Would you buy a 2003 Honda CRV in immaculate condition for $11,000 USD with 40,000km on it or a 2006 Honda CRV in great condition a little more worn than the 2003, but still great for $7,000 USD with 150,000km?
KM & USD? Other than knowing 88kmh is equal to 55mph, I know nothing to relate it to. USD... Yeah, I know that. I bought a 2015 Rav4 from a Toyota Dealership for $14,000 USD. Great condition car with newer airbags, sensors and engineering.
Sounds like both may be overpriced... That said, immaculate must also include service/fluid replacements that are based on time AND mileage. Most coolants are rated for 5-year/100k increments. If older, the additives lose their effectiveness, etc... Brake systems can erode from non-use, oil can sludge up from non-use, transmission additives can die out over time, suspension parts can even lose their effectiveness if not "exercised." If those things aren't done, it may be pretty and clean but unsafe or a bad investment. Cars are meant to be driven and heat up. I recently inherited a 22k mile 2006 Buick and that needed all sorts of fuel system cleaning, fluid changes and AT-205 was my savior (thanks Scotty Kilmer!)
A lot of money always equals a lot of risk. A seller is more likely to lie, deny & hide problems if there's top dollar as a reward.
Then there's the odometer tampering that's always possible. Look for my other posts, I get into ODO tampering in depth.
Awesome advice, sorry for the confusion with km and USD I converted the Australian dollars to US but forgot to covert the km to miles. I never thought about the fact that if the car has been sitting a long time it might actually be a bad thing. I was using immaculate in the fact it has no rust anywhere, the interior and exterior litterally look brand new. For me though I am more concerned about the engine and transmission, head gaskets, suspension, more is this thing going to break down on me? I could care less about scratches and superficial stuff. My current Tacoma is my off-road beast and love it so much, been driving it as my daily driver though and feeling like I need something smaller for everyday commuting and stuff. So would you say I should go for one with higher mileage and a lower price tag? There is a 2004 Honda CRV for $4,200 with 148,000 miles on it? I was looking at Rav 4 as well 2006 with 158,000 miles for 8,000? FYI just for a comparison 2015 Rav 4 cheapest I can find is 15,000 with 132,000 miles on it. Trying to keep it around that $8,000. Like to get something for going camping, getting my surf boards and bikes around, that kind of thing.
Will look into the ODO tampering though.
Is the one with 40,000 kms genuine mileage? Can it be proven?
Also I’m guessing they’re both manuals?
150,000 kms is still relatively low mileage for a CR-V, so if it’s in better mechanical shape than the 40,000 kms unit, I’d pick it.
All else being equal, and if the mileage is proven to be 40,000 kms, I’d pick it, obviously for not more than AUD 8-10,000 though..
Obviously, as with any used vehicle, have it thoroughly inspected by a professional mechanic, before purchase.
A$15,000 for an almost 20 yr old CR-V, crikey..
