How many miles is too many for buying used?

[ski_rush]

I’m looking at a 2007 EL Limited. It has 200k miles…but it was owned by a mechanic. I live in a very small town in the Midwest and I know the guy who owned the vehicle. He’s a respectable mechanic. This vehicle is a 3rd car for me and wouldn’t be a “main” family car. That said, I also need it to reliably do a couple hundred miles per week.

Am I crazy for considering this vehicle with 200k miles? It’s very well taken care of, but I’ve never bought a car with this many miles…I’ve sold them with these miles but never bought one with them. Thoughts?

 

[Logan97]

I bought my 07 from a used lot with 192,000 miles on it. Sitting on a little over 210,000 now and it's still going strong. I've had it for about 2 years now, so about 10,000 a year.Haven't had to replace anything major. The way I see it is if he's a good mechanic and took care of it then I'd buy it, obviously look it over, but I'd still do it.

 

[ManUpOrShutUp]

At 200k I'd consider most 3rd gens to be nearing end of life, but it's not a given. For me, it would have to be super cheap.

 

[JasonH]

The reality is that parts wear out, so it likely depends on your tolerance for repairs. I'm usually getting rid of cars around 200k. On most vehicles I've owned, the mechanical issues usually begin as you approach 150k, with accessories failing and seals leaking. Then it's just progressive, random parts failures from there on out. I don't have tolerance for ongoing repairs, because most bolts on fixes I do myself and my time is limited.

 

[ManUpOrShutUp]

The reality is that parts wear out, so it likely depends on your tolerance for repairs. I'm usually getting rid of cars around 200k. On most vehicles I've owned, the mechanical issues usually begin as you approach 150k, with accessories failing and seals leaking. Then it's just progressive, random parts failures from there on out. I don't have tolerance for ongoing repairs, because most bolts on fixes I do myself and my time is limited.

Very similar experiences here. On most of my vehicles things started going south at 150k with a progression that built up momentum as the miles rolled on. By 220-230k most had a wide array of minor problems that culminated in some sort of major failure (transmission, head gasket, etc.).

 

[StephenOsborne1]

My biggest concern at this mileage would be the timing set. Has it ever been done? If otherwise we'll maintained it could give you many more years of service.

 

[Trainmaster]

My experiences have been right in line with the rest of these guys. Approaching 150,000 miles the repairs become bigger. Starters, radiators, exhaust manifolds, exhaust, oxygen sensors. A plethora or crappy jobs in rusted trucks I just don't enjoy doing anymore. Not impossible, not particularly costly if I do them myself. Just not fun. Around 220,000 you start to get the deal killers: Timing problems, head gaskets, transmissions.

Your choice depends on your bank account. The more you pay, the newer car you get. The newer the car the fewer the repairs. They used to say "Payments or parts". You pay either way.

Buy the best you can afford. It will pay you back in longevity, dependability, peace of mind and free time not spent under it.

 

[Motorcity muscle]

These trucks will go 300,000 without too much trouble, if maintained. Truck from the salt belt would not be as good, as a southern truck. Not sure if Nebraska uses salt on the roads.

 

[chuck s]

175,000 miles on my 2007 XLT before I sold it. No problems whatsoever with the drive train. Paint peeling off the rear hatch, though, was "impressive." My scientific sample of one (1).

-- Chuck

 

[Elvisinflorida]

Comment withdrawn and posted in new thread.

 

[purevw]

Miles can be useful when judging a vehicle, but there are too many other important factors. A vehicle beat to death for 50,000 miles is not that different than a vehicle driven correctly for 200,000. As they say, a candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long. That can be especially true of transmissions. Maintenance is also critical, as well as the quality of the materials or parts used. Age can be important, but where and how is was stored can over-rule that. There is no "blanket" answer to your question. Another thing to consider is how you will drive it. I sold a 73 Grand Marquis to a kid years ago. I told him that the 1-2 shift has always felt sloppy for all the years I owned the car and cautioned him about hot-rodding. He blew the tranny within 200 miles, but had no ill will towards me because I gave him an honest warning.

 

[WCGator]

Any and all can be a danger. Many factors; what lubrication was used, how was the vehicle cared for, etc.
Your best resource is to find a reliable and trustworthy mechanic to go over it with a microscope. Then make the decision. Mine is a 2006 with 197 thousand on it. The mechanic said it was an excellent vehicle. So far, he's right.

 

[steve3591]

To bad you are not in California I am selling my 2007 limited el with 129000 miles. Just got my 2022 last month and love it.

 

[Aspen03]

I purchased an 03 with 205k almost 4 years ago. It's at 251k and change now. It's been one of the most reliable vehicles I've owned. Only bested by my regal that was bought with 73k old lady miles. I've done the basic maintenance. Fluids, oil, brakes, tires. The only failures I've experienced are a caliper seized, u joint wore out and my lift gate glass hinge broke when I opened it at the grocery one day. That was a fun one to catch. All in for parts not counting the maintenance items as any age vehicle would have those is under $300. As long as you are competent in the repairs yourself they're relatively affordable trucks.

This was purchased as a temporary vehicle while we shopped for something specific for the wife. Ended up keeping it for myself after we found her Navigator.

Being mechanic owned is a double edged sword. The skill set to maintain to perfection is there but the ability to hide and minimize issues is also present. If you aren't well versed in the platform or mechanically inclined enough to spot and feel issues I would bring someone who is or pay a few bucks to have it inspected if you aren't in a position for a financial surprise. No doubt the seller would probably feel insulted being a mechanic but you have to look out for yourself.

 

[Johnathan M]

I bought my 2013 Expedition in May of 2021 with 210,000 miles, and now have 245K on it. Very reliable with very few problems. I'm not afraid of high mileage on vehicles nowadays.

 

[CUSTOMBUILDWERX]

I’m looking at a 2007 EL Limited. It has 200k miles…but it was owned by a mechanic. I live in a very small town in the Midwest and I know the guy who owned the vehicle. He’s a respectable mechanic. This vehicle is a 3rd car for me and wouldn’t be a “main” family car. That said, I also need it to reliably do a couple hundred miles per week.

Am I crazy for considering this vehicle with 200k miles? It’s very well taken care of, but I’ve never bought a car with this many miles…I’ve sold them with these miles but never bought one with them. Thoughts?

I purchased a very well maintained , high millage, if I get 2 years ,I'm happy-then slap a create engine. Don't pay to much $2000-4000

 

[CUSTOMBUILDWERX]

I purchased a very well maintained , high millage, if I get 2 years ,I'm happy-then slap a create engine. Don't pay to much $2000-4000

240,000 miles

 

[flyguy]

The engine must be close to run out at 200k. I would pass and look for something under 100k.

 

[ManUpOrShutUp]

I think most 3rd gens near/past the 200k mark will be in need of major engine work or replacement relatively soon. If you can do that yourself or don't mind the expense though, that changes things. It also depend on how many miles you drive per year. Someone driving 25k year might only get 2 years out of the truck, but someone driving 5k/yr might get another 10 years. And of course, no one one knows for sure what any particular vehicle will get so even if 80% of them are falling apart at 200k, yours may go to 400k.