crossen, a staff mechanic at CR’s Auto Test Center. “Although expensive maintenance items come due at or shortly after 100,000 miles, most cars today can last a lot longer.”
Related article: Least Reliable Cars That Won't Even Last 60,000 Miles
Special Caveats to Buying a 100,000-plus Mile Car
Choosing a used car with high mileage, however, is a risky venture that requires adhering to some sound advice from CR analysts that include:
- Choosing a model with a reputation as reliable and with low repair costs.
- Stick to models that are more functional and less luxury. High-end luxury vehicles are more prone to needing repairs with garage costs to match the model.
- Scrutinize the potential used car for its history that includes accidents, past repairs, maintenance, and most important of all―any odometer discrepancies.
- Have a prepurchase inspection by an experienced mechanic or follow this guide on doing it yourself.
- Refuse used car dealer extended warranties. The dollars saved by doing this can be better used on actual repairs as needed.
- Buyer Beware: If the used car deal sounds too good to be true―it probably is. In cases like this, it is worth paying some extra attention toward looking for hidden car problems.
Best High-Mileage Used Car Recommendations
That said, here is a summary of those makes with their recommended model years that are known for reliability and performed well in CR’s testing.
BEST HIGH-MILEAGE SMALL CARS
Top Pick: Honda Fit 2020
Price Range: $15,700 - $19,125
Owner Reported MPG: 34 mpg
Runners Up List:
• 2021 Mazda 3
• 2018 Toyota Corolla
• 2020-21 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
• 2016-18 Toyota Prius
• 2017 Toyota Prius Prime
• 2016-17 Toyota Prius V
BEST HIGH-MILEAGE LUXURY CARS
Top Pick: Acura TLX 2016
Price Range: $13,875 - $16,825
Owner Reported MPG: 25 mpg
Runners Up List:
• 2015-16 Lexus ES
• 2014-15 Lexus ES Hybrid
• 2015 Lexus GS
BEST HIGH-MILEAGE SPORTS CAR
Top Pick: Mazda MX-5 Miata 2016
Price Range: $14,150 - $16,925
Owner Reported MPG: 34 mpg
Runner Up: 2016-17 Mazda MX-5 Miata
BEST HIGH-MILEAGE MINIVAN
Top Pick: Toyota Sienna 2016
Price Range: $14,100 - $20,825
Owner Reported MPG: 21 mpg
BEST HIGH-MILEAGE SMALL SUVS
Top Pick: Toyota RAV4 2016
Price Range: $13,850 - $17,150
Owner Reported MPG: 25 mpg
Runners Up List:
• 2016 Acura RDX
• 2017 Buick Envision
• 2016 Honda CR-V
• 2017-19 Honda HR-V
• 2020 Kia Sportage
• 2015 Lexus NX
BEST HIGH-MILEAGE MIDSIZED SUVS
Top Pick: Mazda CX-9 2018
Price Range: $13,675 - $19,800
Owner Reported MPG: 23 mpg
Runners Up List:
• 2014-15 Lexus RX
• 2014-16 Toyota Highlander
BEST HIGH-MILEAGE PICKUP TRUCKS
Top Pick: Toyota Tundra 2014
Price Range: $14,450 - $24,950
Owner Reported MPG: 15 mpg
For additional articles related to reliable used car longevity, here are a few for your consideration:
- Most Reliable 200K Mile Car for $500?
- The Most Reliable Car on the Road Made by Ford
- The Truth on Why Some Cars Are Reliable and Others Are Not
Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.
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Image source: Deposit Photos
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