Is 200,000 km too many? Not always. But in the Instant Auto Reach Inspection Index, 48% of cars over 200,000 km were rated fair or poor, against 15% of cars under 100,000 km.
| Odometer | Cars rated | Fair or poor |
|---|---|---|
| Under 100,000 km | 61 | 9 (15%) |
| 100,000 to 200,000 km | 48 | 19 (40%) |
| Over 200,000 km | 21 | 10 (48%) |
The real jump is at 100,000 km
The step from under 100,000 km to the next band is far bigger than the step after it. Between 100,000 and 200,000 km is where bushes perish, seals start to weep and deferred servicing shows. Buyers tend to relax in this band because the number still looks reasonable.
High kilometres that passed
Kilometres alone did not condemn a car. Some of the best reports in the Index came from very high readings:
- A 2013 Mack Super-Liner at 1,093,839 km was rated good, with wear consistent with its use.
- A 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter at 287,028 km was rated very good, with regular servicing.
- A 2011 Toyota Hilux at 271,809 km was rated good, with injector readings in range and no blow-by.
- A 2017 Mazda CX-3 at 219,399 km was rated very good.
What these had in common was evidence of maintenance, not a low number.
Low kilometres that failed
The opposite also happened:
- A 2017 Hino 300 at just 68,143 km was rated poor, with a suspected turbocharger fault and rust in the cooling system.
- A 2017 Holden Calais at 88,843 km had a suspected head gasket leak.
- A 2008 Toyota Crown at 80,343 km was rated poor after the engine stalled repeatedly on the road test.
- A 2021 Mitsubishi Triton at 110,698 km had critical engine blow-by. Another 2021 Triton with almost the same kilometres was rated very good.
What to check on a high kilometre car
- Service history: Missing or unverified history was a moderate finding on 6 in 100 cars.
- Blow-by: Vapour from the oil filler on a warm engine points to internal wear. See engine blow-by explained.
- Coolant level and condition: Low or contaminated coolant showed up on 21 in 100 cars.
- Oil leaks at the back of the engine: A rear main seal is a labour-heavy repair.
- Suspension and steering: Wear here is close to certain past 150,000 km.
Work vehicles are a separate case
Vans, trucks and campers in the Index had a median of 289,101 km. If you are buying one for a business, a commercial vehicle inspection covers the work use wear a car checklist misses, and a fleet vehicle inspection applies the same standard across several vehicles.
High Kilometres? Know Which Side of 48% It Sits On
A high kilometre car can be a great buy or a money pit, and the odometer will not tell you which. Our inspection will. We check the things that decide it, service evidence, blow by, coolant condition, oil leaks at the back of the engine and wear in the suspension.
If you are looking at a car past 100,000 km, this is the point where an inspection pays for itself most often. We can usually be there the same day.
CUSTOMER REVIEW
“Excellent service considering I gave them short notice . Ray and his team were friendly, extremely thorough and professional. I would not hesitate to use Instant Auto Reach again.”
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Buying a van or UTE for work? Ask about our commercial and fleet inspections when you book.
