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I want to buy a used car but I am unsure how many kilometers is reasonable to expect. I don't want a car that has done so many that it will break down shortly after I buy it. I have looked at a 1992 Toyota Celica that I quite like but it has done 163,000 km. Is this too high? What do you think?

Sarah

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 14 December 2009

In general the more kilometres travelled the higher the risk, but it can depend a lot on service history, whether the car has been garaged and the number of owners etc.

As a general rule of thumb Kiwi motorists travel an average of 14,000kms per year, so your 1992 Celica hasn't done too bad at 163,000kms - if the odometer can be trusted.

Also a great deal depends on what you want to use the car for. If you are planning to do a lot of driving then consider the safety aspects of a 16 year old vehicle as much as the odometer.

Expect the value of the vehicle to fall dramatically if you do hit the 200,000km mark and decide its time to move it on.

Don't be put off totally but be careful. The Celica had a good reputation so it's not a bad choice.

Get the vehicle inspected and don't buy without a new Warrant of Fitness (less than 28 days old).

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