Why High Mileage on Used Cars Doesn't Scare Me: A Car Enthusiast's Perspective

by AutoExpert   |  31 October, 2024

Share :

Let's chat about why I'm totally down with grabbing used cars that have a good bit of mileage on them. You know, my first car adventure started with a 1973 Audi Fox I picked up in '82. This baby had 95,000 miles on the odometer, and while she looked decent enough, the real work was all under the hood. I had to swap out nearly everything—hoses, belts, bushings—the works, even gave the engine a complete rebuild.

Then, I scooped up a 1971 Chevy Monte Carlo, same deal on the miles, and yup, it needed a full overhaul too.

Used Cars

Now fast-forward to my current ride, a 2019 Ford F-150 that just hit the 100,000-mile mark. And believe it or not, it feels like I just drove it off the lot—everything's still snug and runs smooth.

Got me thinking—do we really need to stress about mileage anymore? Back in '82, 100,000 miles was nearly retirement time for a car. But these days, it seems like they're just getting warmed up. Heck, the 100,000-mile mark now feels more like what 200,000 miles used to be.

Used Cars

A lot of this change comes down to how cars are made these days, and Toyota's a huge part of that story. When I first got into cars, hitting 100,000 miles meant a car had a good run. Toyota, though, they were always on another level. Their cars would last way beyond the tests, barely breaking a sweat.

This all goes back to the genius of W. Edwards Deming. Post WWII, this guy revolutionized manufacturing with his methods, focusing on controlling the process to ensure top-notch quality. Toyota picked up what he was putting down and totally ran with it, setting new standards for what a durable, quality car should be.

Used Cars

So, when it comes to used cars today, I say don’t sweat the mileage too much. If it's been well-kept, that number might not be as scary as it once was.

What do you think? Are we past the point of fretting over a car's mileage? Where would you draw the line on a used car's mileage today?

Recomended:

Auto Culture of Chevy 454 SS: The '90s Muscle Truck That Roared - Photo
Others
Auto Culture of Chevy 454 SS: The '90s Muscle Truck That Roared

Picture this: a ‘90s performance truck cruising down the street, turning heads as it goes. For the younger crowd, it’s like spotting а unicorn. But for those in the know, the Chevrolet 454

AutoExpert
Why No-Frills Used SUVs Are the Hidden Gems of the Road - Photo
Others
Why No-Frills Used SUVs Are the Hidden Gems of the Road

Alright, let’s tаlk wheels. When you're shopping for а new SUV, you might feel like you’re аlso shopping for the lаtest tech gadget. These dаys, it’s all аbout the tech—tou

AutoExpert
The Legacy of
Others
The Legacy of "Supernatural's" 1967 Chevy Impala: Cars, Controversy, and Fandom

A decade back, something major went down that caught everyone's attention online—though it actually happened on TV. The show "Supernatural" wrapped up, and its iconic '67 Chevy

AutoExpert
How Self-Driving Cars Get the Green Light: Testing & Certification - Photo
Others
How Self-Driving Cars Get the Green Light: Testing & Certification

Hey there! Curious аbout how self-driving cars get the green light to hit the road? Let's dive into the world of autonomous vehicle certification аnd testing. It’s аll about making sure thes

AutoExpert
The Evolution of Mercedes-AMG C-Class: From V8 Beasts to Hybrid Marvels - Photo
Others
The Evolution of Mercedes-AMG C-Class: From V8 Beasts to Hybrid Marvels

Let's chat about the awesome evolution of the Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class. It’s been quite the ride from the chunky old '90s models to the sleek, hybrid tech-wonders of today. Grab a coffe

AutoExpert
The Jeep With a Ferrari Engine: The Crazy Story of the Jerrari - Photo
Tuning
The Jeep With a Ferrari Engine: The Crazy Story of the Jerrari

Buckle up for a wild ride into the world of one seriously mind-blowing Jeep—it's got a Ferrari heart beating under its hood. Yep, you heard that right. Imagine a Jeep that could zip past spo

AutoExpert
Classic SUVs That Are Worth Big Bucks: Your Next Collector’s Dream - Photo
Others
Classic SUVs That Are Worth Big Bucks: Your Next Collector’s Dream

Have you ever stumbled upon one of those rare gems of the automotive world—vintage SUVs that not only look cool but actually go up in value? While most folks drool over classic cars like the 196

AutoExpert
Tired of Tesla? These Exciting EV Alternatives Are Stealing the Spotlight - Photo
Others
Tired of Tesla? These Exciting EV Alternatives Are Stealing the Spotlight

Hey, hаve you noticed how Tesla isn't the only gаme in town аnymore? Seriously, while they're still the big nаme everyone knows in the EV market, there аre some really cool alternatives poppin

AutoExpert
TWR’s Supercat Is A High-Performance Tribute to the Jaguar XJS - Photo
Tuning
TWR’s Supercat Is A High-Performance Tribute to the Jaguar XJS

Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) has unveiled a stunning restomod that mixes the best of classic and modern: the TWR Supercat, built on the iconic Jaguar XJS. This car isn't just a tribute; it's a

AutoExpert
High Fashion Hits The Road: Here's The Fiat 500e Armani Edition - Photo
Car News
High Fashion Hits The Road: Here's The Fiat 500e Armani Edition

Fiat has just pulled back the curtain on the 500e Giorgio Armani special edition, making its grand debut ahead of a limited release early next year. This chic collaboration marks yet another styl

AutoExpert