Due to the high costs of new cars and increased vehicle reliability and safety, vehicle owners are keeping their cars longer than ever. Today, the average age of used cars in the United States is 12.6 years, the highest it’s ever been. This is great news for drivers hoping to buy a used car since it can mean they are more likely to keep their used car purchase for more than a few years.

When comparing used cars for sale, finding the lowest-priced used car shouldn’t be the deciding factor. The manufacturer’s reputation for longevity and reliability should also be a key consideration. This is because, at a certain point, the breakdown risk of a used vehicle can outweigh the upfront financial savings. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose a manufacturer with a good track record, as this can significantly impact the future performance of your used car.

Evaluating Vehicle Reliability: Age vs. Mileage

Normal wear and tear are to be expected when it comes to car ownership. Like any other investment, the older it gets and the more it’s used, the more likely it is to experience a mechanical breakdown. However, how prone a used car is to breakdowns is influenced by a handful of factors, not just the car’s age and mileage.

Manufacturer Reliability Trends

Vehicle repairs and maintenance are a necessary part of vehicle ownership and should be expected. However, some vehicle makes have a reputation for their safety, durability, and reliability, generally only requiring routine car maintenance, servicing, and minor repairs.

According to J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Survey, the most reliable car makers of 2024 are:

• Lexus
• Porsche
• BMW
• Toyota
• Buick
• Chevrolet
• MINI

When shopping for a used car, it is essential to check the reliability rating for that make and model year to see how your vehicle ranks. It’s also worth noting that Honda and Kia are other brands known for their long-term reliability.

Age vs. Mileage

Both age and mileage play a significant role in determining the reliability of a used vehicle. While neither can guarantee a particular vehicle’s performance, they are both important factors to consider when shopping around. Understanding the impact of age and mileage on a vehicle’s reliability can help you make a more informed decision when purchasing a used car.

Age

Newer vehicles tend to have a higher price tag, the latest technological and safety advancements, and less wear and tear. They may come with a certified pre-owned warranty. Older vehicles may have an expired manufacturer’s warranty and have older parts. As parts age, they become more susceptible to mechanical failures or breakdowns.

If you find an older car in good condition, it may be a good idea to protect your investment with an extended car warranty for older cars. Used car extended warranties provide protection against unforeseen car repair bills.

Mileage

While age can affect a car’s reliability, mileage may be a better indicator. The average number of miles driven is 14,000 annually. A 15-year-old vehicle with 150,000 miles is considered lightly driven. However, if the car is less than ten years old, it can mean the vehicle was put through more stress and usage than the average daily driver.

Having a high mileage vehicle alone isn’t enough reason to disqualify a car from your purchase decision if it’s one you had your eye on. Other factors to consider are how well the previous owner maintained the vehicle and what kind of miles it had.

Driving Conditions

Have you heard anyone say, “They’re mostly highway miles?” The reason car salespersons make it a point to highlight a high number of highway miles is because highway driving is less strenuous on a vehicle. When a car is subjected to city driving, it goes through rigorous stop-and-go traffic, speed bumps and potholes.

Highways offer a smoother ride than strenuous urban driving. An easier drive can prolong the lifespan of vehicle components. Vehicles with a high amount of “mostly highway miles” can still have a lot of life left if you buy them used. Unfortunately, there isn’t a foolproof method to verify the driving history condition.

Vehicle Maintenance

Regular vehicle maintenance is a key factor in keeping a used car running smoothly as the odometer ticks up in miles. If the previous owner neglected the maintenance schedule, it could have put unnecessary stress on the vehicle’s systems and components, potentially reducing its reliability. On the other hand, if the owner took good care of the vehicle, it could significantly extend its lifespan.

On the other hand, if the owner takes good care of the vehicle, it can help the vehicle last for many years. Before buying a used car, ask to see vehicle service records. You can also find some, if not most, of the records on websites like Carfax.com, AutoCheck.com, vinaudit.com, and vehiclehistory.gov.

Car Maintenance Costs: Older Cars and Repair Expenses

As vehicles age, they have additional maintenance requirements to consider. Not only do they have additional maintenance needs, but they are also more susceptible to mechanical breakdown and potentially thousands of dollars in repairs. These additional costs can add up, potentially offsetting some of the cost savings from buying a used car.

Common Repairs

Under the right driving conditions and care, some vehicle makes and models last 200,000 to 300,000 miles and even higher mileage. However, as the vehicle ages, it becomes increasingly more likely to encounter car repairs. A few common repairs to prepare for include:

• Brake Pad Replacement: $263-$309
• Alternator Replacement: $649-$849
• Power Steering Pump Replacement: $534-$751
• Catalytic Converter Replacement: $2,304-$2443
• Exhaust Manifold Replacement: $1,215-$1,328
• Windshield Wiper Motor Replacement: $326-$391
• Heater Core Replacement: $1,060-$1,348
• Suspension Shock or Strut Replacement: $955-$1,079
• Vehicle Thermostat Replacement: $506-$544
• Radiator Replacement: $1,052-$1,235

Preventive Vehicle Maintenance

Keeping up with preventative vehicle maintenance is imperative to maximizing any vehicle’s life. While your make, model, and model year may have unique requirements, most vehicles follow a routine maintenance schedule. Failure to regularly perform car maintenance puts additional stress on each vehicle’s systems and components, resulting in poor performance and reduced longevity.

While missing the next oil change date by a few days isn’t likely to cause catastrophic damage, consistently missing or skipping it for thousands of miles can. A good vehicle maintenance routine should include:

• Change engine oil and fluids
• Change the air filter
• Check tire pressure and tread
• Rotate the tires
• Inspect shocks and struts
• Replace faulty spark plugs
• Inspect belts

As discussed, confirm that the routine maintenance was regularly performed on time by checking the service records. Some owners keep meticulous notes, but if the previous owner of your vehicle didn’t, you can find vehicle service records online.

Technology Advancements: Keeping Up with Modern Features

While there will always be a love of classic cars without frills among many car enthusiasts, technology matters for most drivers who are buying a used car for daily use. Older vehicles do not have the same advancements as newer models.

Most used car shoppers have realized that their new wheels won’t likely come with self-driving advancements. However, some modern features aren’t negotiable.

Vehicle Safety Features

Car safety features have improved by leaps and bounds over the last few decades, with many great strides made in recent years. Car models created in the ’60s were considered advanced if they had seat belts. Airbags in cars weren’t even required until 1998.

Nearly every model today has some form of backup camera and additional driver-assistance features. Many newer models have features that keep you and your passengers safe in all driving conditions. Some standard safety features include:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Automatic emergency braking
• Blind spot detection
• Parking assistance
• Forward collision warning
• Lane change assist
• Pedestrian detection
• Driver drowsiness detection

Car Infotainment Systems

Vehicle infotainment systems have also changed dramatically in the last decade. You will be hard-pressed to find original equipment from the manufacturer with Bluetooth capabilities in early 2000s models since it was created in the late 2000s. The latest models integrate seamlessly with smart devices through large touchscreens and apps. Connectivity capabilities can now reach all new levels with in-car internet and WiFi.

Advanced car infotainment systems also add another layer of safety to the vehicles. Due to the advancements in-car infotainment systems, we have our rear and side view cameras. They also make safety features like the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), Driver Monitoring Systems, Automatic Emergency Calling, and real-time weather and traffic updates to avoid hazardous road conditions.

Improved Fuel Efficiency

Additionally, many automakers have shifted their focus away from creating big-engine vehicles that burn more fuel to produce enormous power. Today, automakers are sensitive to the impact of daily driving on the environment and the fuel budget. Modern cars lean more towards fuel-efficient gas-sipping cars, vehicles with hybrid or plug-in hybrid options, and powerful turbocharging vehicles.

Not only that, but the mere design of vehicles has gone from a blocky, brick-like shape to a sleeker, more aerodynamic styling. Plus, they’ve ditched the heavy steel body panels for lighter materials, reducing overall weight and saving gas.

Depreciation and Value: Getting the Most for Your Money

Another vital factor to consider is the vehicle depreciation curve — how much a car is worth when you buy it versus how much it is worth when you sell it. A vehicle is considered the most valuable when it is brand new on the lot at the car dealership. Once anyone has purchased the vehicle and driven away, it immediately begins to lose some of its value.

In the beginning, the depreciation curve is relatively steep. While depreciation differs for every make, model, and model year, most vehicles lose 20% of their value within the first year. That means if you purchased a car at $45,000, you lose $9,000 in the first year. This means that even if the used vehicle is in excellent condition, it’s likely to be valued at around $36,000.

After the first year, the depreciation curve evens out a little. In years 2-5, the car can lose 10% to 15% of its value annually. At this rate, a vehicle can be worth around half its original value in five years. Of course, there are other contributing factors to depreciation, including:

• Vehicle maintenance
• Aftermarket parts
• Supply and demand

Finding the Auto Depreciation Sweet Spot

The trick is to find the sweet spot between value and depreciation when buying a used car. If you purchase a vehicle that is too new, it may still be in a period of steep depreciation. On the other hand, if you buy a car that is too old, you may not have enough useful life left to justify the investment. If you find the sweet spot, you’ll have a good-value vehicle with plenty of life left.

Considering Resale Value

It may seem counterintuitive, but when you’re thinking of purchasing a used car, think about what your next step is. Do you plan to keep this vehicle until the wheels fall off? Or do you plan to drive it for a few years and sell it? If you plan to trade in or sell it in a few years, a newer model may have plenty of life left when it comes to selling.

Used Car Warranties: Protecting Your Investment

A used car purchase can be a great way to save money over buying a brand-new car. However, a certain level of risk is associated with purchasing a used vehicle. As vehicles age, parts wear down and break, even under the best care. Having a warranty for a used car can protect your investment.

Manufacturer’s Warranty

There are pros and cons to buying a newer used vehicle. The most common drawback for drivers shopping for a used car is the financial burden of newer models. However, the higher price tag comes with low mileage, newer driver safety, and advanced technological features. If they’re new enough, they may still be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

All brand-new cars come with the peace of mind of a bumper-to-bumper factory warranty. The original warranty guarantees the automaker will repair or replace any vehicle components that break down after purchase. Unfortunately, this auto protection plan does not last for the vehicle’s lifetime. Once the warranty expires, car owners are left to pay for repair costs out of pocket – unless there is an extended car warranty before the coverage expires.

Extended Vehicle Warranties

How long a manufacturer warranty lasts is up to the auto manufacturer or car dealership. Factory warranties commonly expire in three years or at 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, it is essential to read the contract to determine your dealer’s details. You can benefit from the original warranty if you purchase a used car before it expires.

If you buy a certified pre-owned vehicle from a car dealership, you can extend this coverage in an extended car warranty. This coverage option is still manufacturer-backed; however, it is typically limited and does not offer the full comprehensive coverage of the original. It is essential to read the fine print of the terms and conditions to ensure that your contract includes all the coverage of critical vehicle components.

Third-Party Extended Car Warranties

If you purchase a used vehicle, you may also choose to protect your vehicle through a dealership aftermarket warranty or a third-party auto warranty company. Providers like Endurance offer customizable vehicle service contracts (VSCs) for older vehicles and high mileage vehicles, often called extended car warranties.

Warranty providers offer varying levels of coverage, ranging from comprehensive coverage similar to that of the bumper-to-bumper warranty to limited powertrain warranties, which cover the cost of repairs for the primary vehicle systems, like the engine, transmission, and drive axle. One benefit of choosing a third-party provider is that you can select your coverage options and your budget.

These providers also include additional benefits like the freedom of choosing your preferred repair facility. Endurance Warranty plans cover repairs from any ASE Certified repair shop, mechanic, or dealership.

Every Endurance plan also includes an additional benefits package to keep you and your passengers from being stranded on the side of the road. This coverage includes 24/7 roadside assistance, towing, lockout services, trip interruption coverage, rental car reimbursement and more. You can even activate a year’s worth of our Elite Benefits from a small activation fee to unlock more savings, like tire repairs and replacements and key fob replacements.

Expert Tips for How to Purchase a Used Car

Buying a used vehicle isn’t just about choosing the best age for a vehicle because age is only one factor when purchasing a car. When buying a used car, you should:

1. Do Your Research: Be sure to research your vehicle’s make, model, and model year. Some makes and models are notorious for reliability but still have model years with common issues. Be sure to read customer reviews in addition to expert reviews.
2. Ask for a Vehicle History Report: A seller may have access to the original service records, but a detailed vehicle history report can often uncover information that may not show up in the maintenance history, such as owner and accident history. Red flags can include if the car has been sold many times, was in an area prone to flood or snow, or was involved in a car accident.
3. Remember the Pre-Purchase Inspection: Buying a pre-purchase inspection may cost a little extra, but it can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars worth of repairs. Take your vehicle to a trustworthy mechanic unrelated to the seller for honest, unbiased feedback.

Explore Endurance Warranty Plans for Used Cars

Purchasing a used car can be exciting and nerve-wracking. Endurance Warranty can give you peace of mind with a comprehensive auto protection plan, knowing that you’re financially protected no matter what happens on the road ahead!

Talk to an Endurance plan advisor to find the best plan for your needs, lifestyle, and budget. Call us today at (800) 253-8203 or request your FREE quote online. Shop our eStore to see your plan recommendations and pricing now.

You can also get answers to your frequently asked questions in the Endurance Warranty Learning Center. Get the definitions for common car warranty terminology in the glossary or read automotive blogs written by automotive experts. No matter where you are in your car-buying journey, we’re here to help.