Owning a Car Past 150,000 Miles

Plenty of modern cars can run well beyond 150,000 miles with good care. Keeping an older car can save you a lot compared with buying new, but it does change how you think about maintenance and repair costs. Here is how to make the most of a high-mileage vehicle without being caught off guard.

What changes after 150,000 miles

At this point, the factory warranty is long gone, and many parts are reaching the end of their original service life. Things that rarely fail early, like rubber seals, bushings, motor mounts and electrical connectors, start to show their age. Problems also tend to come in clusters, since parts installed at the factory all age together.

That does not mean the car is near the end. It means you shift from simply following the schedule to actively watching for wear.

Maintenance priorities for high-mileage cars

Check your owner's manual, since some items may already be overdue. Common priorities include:

• Fluids. Engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid and, on some vehicles, differential and transfer case fluid. Ask your shop whether a transmission fluid service makes sense for your specific car and history.
• Timing belt. If your engine uses a belt rather than a chain, replacement at the recommended interval is critical, since a broken belt can damage some engines.
• Cooling system. Hoses, the radiator, the water pump and the thermostat. Overheating is one of the fastest ways to ruin an older engine. Learn more about the cooling system.
• Suspension and steering. Worn shocks, struts, tie rods and bushings affect handling and tire wear.
• Brakes. Lines and hoses can corrode or crack with age, not just pads and rotors.
• Battery and charging system. An aging alternator or poor connections can cause hard-to-diagnose electrical problems.

Warning signs to take seriously

High-mileage cars give clues before many major failures. Get these checked promptly:

1. Rising temperature gauge or coolant loss
2. Oil leaks that are growing, or needing to add oil between changes
3. Slipping, harsh or delayed transmission shifts
4. New clunks over bumps or wandering steering
5. Flickering lights or slow cranking
6. Any flashing check engine light, which can signal a misfire

Deciding whether a repair is worth it

Eventually you will face a repair large enough to make you wonder whether to keep the car. Questions to ask:

• What is the car worth in good running condition, and what would a replacement cost?
• Is the rest of the car in good shape, especially the body and frame?
• Is this repair likely to be followed by others soon?
• How much would monthly payments on a replacement add up to over a year?

A single big repair on an otherwise solid car is often worth doing. Repeated major repairs on a car with rust or multiple failing systems may not be.

Budgeting for repairs

Many high-mileage owners set aside a monthly amount for repairs, similar to a car payment but paid to themselves. Others look at a vehicle service contract to spread the risk of large repairs.

If you consider a service contract, keep in mind:

• Eligibility limits. Many providers set a maximum mileage or vehicle age for enrollment, and options narrow as mileage rises.
• Coverage level. Plans for high-mileage cars are often focused on the powertrain, like the engine and transmission.
• Pre-existing conditions. Problems present before coverage begins are generally excluded. Some providers require an inspection.
• Waiting periods. Most contracts have a waiting period before you can file a claim.

Compare the total cost of a plan against what you would otherwise set aside, and read the contract's exclusions closely.

Keep good records

Records help in several ways. They show future buyers that the car was cared for, help mechanics diagnose problems, and can be required when filing a service contract claim. Keep receipts for oil changes and major work in one folder or app, including dates and mileage.

How Warranty Wizards can help

We help owners of older and high-mileage cars compare plans from third-party providers and explain the eligibility rules and coverage of each before you buy. To see what options exist for your car, request a free quote at /get-a-quote/.