When it comes to selling your car, choosing the right time based on the total mileage can significantly impact the resale value. Using our experience purchasing cars with varying mileage, we’ll explore the ideal mileage to sell your car. You might be looking to save money on maintenance costs or simply want to replace your old car with a new car, either way our guide will have the answers you need.
0 to 50 0000 km: In this range your car will yield the maximum value as it is still considered relatively new. It is also likely still under warranty from the manufacturer, so if you are looking to sell this is an ideal time. However, if you’re looking to hold onto your car, it still has plenty of years left and likely won’t cost much to maintain as it is still under warranty.
50 000 to 150 000 km: At this point minor mechanical issues may start to pop up and manufacturer warranties start to expire. This means that the rate of depreciation for your car starts to increase. If you’re planning to sell your car now would be ideal before your car further depreciates.
If you’re planning to hold onto your car and it is still running smoothly, there could still be plenty of kilometres left in it if you ensure frequent maintenance and drive with care. However if major mechanical issues arise the repair costs could exceed the value of the car and selling may be the better option.
Over 150 000 km: Once a car passes the 150 000km mark, it hits a depreciation ‘milestone’ where buyers may consider it to be near the end of its lifespan or not worth it due to potential repairs needed. Some car brands can retain their value better depending on their reputation.
It will take longer to sell and if sold the sale price will be a lot lower than cars with less mileage. However, it is still possible to sell in this range to bargain hunters looking for a good deal.
If you’re looking to keep your car and you haven’t run into any major mechanical issues then there could be a good few years left in it, especially if your car brand is known for reliability and longevity. However future mechanical issues are more likely and could prove costly, giving reason to sell before they occur.
Overall Condition
Sometimes the overall condition of a car can be a better indicator of valuation than the odometer reading. A car with rust, scratches or other damage could impact the overall value a lot more. Signs of damage signal a need for potentially expensive repairs, turning off many buyers. A good condition car with thorough maintenance records can still fetch better price than a poor condition car with low mileage.
Car Maintenance
A well-maintained car can also increase the overall sale value of a car in addition to detailed logbook entries of frequent car servicing. This signals to a potential car buyer that the car has been well taken care of and has a clean history, giving them more confidence when buying.
Make and Model
The make, model, and year of your car also influence the overall value of your car. Popular models with a higher demand will generally fetch higher prices. Particular models that have known mechanical issues can also deter potential buyers.
Market Conditions
Factors in within the automotive market, including scrap metal rates and the demand for second-hand car components can play a significant role especially when selling to a car wrecker.
Increasingly Frequent Repairs
When you start experiencing frequent repairs or breakdowns it may be time to sell your as the inconvenience and costs add up over time. As the repair bills stack up it may be cheaper to sell the vehicles and buy a new one instead of continuously repairing it. A simple formula to use is if a car’s repair cost exceeds its value then it it financially advantageous to sell instead of repairing it.
Performance Decline
Car’s with significant mileage can have reduced engine power or clunky transmission that’s less responsive. This can results in reduced fuel efficiency, acceleration and difficulties going up steep terrain. When a car’s performance is affected in this way, it could go from being an inconvenience to being a safety hazard, so it’s best to sell before further complications arise.
Determining the optimal mileage to sell your car involves a careful assessment of various factors. From the initial years of steep depreciation to the potential repair costs as your car ages, finding the right balance is key. Whether you’re looking to upgrade or simply maximize returns, our guide provides valuable insights to help you make informed decisions about selling your car at the ideal mileage.
With over a decade of auto buying experience, Cash For Car Buyer ensures fair market offer for vehicles in any condition including cars with high mileage. When it comes to selling cars for parts we’re your go to service. With us you won’t have to worry about mileage or condition as we offer competitive cash deals for used cars daily based on a wide range of factors.
Call us today at 0487 000 600 or fill out our online form for a free quote!
