How do you think about depreciation / choosing kms when buying used vehicle.

Forums › Transport (cars, bikes and boats) › How do you think about depreciation / choosing kms when buying used vehicle.

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johno1234

2819 posts

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#3398225 30-Jul-2025 10:56

I don't care too much about depreciation because I always keep a car that I bought second hand for at least ten years. I've driven the arse out of it by then so it will have depreciated to <I-don't-care-$> no matter what it is.

People who buy new cars and sell them when the warranty expires are going to get hammered. That's life and if you can afford it good on you.

Senecio

2718 posts

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#3398252 30-Jul-2025 13:19

I generally buy ~3yr old cars with a couple of years manufacturer warranty remaining and keep them for ~10yrs so I'm not too concerned about depreciation. Most cars will take a 50% depreciation hit in the first 3yrs so that's the worst of it gone before I buy it. When comparing different models/cars I buy on condition, maintenance records and specification over mileage (within reason).

cddt

1565 posts

Uber Geek

#3398272 30-Jul-2025 14:04

The older the car, the more likely a failure is due to age related deterioration. So as the vehicles I am looking at get older, the less the mileage would impact my purchasing decision.

My referral links: BigPipe | Mercury

Bung

6501 posts

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#3398280 30-Jul-2025 14:41

johno1234:I

People who buy new cars and sell them when the warranty expires are going to get hammered. That's life and if you can afford it good on you.

That bargain buy could end up needing brake replacement, tyres, battery, spark plugs and timing chain if it's about 5 or 6 years old. The cars my neighbour bought often had radiators with plastic tanks that cracked.

Kookoo

788 posts

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#3398338 30-Jul-2025 15:48

Are you talking about ICE or EV?

Hello, Ground!

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