Should I buy a 10 year old car in 2020?

[i.m.hammid]

Hi Guys, I need advice of all of you car enthusiasts..

I want to buy my first car. My budget is 14-15 lac. But the thing is, I only like Sedans, I can not think of owning a hatchback.

I looked up my options, here are my findings:

1) Honda City 2009-2013 model.
I like honda city but the cars listed are 10 years old from 2009 to 2013 that are available in my budget.
Also, the cars have huge mileage on them like 100,000+ KMs.

Now I am confused whether should I buy a 10+ years old car with 100,000+ KMs mileage on them ?
It doesn't look like a value to money to me.

And If I have any other options in my price point, please enlighten me.

MANY THANKS IN ADVANCE !!!!

[ZainMahdi]

Your concept of high mileage is a bit skewed - 100k is nothing special. Its also a bit on the low side for a 10 year old car.

I wonder what will be your reaction on seeing my 470k+ driven 2003 VTi.

Just look for a rust free car with no structural damage, change its fluids, get a few things inspected, and you're good to go.

[i.m.hammid]

Thanks @ZainMahdi for you input. I really appreciate it.

I was thinking of the following aspects:
1) If the precious owner did not take care of the car in those 100,000+ KMs, I might have to visit the mechanic very frequently. And I won't have the luxury of time for those trips.

2) What is the life of an engine before but it wears out? How much more KMs an already 100,000+ KMs driven car will last for me?

3) Also, can you please suggest if I have any options in this price point other than Honda City?

Again, I really appreciate your input

[399.ak]

A Toyota/Honda engine with proper maintenance can easily last 250k-300k km.

A 10 year old car with 100k milages is nothing. You will find many 2015-2016 model cars driven 100k+ km in isl, Lahore karachi because it's normal there 15k-20k km running per year.

Even some engines can have issues at 50k km if not well maintained.

Just recommended (mostly 5w30) oil change at every 5k km. ATF replacement at every 40k km. Fuel filter every 50k km. Catalytic converter cleaning Evey 25k km. Plugs replacement at recommended kms.
If the above maintenance is done every engine will be good for many thousands kms.

Cars have become very expensive but if can find 2009-10 gli which will also be driven average 150k km it's a better car.
Pretty much low on maintenance.

We have a 2012 altis bought 0 meter now it's 200k km and only maintenance so far we have done.
Oil +filters every 5k km
Transmission fluid every 50k km
Transmission mount changed at 150k km
Plugs every 60k
Fuel filter changed at 150k km
Coolant changed at 150k km
And these things are pretty cheap considering the actual mileage.

[i.m.hammid]

Thanks so much @399.ak Awais Khan for taking the time to provide your vaulable input. Let me start by saying, I really appreciate your input

I think you have sold me on the point that ~100k mileage on a 10+ year old car is not a deal breaker.

So far, I've been only considering honda city because of its better fuel economy. Even though, I know it has a stiff suspension and less comfort compared to Toyota Gli.

Can you please provide me what fuel average a 2009-10 GLI will give me?

Also, since the Gli would be driven around 150k KM, do I need to be on the lookout for the things you mentioned that need to be changed @ 150k KM? Like Transmission Mount, Coolant, Fuel Filter etc?

MANY THANKS

[ZainMahdi]

Honda and Toyota engines can last indefinitely if properly maintained - search for the million mile 1990 Accord (1600k km) and the million mile 2006 Civic. Both these cars were used purely in highway driving conditions - its easy to conclude that it can last at least 400k km in severe driving conditions i.e. stop and go traffic with multiple cold starts a day. Most 10 year old cars have decent engines despite poor maintenance - they still have plenty of life left.

As long as you regularly change engine oil and coolant, use quality oil and air filters, and keep the PCV valve clean. Occasionally you'll need to get work done on the valves - its part of engine maintenance. There are other things like timing belt replacement and valve seals - you can search for them on the forums.

The reason that most engines fail prematurely in Pakistan is due to cost cutting measures by the owner such as driving without thermostat, using 20w-50 (its cheap) and using poor quality filters.

People also don't bother checking for oil and coolant leaks, thinking that they aren't possible in a Toyota or Honda. Its crucial to keep the fluids topped up. I myself keep spare oil and distilled water/coolant inside my house for topping up.

[noobdoc88]

Good question. Its an interesting read because i have similar insecurities when buying a used car. Im in the market for a car these days and i came across a rrally good car for about 20lacs but the only reason i was holding back was because it was a 2010 model year car, although a corolla. I thought 20lac was not worth a 10 year old car. I also thought it was exoensive though prices have shot up.

[omaruser156370259465]

20 lac for a 2010 Corolla?!

[399.ak]

Most 1300cc-1800cc cars will give you around 10-12km/l in city and 14-16km/l on highway.
Other than that there are many factors like driving style, vehicles maintenance etc.
Even you can achieve 18km/l from a gli on highway if you drive constantly at 100km/h using right viscosity 5w30 oil and clean filters.

[noobdoc88]

It was 1.8 Altis SR 2010 80k milage, Two piece painted. Yes i understand 20 is a lot and part ofnthebreason why i didnt buy it. Owner didnt wantnto come down under 20nso didnt get it. Car was good tho almost scratchless.

[shiekh123]

its nothing if a car is properly maintained. i m still using a khyber of 1999 model. its 21 years old car and never given any trouble to me.

[i.m.hammid]

Update:

I ended up buying a Honda City 2009 with 107K mileage on it.
Couldn't be any happier with my choice.

[pwuser159259702854]

Mashallah Allah pak apko chalana naseeb kare

[i.m.hammid]

Thank you so much @pwuser159259702854 !!!

[pwuser159259702854]

Can you please also share for how much you bought it

[i.m.hammid]

Bought it for 15.95. There were some pending tokens accumulated to 3k. So it costed me 15.98.
Transfer and smart card costed me 3.5k.

[shiekh123]

good luck with your ride.
do share some pics.

[pwuser159259702854]

Yeah do share pics

[i.m.hammid]

[pwuser159259702854]

Mashallah beautiful
Looks quite nice for a car from 2009 got to say that