If you want to sell or trade your car, the number of miles it’s been driven makes a big difference in the amount of its remaining resale value. The higher the mileage recorded, the lower the resale value of the car. But, how do you know if your car is considered junk? Here we’ll answer the question of how long cars should last and how to determine whether your car is considered a junk car or not, based on the total miles on it and other factors.
How Many Miles Does a Car Last?
The question of how many miles your car should last is complicated by some variables that can significantly add to or subtract from its lifespan. These factors include the car’s make and model, how well you maintain the vehicle, your driving habits, and where you usually drive it, among other considerations.
The average car is driven from around 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year, which is about 60,000 to 75,000 miles in the first 5 years. Besides the lemons, cars tend to last from around 200,000 to about 300,000 miles. On average, vehicles are driven for around 11 to 12 years.
There appear to be some major financial advantages for people who keep their cars beyond 12 years or so. Industry estimates indicate that car owners can save up to $30,000 by driving a car for 15 years! That’s the current average life expectancy of vehicles.
But, climate conditions, maintenance habits, and driving behaviors all factor into a car’s usable life length. The car’s make and model are also fundamental determinants in how long a vehicle can be expected to last, with all other things being equal in terms of maintenance care and driving habits. Some brands make cars that last up to 200,000 miles; others make models that last up to 300,000 miles. So, do your research before you buy a car to find out its brand’s reputation for quality.
Tips On How To Make Your Car Last Longer
There are things you can do to help extend the life of your car. The best advice is to drive the car with care and just take the best care of it that you can. That means keeping track of your car’s routine maintenance needs:
- Change the oil and filter at proper intervals.
- Have tune-ups per manufacturer recommendations.
- Rotate the tires at proper intervals.
- Fix problems before they become worse.
- Keep the engine, body, and interior clean.
- Buy good quality parts that work better and last longer.
- Always drive safely and with car care in mind.
Should I Junk My Car for Cash?
If you want to sell your car but are not sure if you should expect it to be perceived as a road-worthy vehicle or junk for salvage, here are the facts that buyers are likely to consider. These factors determine whether your car is classifiable as a junk car:
- Is there more than $1,000 in damage to the body of the car?
- Is the car broken down and inoperable?
- Would the cost of repairing the vehicle be more than the value of the car?
- Does your car have a salvage title?
If more than a couple of these apply to your car, then it can probably be classed as a junk car.
To Sell Your Old Car?
We buy junk cars, wrecked cars, old cars that don’t run, and even newer cars, junk trucks, vans, SUVs, and virtually any other motorized vehicle of any kind. Even if you don’t have the title to your car, we can verify the title is clean and buy your vehicle. We pay top dollar for junk cars. We pay you cash, and we tow your vehicle for free.
