Is 250000 miles on a car too much?

When buying a used car, mileage is one of the key factors to consider. Many car buyers wonder if 250,000 miles is too much for a used vehicle. This high mileage raises concerns about wear and tear, reliability, maintenance costs, and resale value. However, with proper care and maintenance, some vehicles can remain dependable well past 250,000 miles. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of buying a 250,000 mile used car.

How long do cars typically last?

These days, most modern vehicles are built to last at least 200,000 miles or more if properly maintained. With routine maintenance and care, the average lifespan of a car is around 150,000 to 200,000 miles. Luxury vehicles and trucks often remain driveable past 200,000 miles. Certain brands and models are recognized for their longevity and ability to rack up high mileage with few issues. These include Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, and Mercedes-Benz.

According to Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Survey, these are the top brands for longevity and reaching 200,000 miles or more:

Brand	Percentage Reaching 200k Miles
Toyota	15%
Honda	11%
Ford	10%
Chevrolet	8%
GMC	8%
Mercedes-Benz	7%

With proper maintenance and care, many modern vehicles can now exceed 200,000 miles. Reaching 250,000 miles is certainly possible for well-built, well-maintained cars.

What kind of issues arise at 250,000 miles?

Once a car hits very high mileage like 250,000 miles, more repairs and maintenance issues pop up. Some common problems faced by vehicles with 250k miles include:

• Wear on suspension components like control arms, struts, shocks
• Transmission rebuild or replacement
• Replacement of timing belt/chain
• Exhaust system repairs
• Oil leaks from gaskets and seals
• Ignition system issues like spark plugs, ignition coils
• Rubber hoses and belts deteriorating
• Fluid leaks
• Electronics and sensor failures

These issues arise simply due to age and accumulated mileage taking its toll. The engine, transmission, and other systems have endured years of wear and extreme use at this point. Rubber components and seals start to break down and need replacement. Sensors and electronics fail intermittently or permanently from fatigue. Any imperfections or flaws in original manufacturing also start to manifest after so many years and miles of service.

Repairs become more common and parts more prone to failure. Simple maintenance items become even more critical to preempt major issues. For buyers considering a 250k mile used vehicle, increased maintenance vigilance and costs are realities to prepare for.

What maintenance costs more at 250,000 miles?

Higher mileage vehicles demand more frequent and costly maintenance. Here are some maintenance items likely to cost more with 250k miles:

• Engine oil changes – needed more frequently, synthetic oil preferred
• Transmission fluid changes – vital for older transmission
• Timing belt/chain – due for replacement
• Spark plugs and ignition coils – prone to failure
• Fuel system cleaning – avoids fuel injector issues
• Suspension parts – bushings, joints, struts wear out
• Serpentine belts and hoses – threaten overheating
• Brake pads and rotors – require quicker replacement

Older engines tend to burn more oil, so checking and topping off oil becomes more critical. Ignition parts like spark plugs and coils will likely need periodic replacement. Rubber components like belts and hoses are past their prime and prone to cracks and failure.

With advanced mileage, repairs shift from occasional issues like a water pump or alternator to more frequent and urgent transmission rebuilds, gasket replacements, suspension overhauls and other significant repairs. The odds of major repairs rises versus simple wear items.

What is a reasonable mileage limit for a used car?

Many experts recommend limiting your used car search to vehicles with no more than 100k-150k miles. However, others argue that modern vehicle drivetrains can easily last to 200k+ miles. Here are some general mileage guidelines based on vehicle age:

Vehicle Age	Recommended Mileage Limit
1-3 years	Under 40,000 miles
4-6 years	Under 80,000 miles
7-10 years	Under 125,000 miles
Over 10 years	Under 150,000 miles

These limits allow for average annual mileage while leaving ample remaining life in the vehicle. But many well-maintained models can exceed these limits. When evaluating high-mileage vehicles:

• Review maintenance records
• Get a thorough inspection by a mechanic
• Test drive to check engine and transmission function
• Verify no hidden mechanical issues or crash damage

This due diligence will help you determine if a higher-mileage vehicle is up for more years and miles of service.

Is a 250,000 mile car worth buying?

Opinions vary on whether cars with 250,000+ miles make smart buys. Here are some pros and cons to weigh:

Potential pros:

• Lower purchase price due to age and mileage
• Previous owner(s) likely maintained well
• Engine and drivetrain have proven durability
• Repair and service costs spread out over long lifespan
• Often well-documented service history

Potential cons:

• Inevitable increase in repair frequency
• Hard to resell with ultra-high mileage
• Possibility of undisclosed crash repairs
• Higher insurance rates
• May have lingering minor issues
• Difficult to calculate true remaining lifespan

The answer depends on your budget, mechanical skills, and tolerance for repairs. A 250k mile vehicle could suit you well if:

• A limited budget makes lower-priced cars appealing
• You are handy with repairs and maintenance
• Previous owner kept meticulous service records
• A thorough inspection reveals solid mechanical health
• You only plan to keep it a few more years

Even high-mileage cars can deliver ample useful service. But it requires accepting higher maintenance costs and responsibilities going forward.

How to check a 250,000 mile used car before buying?

Before purchasing a used car with 250,000+ miles, be sure to:

• Review all repair and maintenance records
• Take it for a lengthy test drive on highways and local roads
• Allow sufficient time to let engine fully warm up and operate
• Listen and feel for any odd noises, vibration, or handling issues
• Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection
• Check all electronic features and gauges during test drive
• Verify transmission and drivetrain operate properly when cold and warmed up
• Check for oil leaks, coolant leaks, excessive rust
• Examine tires, brakes, suspension parts for wear
• Consider a professional vehicle history report to check for accidents

This extensive checking allows you to make an informed decision on if the car seems well-maintained and still has life left beyond 250k miles. Rushing this evaluation risks an unexpected repair nightmare.

How much longer will a 250,000 mile car last?

Estimating how much additional mileage to expect from a 250,000 mile car depends on many factors:

• Make and model – Known durable brands last longer
• Maintenance history – Meticulous care extends lifespan
• Condition today – No serious issues revealed upon inspection
• Frequency of ongoing repairs – Repairs accelerating
• Environment and use – Stop-and-go city miles wear faster than highway
• Regular servicing – Continued diligent maintenance
• Owner’s needs – Require longest possible additional service

Generally, with the right history and ongoing care, a further 50,000 miles from a 250k mile vehicle is reasonable. Some may reach 100,000 more miles if requiring mainly basic maintenance. But higher-mileage cars can turn unreliable fast when neglected. Assume major repairs are imminent and lifespans limited for 250k+ mile vehicles.

Conclusion

Reaching 250,000 miles means most cars are clearly past their prime in terms of longevity and reliability. But well-built models properly maintained can still deliver tens of thousands more miles of good service. Reviewing maintenance records, getting professional inspections, test driving extensively, and understanding higher repair costs are vital steps before purchasing a 250,000+ mile used car. While the risks rise versus lower-mileage cars, the right high-mileage car can justify its lower asking price through additional years of use.