How Many Kilometres Is Too Many for a Used Car?

The Kilometre Question: What's Really Too High?

"How many km is too many?" is one of the most common questions we hear from buyers. The honest answer? It depends on a lot more than just the number on the odometer.

The Quick Answer

For most buyers, we suggest:

Kilometres	Assessment
Under 60,000km	Low mileage, premium price
60,000-120,000km	Sweet spot for value
120,000-180,000km	Good value if maintained
180,000-250,000km	Budget-friendly, needs careful checking
250,000km+	Only for reliable models with full history

But these are just guidelines. A well-maintained 200,000km Toyota is often a better buy than a neglected 80,000km luxury car.

Why Kilometres Aren't Everything

What matters more than the number:

1. Service History A car with 180,000km and a complete service book (every 10,000km or 6 months) is a safer bet than one with 100,000km and zero records.

2. Type of Kilometres Highway kilometres are gentler than city kilometres. A sales rep who drove 50,000km/year on highways probably has a better-maintained engine than a delivery driver doing stop-start urban runs.

3. Make and Model Some cars are built to last:

• Toyota LandCruisers regularly hit 400,000km+
• Honda Accords often run to 300,000km
• Mazda diesels are known for longevity

Others have issues earlier:

• Some European cars get expensive after 100,000km
• First-gen hybrids may need battery work at 150,000km
• Turbocharged engines can be less forgiving if poorly maintained

4. Age vs Kilometres A 5-year-old car with 150,000km (30,000km/year) is often in better shape than a 12-year-old car with 100,000km. Regular use keeps seals lubricated and prevents issues from sitting.

The Hidden Cost Calculation

When evaluating high-kilometre cars, think about upcoming costs:

Typical maintenance milestones:

Kilometres	Common Service Items
100,000km	Major service, timing belt (some models), brake overhaul
150,000km	Suspension components, possibly clutch
200,000km	Transmission service, significant brake work
250,000km	Potential major engine work, significant rubber replacement

Example: A car at 95,000km might need $2,000+ in immediate work (timing belt, major service). Factor this into the purchase price.

High-Kilometre Heroes: Models That Last

Reliable at high mileage:

• Toyota HiLux/LandCruiser
• Toyota Corolla/Camry
• Honda Accord/CRV
• Mazda 3/6/CX-5
• Subaru Forester/Outback (manual)
• Hyundai/Kia (newer models)

Proceed with caution at high mileage:

• European luxury brands (maintenance costs soar)
• Turbocharged petrol engines (oil consumption issues)
• Dual-clutch transmissions (wear-prone)
• Complex hybrid systems (battery concerns)
• High-performance variants (often thrashed)

The Maths: Why High-Mileage Can Make Sense

Scenario A: Low-Mileage

• 2019 Mazda CX-5, 60,000km: $35,000
• Expected life: 200,000km
• Cost per remaining km: $0.25

Scenario B: Higher-Mileage

• 2017 Mazda CX-5, 140,000km: $20,000
• Expected life: 200,000km
• Cost per remaining km: $0.33

The low-mileage car costs less per kilometre AND you get a newer model. But...

Scenario C: Budget Reality

• 2017 Mazda CX-5, 140,000km: $20,000
• Your budget: $20,000
• Alternative: Older or less reliable car

If $20,000 is your budget, the high-mileage CX-5 might be the best car you can get.

What to Check on High-Kilometre Cars

Essential checks before buying:

Engine:

• Oil condition (not burnt or overfilled)
• Listen for unusual noises
• Check for smoke on startup (cold start best)
• Look for oil leaks

Transmission:

• Smooth gear changes
• No slipping or jerking
• Fluid condition (if visible)
• No whining noises

Suspension:

• Listen for clunks over bumps
• Check for uneven tyre wear
• Test shock absorbers (bounce test)
• Look for leaking struts

Consumables:

• Brake pad thickness
• Tyre tread depth
• Timing belt replacement history
• CV boot condition

Documentation:

• Complete service history
• PPSR check (money owing, write-offs)
• Number of previous owners
• Registration papers match

The Independent Inspection: Worth Every Dollar

For any car over 100,000km, we strongly recommend a pre-purchase inspection ($150-$300). They'll check:

• Compression test (engine health)
• Suspension wear measurement
• Brake system analysis
• Leak detection
• Electrical system check
• Hidden damage from accidents

Finding a $2,000 problem before purchase is worth the $200 inspection fee.

Age vs Kilometres: Which Matters More?

Age affects:

• Rubber seals and hoses (perish over time)
• Electronic components
• Safety feature standards
• Parts availability
• Cosmetic deterioration

Kilometres affect:

• Mechanical wear
• Timing belt/chain life
• Suspension components
• Clutch/transmission wear
• Engine internals

Our take: For daily drivers, we'd rather see a 5-year-old car with 150,000km (regularly driven and maintained) than a 12-year-old car with 80,000km (sat unused for long periods).

Queensland Considerations

Climate impact on high-km cars:

• Brisbane/Gold Coast/Sunshine Coast: Salt air accelerates rust. Check undersides carefully.
• Sun exposure: Interior and paint fade faster. Look for well-garaged examples.
• Air conditioning: Essential here. Test it thoroughly—repairs are expensive.

Our Recommendation

For most SEQ buyers, the sweet spot is:

• 3-5 years old
• 80,000-150,000km
• Complete service history
• Reliable brand/model
• Pre-purchase inspected

This gives you:

• Significant depreciation already absorbed
• Years of reliable driving ahead
• Budget for upcoming maintenance
• Modern safety features

The bottom line: Kilometres are just one factor. A well-maintained high-km car often beats a neglected low-km one. Do your homework, get an inspection, and focus on the full picture—not just the odometer.

Want help finding a reliable car within your budget? That's what we do. We know which high-km cars to trust and which to avoid.