When you’re shopping for a used car, there’s one number everyone seems to focus on right away: the kilometres. It’s like the automotive version of someone asking how old you are — not a dealbreaker, but definitely something they want to know. And for good reason! A car with fewer kilometres sounds like a better deal, right? Less wear and tear, longer lifespan, maybe even better resale value.
But here’s the twist — low kilometres don’t always mean it’s a better car.
Sounds surprising? Let’s dive into why that’s the case, especially if you’re thinking about selling, buying, or even scrapping your car.
1. Age Isn’t Just a Number — It Matters
Let’s say you find a 2005 Toyota Corolla with just 70,000 kilometres on the clock. Seems like a great deal, right? But if that car has spent the last 15 years parked in a garage barely moving, you could be dealing with a range of issues — dried-out rubber seals, cracked hoses, brittle belts, and outdated safety features. Cars are meant to be driven. Sitting idle for long periods can lead to corrosion, battery degradation, and even mould in the interior if it’s not stored properly.
We once had a customer bring in an old Mitsubishi that had only clocked 60,000 km. It looked fine on the surface, but underneath? Rusted chassis, seized brakes, and a dead AC system. The kilometres were low, but the repair bill would’ve been high.
2. Short Trips = Harder Life
Ever heard the phrase “highway kilometres are better than city kilometres”? It’s not just car-seller talk. It’s true.
Low kilometre cars often rack up most of their driving in short, stop-and-start trips — think school runs, grocery store dashes, or that quick trip to the local café. These short drives don’t give the engine a chance to fully warm up, which can lead to sludge build-up and increased wear over time.
In contrast, a vehicle with higher kilometres that’s done mostly highway driving may actually be in better mechanical shape. Highway cruising is smooth and consistent — it’s like a holiday for your engine.
3. Maintenance Is King
Here’s the honest truth: a car with high kilometres and a full service history is often more reliable than a low-kilometre car with spotty maintenance.
Oil changes, fluid checks, filter replacements, tyre rotations — these are what keep a car running smoothly, not just the number on the odometer.
We once had two nearly identical Subarus come in — same model, same year. One had 220,000 km but had been maintained by the book. The other had only 90,000 km but hadn’t seen a mechanic in years. Guess which one drove out of our yard in better shape?
(Hint: it wasn’t the “low kilometre” one.)
4. Clocking Back the Odometer Is Still a Thing
Believe it or not, odometer tampering is still a problem, even with digital dashes. Shady sellers know buyers love low kilometres, so they find ways to dial back the reading and make the car look more appealing.
And unfortunately, many buyers don’t check the service history, logbooks, or do a PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) check. That “low kilometre deal” might not be such a bargain after all.
5. Low Kilometres Don’t Fix Old Tech
A 2010 car with 40,000 km still has 2010 technology. It won’t have modern safety features like autonomous emergency braking, lane assist, or even Apple CarPlay. The airbags might be past their usable lifespan, and infotainment systems could feel like relics compared to today’s screens.
Sure, the car might’ve been babied for years, but if you’re expecting it to match the performance or safety of newer cars — or even well-maintained, higher-kilometre ones — it could fall short.
So… Should You Ignore Kilometres Altogether?
Not at all. Kilometres do matter — they tell part of the story. But that’s the key word: part. You’ve got to look at the full picture.
When we buy cars for cash, we don’t just ask, “How many k’s has it done?” We ask:
- Has it been serviced regularly?
- Any accident history?
- How’s the engine running?
- Any electrical or mechanical issues?
If you’re selling a low-kilometre car that’s been sitting for a while, or hasn’t been maintained well, don’t be surprised if it doesn’t fetch top dollar. On the flip side, if you’ve been taking great care of a higher-kilometre car, you might be surprised at how much value is still in it.
Final Thoughts
Low kilometres can be appealing, but they don’t guarantee a better car. Maintenance, condition, and how the vehicle was driven are just as important — sometimes even more so.
At our cash-for-cars service, we look at the full story before giving you a fair offer. So whether your car’s been a weekend cruiser or a long-haul warrior, we’re interested — and we’re here to make selling simple and stress-free.
Got a car you’re thinking of offloading? Give us a call or get a quick online quote. Kilometres or not, we’ll help you sort it out.
If you are in Prahran, and looking for a cash for cars service, this is the best way to visit us.
Richmond Cash 4 Cars
(03) 7047 6388