Can I Sell a Car With High Mileage?
The short answer is yes, it is possible to sell a car with high mileage and to be honest with you, it might be the easiest type of car to sell as opposed to what other “websites will tell you.”experts” might tell you.
In fact, when I was a dealer, we would instantly get calls on cheap cars with 200k or more while some other cars with low miles and high demand sat idle.
Why is that?
Its a numbers game: There are simply more potential buyers with budgets that can afford a cheaper car with higher miles.
So, while it might seem impossible, it’s really not, and the article I wrote below will help guide you the rest of the way.
Related Articles To Read:
- How to Sell a Car Privately
- Banks That Finance Cars Older Than 10 Years
- Where To Sell a Car That’s Not Running
Table of Contents
Can You Sell a Car With 200,000 Miles?
Yes, selling a car with 200,000 miles opens you up to a wide variety of buyers. The type of people that buy cars over 200k miles:
- People who shop on a budget
- People in financial trouble (Bad credit)
- People who are mechanically inclined and can fix cars on their own
- Young drivers for a first car
- Dealers, buy here pay here dealers, or people who want to flip your car for a profit
The bottom line is that cars with over 200k miles are not only in demand with our current high prices and inflation, but the pool of potential buyers is the largest among all car buyers (In my opinion).
Can I Sell a Car With 300,000 Miles?
Yes, you can sell a car with 300k miles, but it gets tricky at this level.
Unless you’re dealing with a diesel engine (which can last practically forever if well maintained), you’re trying to sell a car that might be any minute away from a major component breaking down that would be more to fix than the car is worth.
At 300k miles, the parts of a car that are likely to go (assuming they haven’t been replaced) are:
- Engine (Obviously)
- Transmission
- Suspension
Another factor that makes 300k mile cars more difficult to sell is that financing is almost impossible to get.
Now, an argument can be made that cars with this many miles aren’t priced high enough to need financing, but you would be shocked how many people out there would rather finance a car than pay cash, even when they can afford the cash.
TIP: Your best bet for some cars in this mileage range might be Junking or donating the car and taking whatever loss you might perceive to be taking, although at 300,000 miles, you should have gotten your money’s worth from the car already.
How To Sell a Car With High Mileage
I’m not going to lie to you: The type of people who will call and show up to buy cars with high mileage are generally not the best people to deal with.
I won’t speculate as to why, but at times, they can almost seem pickier and more stubborn than someone who wants to buy a $100,000 car.
That being said, there is a different strategy for selling higher mileage cars based on your potential buyers.
Selling Strategies for High-Mileage Cars
When it comes to selling a high-mileage car, you’ll need to use specific strategies to find and attract the right buyers:
- Highlight the vehicle’s strengths: Emphasize the car’s reliability, fuel efficiency, or any unique features that may appeal to buyers.
- Be transparent: Disclose the mileage upfront and provide a detailed description of the car’s condition, including any known issues.
- Consider online marketplaces: List your car on popular online platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, eBay Motors, or other specialized online marketplaces. These platforms can reach a wider audience of potential buyers interested in high-mileage vehicles because they will look in locations where you expect to find a deal from a private seller.
- Leverage enthusiast forums: If your car is a popular make or model, consider posting on enthusiast forums or online communities dedicated to that particular vehicle.
- Trading In: It might be possible to trade in a car with over 200,000 miles, but you might only get offers from small private dealers who have more customers for that type of car. Don’t expect to get anywhere near what you might selling it private party!
Pricing a High-Mileage Car
Determining the right price for a high-mileage car is crucial. Here are some factors to consider:
- Research the market value: Use online pricing guides or consult with local dealerships like a Carmax to get an idea of the market value for your vehicle’s make, model, and year, considering its mileage.
- Evaluate the condition: A well-maintained car with high mileage may command a higher price than a neglected one. Factor in the overall condition, including the interior, exterior, and mechanical components.
- Consider the demand: Certain makes and models may have a higher demand, even with high mileage, which can positively impact the price.
Preparing the Car for Sale
Before listing any high mileage car for sale, address any necessary repairs or maintenance. However, be strategic about the investments and dont try to restore the car completely:
- Focus on essential repairs: Address any safety or drivability issues, such as brakes, tires, or major mechanical problems.
- Avoid costly cosmetic upgrades: Buyers interested in high-mileage cars are typically more concerned with the vehicle’s mechanical condition than its appearance.
- Gather maintenance records: Provide potential buyers with a detailed maintenance history, demonstrating that the car has been well-cared for.
Selling for Parts or Junking
If your high mileage car is in poor condition or has significant mechanical issues, selling it for parts or junking it may be a more viable option. Here are some considerations:
- Evaluate the car’s value: Determine if the car’s value as a whole is higher than the sum of its parts.
- Research local salvage yards or junkyards: Contact local salvage yards or junkyards to inquire about their pricing and procedures for selling a car for parts or scrapping.
- Consider online marketplaces: Websites like eBay Motors or specialized forums may provide opportunities to sell individual parts or the entire car to enthusiasts or mechanics. This will get you them most money but will take considerably more time and effort.
My Final Thoughts
As we discussed above, selling high mileage cars isn’t impossible, it’s just different. Be honest with people about the car and be patient because people will ask you 1,000 questions about cars in this price range, no matter how cheap you price it.
Also consider junking or donating your car if you just need it gone quickly.
