Can a 10-Year-Old Used Car Still Be Reliable?

Quick Facts About 10-Year-Old Used Cars

• Well-maintained vehicles receiving regular service can be reliable, even if they’ve been on the road for a decade.
• Research the vehicle history and get a multipoint inspection before purchasing a used vehicle over 10 years old.
• Follow a checklist of items to review even before you ask a mechanic to inspect the older car you want to buy. 

New car prices have fallen from record highs, auto loan interest rates are no longer rising, and inventory on dealer lots is improving. Still, many drivers are keeping their cars longer and making the most of the vehicles they already own. With fewer trade-ins, shoppers looking for used cars turn to older models because there aren’t as many newer models to choose from.

If you’re browsing the pre-owned market, you might consider buying a 10-year-old used car for plenty of reasons. Nearly all of them boil down to budget.

Where money is an issue, you must walk that fine line between affordable and dependable. Generally, more affordable older used cars might be less dependable. However, you can find a reasonably reliable used car that’s 10 years old. It may not be easy, but it is possible. Be sure to use our car affordability calculator before browsing what’s available at dealerships and our Private Seller Exchange.

Note: None of this discussion applies to collector cars, desirable classics, or other exotic vehicles. Here, we focus on more conventional transportation options. So, forget about quirky or image cars. That’s another discussion altogether.

• Is a 10-Year-Old Car Too Old?
• How to Research an Older Used Car
• Create a Used Car Checklist
• Should I Find a Mechanic to Inspect a Used Car?
• Should You Buy a 10-Year-Old Used Car?

Is a 10-Year-Old Car Too Old?

Cars over 10 years old can still be reliable. Most vehicles can last well over a decade with proper care and maintenance. In fact, the average car on U.S. roads is now 12.6 years old, according to a study from S&P Global Mobility. Furthermore, a car doesn’t really stop depreciating until it hits that 10-year mark. So, the good news in your quest for that decade-old car is that the remaining value will remain fairly constant.

When buying a car that’s 10 years old or older, your primary concerns are purchase price and reliability. Don’t pay more than the fair market value for that decade-old car. Additionally, pick a vehicle with a solid reputation for dependability. No car is really too old if you follow those rules.

As you work your way along a car’s age line (five years, seven years, and so on), the key question is, will the vehicle cost more to keep running (repair costs) than it will depreciate? Although there are sources providing reliability estimates, it’s a roll of the dice more often than not.

Finally, remember it costs more to maintain and fix certain makes of cars than others. Replacing the spark plugs in a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class will cost more than in a 2014 Ford Taurus.

When is a Used Car Too Old?

There is no exact age for when a used car is too old. A car’s potential longevity will depend on several factors, including make, model, ownership history, maintenance schedule, driving habits, environmental conditions, and more.

How to Research an Older Used Car

As with buying a new car, research is vital when seeking out that ideal older used car. You may face a chicken-or-egg dilemma. Do you first find makes and models scoring high in reliability, or do you find cars for sale in your price range and then research their reliability?

Either method works, but leave no stone unturned. Use the internet liberally to surf reviews and owner forums for the vehicles you are considering. They are a good source of common problems and experiences with a make and model. But remember, no matter how terrific a specific model might be, there is always someone out there who hates it. And it seems that people are likelier to complain than to praise online.

Determine the book value of any car you are considering. Check sites like Autotrader for reliability history and so forth. As your search narrows to a few candidates, peek into their past using a vehicle history report from a site like AutoCheck or Carfax.

Remember to ask for owner records, if available, to see how they maintained the vehicle. If someone regularly changed the oil in the car and took it in for auto repairs at regular intervals, this is another sign that the car is well-kept.

Are Old Hybrid Cars Reliable?

Older, used hybrid cars are still more fuel-efficient than many newer vehicles using only internal combustion engines. Long-term reliability will always depend on how well the automobile was cared for. If you want to buy an older hybrid, get a full vehicle history report and research the cost of replacing the battery if needed.

Create a Used Car Checklist

Even an experienced hand at used car shopping can become a little excited when meeting a candidate car for the first time. It’s natural. But, the task in front of you is to go over the car with a fine-tooth comb.

One way to do that without overlooking anything is to create a checklist of items to review even before you take a test drive.

10 Important Items to Check When Buying a Used Car

• Exterior: Look for dents and dings.
• Tires: Check for uneven wear and tread depth.
• Glass: Does the windshield or windows show any chips and cracks?
• Trunk: Look for rust under the mat or carpet. Any rust could be a sign of moisture getting into the car.
• Engine: Inspect for rust or oil leakage.
• Headliner: Look at the ceiling of the car, known as the headliner, and investigate to see if it shows any tears or is loose.
• Seats: Check to see if the seats adjust properly and to your liking.
• Upholstery: Inspect the upholstery in the car to see if it’s worn or torn. See if it has stains.
• Windows: Investigate to see if the windows rise and lower smoothly.
• Heating and Air Conditioning: Does the air conditioning work, and is the air flowing properly? How about the heat?

Should You Have Full Coverage Insurance on a 10-Year-Old Car?

The decision to carry full insurance coverage on an older car is a personal choice. Consider how much your car is worth and how much you’d be willing to pay out of pocket for any major incidents. From there, consult your budget and adjust your policy accordingly.

Should I Find a Mechanic to Inspect a Used Car?

Before making any vehicle purchase, have a qualified mechanic perform an inspection. Even if things look fine to you, a professional opinion offers value. Sure, it adds a step to the process, and you’ll pay for the service. However, the time and money you spend now can save you a lot of expenses in the long run.

A simple online search for “used car inspections near me” will get you started on the right path. There are even online services with mechanics who will come to the car.

Should You Buy a 10-Year-Old Used Car?

There are many decent, reliable 10-year-old used cars available for purchase. Certain car brands, including Toyota and Honda, have a reputation for building enduring cars made to go the distance.

It’s also important to remember that time and mileage are not the only indicators of quality used vehicles. Wear and tear varies from one car owner to the next, and finding the right older used car will almost always require serious digging.

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated since its initial publication. Russ Heaps contributed to the report.