Question about buying very high mile car

[jpablos123]

I am looking for a car. I have a limited budget. I have $5000 on hand. I am looking to get a car that will last for a few years without costing me an arm and a leg.

I found someone (private seller) selling a 2006 Hyundai Sonata in my price range. It has around 200,000 miles on it, though. The car is in excellent physical condition.

I am going to take it to my mechanic to do a quick inspection of the vehicle before I buy it. Even still, though, I just feel the need to get outside opinions. If the mechanic says "No good" I won't even consider buying it, obviously.

Even if the car appears to be in good shape from a quick 30 minute to 1 hour inspection by my mechanic, am I entering into repair hell?

[MagicRat]

All things being equal, high mileage is bad news. Mileage is a huge factor. At 200 k most components will be worn out, and at their service limit, leaving you with considerable potential repair expenses. 200k is way too much mileage for a $5000 Hyundai. Look around, you can do much better.

Yes there are other considerations, like overall condition, rust, maintenace records etc. But IMO I would rather buy an older, low mileage car than a newer, high mileage one.

[Oldengineer]

I agree. I just sold my Mom's loaded 2001 Chrysler Town and Country van with 26,000 miles on it to a friend for $5K. Mom's too old to drive it anymore. I wouldn't touch that Hyundai with a ten foot pole.

Regards:
Oldengineer

[Ray paulsen]

Originally Posted by Oldengineer

I agree. I just sold my Mom's loaded 2001 Chrysler Town and Country van with 26,000 miles on it to a friend for $5K. Mom's too old to drive it anymore. I wouldn't touch that Hyundai with a ten foot pole.

Regards:
Oldengineer

WoW, somebody got lucky buying Mom's car with 26K,,, goes to show there are deals out there,,, being in the right place at the right time is all that matters,,, I dare say your mom's car is most likely in better condition than any listed under 2009.

So if I had a choice to buy same car 2009 for 5K with 70K my choice would be Mom's

[Oldengineer]

Yeah those deals are out there - just got to find them. I once bought a 10 year old Honda Accord with 21K miles on it. Had a little rust I had to fix, but, I got the car for $700. Car was in an estate sale. I drove the Honda until it had 109K on it, and, sold it for $700.

Regards:
Oldengineer