"It's got 180,000 km—is that too much?" It's one of the most common questions we get. And the answer is always: it depends. Here's everything you need to know about used car kilometres.
The Quick Answer
For most modern vehicles:
- Under 100,000 km = Low mileage
- 100,000-150,000 km = Average for 5-8 year old car
- 150,000-200,000 km = Higher but often fine with good maintenance
- Over 200,000 km = Needs careful consideration
But these numbers mean nothing without context.
Why Kilometres Alone Don't Tell the Story
Highway vs City Driving
100,000 highway km is often easier on a car than 50,000 city km.
Highway driving:
- Engine at consistent temperature
- Less braking = less brake wear
- Gearbox in high gear constantly
- Suspension not constantly working
City driving:
- Constant stop-start = more engine wear
- Frequent cold starts = harder on engine
- Brakes used constantly
- Clutch/transmission worked harder
Real example: A mining worker's car with 200,000 km of highway driving to site may be in better condition than a city car with 100,000 km of Brisbane traffic.
Maintenance History Matters More
A car with 180,000 km and full service history is often better than a car with 80,000 km and no records.
What good maintenance looks like:
- Regular oil changes (every 10,000-15,000 km or as specified)
- Timing belt replaced on schedule (crucial!)
- Major services done at intervals
- Fluids changed (transmission, diff, coolant)
- Known issues addressed
No service history? Assume the worst was done—or not done.
The Vehicle Matters
Some vehicles handle high km better than others:
Built for high km (often fine at 250,000+):
- Toyota LandCruiser
- Toyota HiLux
- Mitsubishi Triton
- Mazda BT-50
- Isuzu D-MAX
More sensitive to mileage:
- European luxury cars
- Turbocharged petrol engines
- Some Korean vehicles (older models)
- High-performance vehicles
Age vs Kilometres
Consider the yearly average:
| Age | Km | Average per Year | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 years | 100,000 km | 20,000/year | Higher but manageable |
| 5 years | 50,000 km | 10,000/year | Low—may have sat too much |
| 10 years | 150,000 km | 15,000/year | About right |
| 10 years | 80,000 km | 8,000/year | Very low—why? |
The "too few km" problem: Cars that sit unused develop their own issues—seals dry out, batteries die, tyres flat-spot.
What Wears Out at High Km?
100,000-150,000 km
Expect these to need attention:
- Spark plugs (if not already done)
- Brake pads/rotors
- Battery
- Some suspension components
- Possibly clutch (manual)
150,000-200,000 km
Add to the list:
- Timing belt/chain tensioners
- Water pump
- CV joints/boots
- Wheel bearings
- Possibly alternator
200,000+ km
Getting into territory where:
- Major engine/transmission work possible
- Suspension overhaul may be needed
- Electrical issues more common
- Rust becomes a factor (for older cars)
How to Evaluate a High-Km Car
Step 1: Check Service History
Must have:
- Major service records
- Evidence of timing belt replacement (if applicable)
- Oil change records
Nice to have:
- Complete service booklet stamps
- Receipts for repairs
- Single owner history
Step 2: Professional Inspection
At high km, this is non-negotiable. A $300 inspection can save you $5,000+ in surprise repairs.
Tell the inspector:
- The km
- Your intended use
- How long you plan to keep it
Step 3: Research That Specific Model
Google "[make] [model] [year] common problems"
Example: "Toyota Prado 2015 common problems"
Know what to expect and what to check.
Step 4: Test Drive Properly
Listen for:
- Engine noises (ticking, knocking)
- Transmission sounds
- Suspension clunks
- Exhaust issues
Feel for:
- Smooth gear changes
- Brake performance
- Steering feel
- Any vibrations
Step 5: Price It Right
High km should = lower price. Use this as negotiation leverage.
When High Km Is Worth It
Buy the high-km car if:
- Full service history exists
- Known reliable model
- Price reflects the mileage
- You've had it inspected
- You're mechanically minded (or have a good mechanic)
- You're not keeping it long-term
Real example: We found a client a 2017 HiLux with 220,000 km. Full dealer service history, one owner (mining company fleet), timing belt done at 200k. Price: $30,000 vs $40,000+ for a similar spec at 120,000 km. Two years later, still running perfectly.
When to Walk Away
Skip the high-km car if:
- No service history
- Known unreliable model
- Previous owners unknown
- Price doesn't reflect km
- Inspection reveals issues
- It's a complex vehicle (turbo, luxury, performance)
CQ-Specific Considerations
In Central Queensland, high-km cars often come from:
Mining fleets - Usually highway km, well-maintained. Often good buys.
Station vehicles - Can be harder km (dusty, rough roads). Inspect carefully.
City runabouts - May have easier km than you'd think.
Rental returns - Mixed bag. Usually maintained but driven hard.
The Sweet Spot for CQ Buyers
Best value often sits at:
- 80,000-120,000 km
- 3-5 years old
- Full service history
- Private or single-owner
You avoid the new-car premium but get plenty of life left.
Our Approach
When searching for clients, we filter by km—but then look deeper:
- Service history verified
- Owner history checked
- Inspection arranged
- Price negotiated appropriately
A "high-km" car with the right history can be a better buy than a "low-km" mystery.
Ready to Find the Right Car?
Tell us what you need and we'll find it—whether that's a low-km cream puff or a well-maintained workhorse with some km under its belt.
Start your search and let us find the right car at the right km for your situation.
