The mileage of a used car is your biggest lever in terms of money saving. It is a clear indicator of wear levels and often gives you many clues about how the car was used. A nearly new car with mileage well above the model’s average means lots of motorway miles; it is the only way to get a lot of miles on a car that quickly. Motorway miles are light on a car in wear terms because there is little braking, less sitting in queues with the clutch straining. But if the seller doesn’t know that, then you can puff out your cheeks, shake your head and insist on money off for the mileage.
In most cases used petrol engine cars have fewer miles on the clock than diesels as high mileage drivers almost always go for diesel. But if you don’t know the difference between a diesel’s average miles and a petrol’s average miles, you can overpay thinking the petrol variant is low mileage. Here are three cars where knowing the average mileage can give you the edge in your car buying:
Kia Magentis
Executive style but marginal image which means low prices. Few in circulation but what you get are comfort space and lots of equipment.
Most economical: 2.0 petrol
Best used buy: 2.5 V6
UsedCarExpert.com faults to check for: 5
Used Car Expert magazine price: A year 2001 2.5 V6 with just 45,000 miles on the clock can be yours for £1,000 - £1,200. With another 50,000 reliable life left it is a bargain to buy, but thirsty on fuel at just 26 mpg.
Ford Mondeo
A truly great family car which is around in huge numbers at low prices. Spacious comfy interior lots of engine options plus it is nice to drive and so easy to own.
Most economical: 2.0Dci
Best used buy: 2.0 or 1.8 petrol
UsedCarExpert.com faults to check for: 18
Used Car Expert magazine price: A year 2001 2.0 Zetec S with 70,000 miles on the clock, which should mean 20,000 more reliable miles, is just £1,700-£1,900.
Renault Laguna
Still attractive to look at, but now basic to drive. A great value family hatchback. Plus there are saloon and cabriolet variants. The cabriolet is a timeless design and the best used buy now.
Most economical: 1.9 dti
Best used buy: 1.6 petrol cabriolets
UsedCarExpert.com faults to check for: 30
Used Car Expert magazine price: A year 2000 16v Renault Megane Dynamique with average mileage of 70,503 should still have 20-30,000 miles reliable use and is just £1,500 - £1,801. Cabriolets are £300 more but usually show 10,000 miles less on the clock too.