Anything to look out for in a really low-mileage car?
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Is there such a thing as a low mileage car being worse off than a high mileage one because the engine didnt have enough cycle time to circulate the oil to lubricate the parts and whatnot? There'* a 96 im looking at that has 70,000 miles on it, similarly a 93 with 100,000 miles (if I remember correctly).
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I've heard taht if the car is older with very low miles you'll have mechanical problems becuase underuse is bad (or so I've heard). I've also heard that if the car has high miles that are all highway you should be safe becuase wear is almost zero while the engine is at operating temp. I honestly don't know. I'd prefer low miles.
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I personally would wonder why someone is getting rid of a low mileage car. In theory, it should be fine, but a theory on used cars is "You're just buying someone else'* problem". So, what kind of problems caused them to change their mind so soon??
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Its better to buy a older higher miliage car that has been continiously driven and maintained....if a car has set for several years you will have "time termite" problems with materials being degraded...gaskets, plastics, etc even though it has low miliage.
My current car sat for 4 years under a tree and has been fine so far other than gaskets failing more than usuall.
however low miliage are usually in better physical condition if they were stored in a garage a lot....no chips on hood and front, less wear on the inside, etc
My current car sat for 4 years under a tree and has been fine so far other than gaskets failing more than usuall.
however low miliage are usually in better physical condition if they were stored in a garage a lot....no chips on hood and front, less wear on the inside, etc
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alot of times suspension components will fail rapidly on a car with low mileage, that is then driven alot, the constant sitting in one position fatigues all the joints with the constant load
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Originally Posted by 1993 SLE
id actually have a low milage car ANYTIME over a high milage....i personally will never consider a high milage car ever
I would worry about a car that has so few miles. Although my moms car is a 1991 Buick and has only 65,000 miles but my dad drives it at least twice a week locally.
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You really need to know how the car was driven, I picked up a 91 GMC Sonoma with 74K on it and the exhaust system needed replacement due to rust. The car was driven up and down the driveway to get the mail every day and very few trips greater than 30 minutes. It also needed a tune up. I replaced the tires and the shocks, the brakes were OK. So for less than a grand I have a nice daily beater too and from work.
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Originally Posted by MOS95B
I personally would wonder why someone is getting rid of a low mileage car. In theory, it should be fine, but a theory on used cars is "You're just buying someone else'* problem". So, what kind of problems caused them to change their mind so soon??
There is a 96 ssei that has less that 80,000 miles on it. I dont know on the condition of the body and such since its a 50 mile trek to see it in person but the Carfax report checks out ok. I would feel more confident if it was above 80,000 miles.
From the horses mouth:
Date: Mileage:
03/14/1996 57
11/29/2000 38,000
10/26/2002 52,000
06/25/2004 61,165
09/07/2004 61,187
01/21/2005 67,000
03/14/1996 57
11/29/2000 38,000
10/26/2002 52,000
06/25/2004 61,165
09/07/2004 61,187
01/21/2005 67,000