Too vague of a question. Depends on the car and what you are looking to get out of it. A 2001 Chrysler Sebring with 80k miles vs a 2015 Toyota Camry with 150k miles I'd pick the camry. But if it was that Camry vs a 2001 Corolla with only 80k miles, I'd pick the Corolla (that is if everything about these random assigned cars were all supposed to be mechanically sound) 

It depends on make and model. Which vehicle or vehicles are you interested in?

Depends ho it has been maintained.  I always look at mileage before age because it is an indication of actual use and wear.

I have a 1999 Honda Accord. Since new. 

From 1999-2006, I racked up 200K+ miles. Basic maintenance, changed the clutch once. And changed a relay.

Most of the repairs, like fuel pump, struts, axle boots, door latch mechanism, O2 sensor, came when the car had 225+ miles and more than 15 years old. 

I think it is a little of both. Age and mileage. 

Mileage will tell you how far a car has gone, but that's it. Age tells you how old it is, and that's it. A very crucial piece is being missed, which is maintenance. Were these vehicles maintained? Did the owners take care of them, or are they beat up?

I have seen cars with 20k miles that were completely toast, and cars with 300k+ that still ran like champs. Maintenance is truly key. I would find out all I could, maybe check the history reports to see if the dealer maintained them or not. Definitely get a mechanic involved in anything prior to purchase.

And the Solara? Good cars. Affordable now in good shape. Get the best price you can and if it checks out mechanically, go for it.

Mileage usually, but of course it depends on exactly what numbers we are talking about 

To be honest, picking the best model years with minimal issues and an excellent service history go a long way.  I personally look for 1 owner used cars that were well taken care of.  The vehicle could be newer and have 60,000 miles (as an example) but not maintained at all versus an older one with higher mileage but well taken care of and (ideally) all services and maintenance documented.l;  in that case I would take the older, higher mileage one.  Personally, I like to look at 5-10 year old vehicles with <100,000 miles, 1 owner, excellent service history.  Other folk’s mileage (no pun intended) may vary.

Find a Toyota Sienna. 

Generally, the Mileage is more important than the age. 

If you don't need the Ford, you ought to see what Carmax or Carvana would offer you for it now. In normal times, you'd only get 30-50% of the original price. A couple years from now, you could get something new/used at a more reasonable price - and it might be something you'd need or prefer then (sports car, SUV, good mpg). Cash gives you options, and you would save on insurance.

Both have their pros and cons it depends a lot on the car and the likelihood of a long life or not 

It depends on how it was taken care of and what kind of life it had.  Let’s assume it’s a Toyota Camry:  I would take a one owner, high mileage vehicle that was meticulously taken care of (always on top of the maintenance intervals) with primarily highway miles over a low mileage one but with multiple owners, not taken care of, and lots of stop-and-go city driving.  So, as you can see, more than just mileage needs to be considered - of course I used Toyota as an example and, with proper maintenance, they usually have lots of life left (even at higher mileages)

If it’s any other make or model besides Toyota/Honda/Mazda/maybe Subaru - they usually don’t fair well at high mileage and I would pass on them.  For certain makes and models, even the low mileage ones I would not trust.  A good example is a Fiat 500:  run away from both high and low mileage examples of these.  So, to an extent the make and model also matters as well as how long you plan to hold onto the vehicle (years and additional mileage).

You would need to be more specific about which vehicle you are looking at.

Age vs Mileage?

These are only parameters that help asses the actual condition of the vehicle.

the only way to actually gauge the car's actual condition is by inspecting it

It's not uncommon to see cars of the same model, year, and milage in very different conditions.

Honda/Toyota with sloppy or non-existent maintenance history vs Chrysler/Fiat with impeccable maintenance history?

Obviously, without a doubt, Toyota / Honda with no maintenance history.

A maintenance history won't make a crap car any more reliable.

maintenance records are only a way to verity wether the car was abused,

But when performing a proper pre-purchase inspection you'll know it pretty quickly anyway.

That 07 mileage seems awfully low!!! I would do your own car history report on that to verify first.

I always go newer with high mileage. It usually means most of the miles were done on the highway which is a lot less stressful on the drivetrain than city driving.

Definitely subjective and depends on how many miles we are talking about and how old the vehicle is.

Overall condition is the most important factor.

age or mileage?

I've seen 3 year old cars that are garbage, and 15 year old cars that are like new.

I've seen failing powertrains at 60k miles, and perfect powertrains at 150k miles.

So actually, neither - it's all about how it was built and how it was maintained.

I'll take older with less mileage all day long.

Depends on the model, A lot of old models are terrible.

But for example, hypothetically, I'd get a 60k mile 2008 Sequoia over a 150k mile 2018 Sequoia.

But on many cars with complex drivetrains age is also very significant - I wouldn't get a 2008 Prius or Kia NO matter how low milage it is.

Tuff question and tuff choices you gave there...

Get them checked by mech and if all mechanically the same, get the one you like best.  With that said, I think you should be able to find similar on your list but fewer miles.

Yes for son... have it checked first and dicker the price ;  )

In my opinion I would chose C but they are all great vehicles.

Mileage of course. Having said that, you should be able to find a newer vehicle for $5500.

Hi Scotty!

I'm looking to pick up TWO used 5th generation ('07-'12) Lexus ES350's within the next 3 months; one for me and one for my 23yo daughter. I took a '07 out yesterday with 38k miles on it and it was in EXCELLENT shape. I love it. The dealer is listing $9,995, which I believe is an excellent price. I would prefer a private party purchase but hard to find one with my specs. But here is my question:

Is it better to get a '07 with lower miles or an '11 or '12 with 120k miles? I'm kinda concerned about the age of the '07 even though it has low miles. I would think that the plastics, solenoids, sensors, etc. would fail sooner than a later model. If a '12 has high miles but was maintained nicely, it wouldn't scare me off. BUT, the latter is going for bigger money than a low mileage '07 or '08. OBVIOUSLY with either I would have a mechanic run codes on it before I commit. 

I would appreciate your educated assistance! Thanks!

Nevermind on that example. It was already bought by someone else. I just knew it wouldn't last! 😲 

I'm looking to purchase a used Toyota 4Runner. Which is more important, newer vehicle or lower mileage?

Hi, Mr. Kilmer I’m buying a Mini-van but I do have a low budget. Am I supposed to look for younger age with higher milage or the older one with low mileage?

Thanks, Fred

In short I am guessing your planning to buy a van that can last u for quite some while. Don't get the really old one with high mileage they can become endless money pit even if it's toyota. Get the ones after 2010 with mileage of at least 100000miles to 150000miles miles so you don't have any problems.

Also just don't hand over the cash get the van inspected by mechanic and also road test it especially on highway  

A newer car with high mileage can indicate two things. One is it has seen most of its life on the highway which is a good thing for the engine. Two is it has seen many people in the back seats as a Uber vehicle which isn’t good. The latter is less likely.

Meanwhile, an older car with low mileage can also means two things. One is most of its life has been in the city and has dealt with dirts and heat. Two is it hasn’t been driven much in its year.

I would choose based on the brand of the car, to be honest because you have no clue of its history. Carfax and similar services are bullshit. They tell you nothing. They don’t tell you whether the previous owner used his or her car to street race or jump over rivers. Any car can street race and still in prestine shape. Just a quick example.

Hi Scotty,(Mileage vs age for vehicle) Is it better to buy a newer car with high mileage or older car with low mileage?

Scotty:  Which do you feel is more important in a vehicle’s reliability, age or mileage?  I own a 2014 Ford F-150 with the EccoBoost turbo 6. 54,000 mostly highway miles, perfect reliability history.  Still, it is 7.5 years old and with the crazy prices of used cars, I am tempted to sell it (it is our extra vehicle, so I can wait for a replacement).  I know you are not a fan of turbos, but should I expect problems in the next few years if I keep it?  We do like to drive it from Austin, TX to Colorado and back, and I am not a fan of break downs.  Thanks.