What Is High Mileage For A Diesel Car? (2024)

Diesel has been for decades engrained on the market as one of the main types of vehicle fuel. It’s ideal for heavy-duty vehicles, but owners of diesel cars benefit from their fuel efficiency, torque and durability as well. If you’re looking for a used diesel car, it’s important to consider its mileage. This brings us to the question – what is high mileage for a diesel car?

In this article, we’ll look at the factors affecting the longevity of diesel car engines and also discuss what constitutes high mileage for a diesel vehicle. We’ll also go over every important diesel rule that you need to be aware of when using a diesel vehicle.

How High Mileage Is Too Much For A Diesel?

How high mileage is too high for a diesel car depends on two main factors: how well you maintain your vehicle and what you use it for. Diesel engines can last for astonishing 30 years (or even more) if you maintain them properly.

In many cases, a diesel engine with over 200,000 miles on the clock will remain in good condition if the previous owners checked and maintained it as they ought to. However, to avoid getting a bad or washed-up vehicle, it is best to get a mechanic to inspect the engine and other components before buying a used diesel vehicle, such as a pickup truck or car. A prior check before buying is quite important when the vehicle already has 100,000 miles on the clock.

Diesel cars may initially have a higher price tag, but they can provide you with more mileage than petrol models. Thanks to their better fuel economy and reliability, diesel vehicles are ideal for daily driving needs, especially if there’s easy access to diesel fuel nearby. The average diesel vehicle travels between 9,000 and 10,000 miles (14,000 and 16,000 km) per year.

Manufacturers are also creating modern cars that offer incredibly high performance and durability. For example, the Powerstroke diesel engine and Duramax engine have earned a reputation for excellent longevity.

There are 4 key factors that can help you decide when choosing between a used diesel and a gasoline car.

• Your driving habits: A diesel car is better for you if you travel long distances frequently because it will be more fuel-efficient on highways. However, we advise you to select a gas-engine car if you mostly drive in the city because gasoline cars have better acceleration, and it is easier to drive them in stop-and-go traffic.
• Maintenance costs: Diesel engines tend to have a longer lifespan than gasoline engines and require less frequent maintenance. However, major diesel repairs tend to be more expensive.
• Environmental impact: Diesel trucks and cars emit more harmful gases, which contribute to environmental pollution. On the other hand, a petrol model is likely to have lower emissions.
• Resale value: Petrol cars commonly hold their resale value much better than diesel models, particularly in countries where the negative environmental impacts of using diesel fuel have led to decreased demand.

Diesel engines are renowned for their relentless performance, producing more power and torque than the average car with a petrol engine. Their higher compression ratio makes them ideal for heavy-duty vehicles like trucks and buses, offering reliable strength across long distances.

Additionally, diesel engines are renowned for their longevity thanks to a simpler design featuring fewer components, running at lower RPMs. With proper maintenance, you can expect your diesel engine to last longer than its gasoline counterpart.

See how hybrid and electric cars fare in terms of endurance.

Electric cars: The endurance of an electric car depends on the capacity of its battery because that is its main source of power. Electric cars can perform well over long distances if they have large batteries and efficient charging systems.

Modern electric car batteries last for many years and miles of driving. Depending on how frequently you use the vehicle, the lithium-ion batteries in the majority of electric cars last between 8 and 10 years or longer.

Hybrid cars: Hybrid cars’ endurance depends on their battery capacity and how efficient their ICEs are. A high-quality hybrid vehicle should be able to operate reliably and efficiently for many years and miles of driving. One advantage of hybrid vehicles is that they require less maintenance than traditional petrol or diesel vehicles, as the electric motor and battery can help reduce engine wear and tear.

When it comes to buying a used car, there are many potential pitfalls. To ensure you’re making the best purchase possible and getting your money’s worth, consider these key points:

• Mileage: Consider how many miles the car has gone. It’s best to avoid diesel cars (or any else) with many miles on the clock since they are more likely to experience mechanical issues and could be weared-out. However, cars with high mileage can be well maintained, so this criterion is not enough to properly decide.
• Service history: Evaluating the maintenance history of a used car can give you valuable insight into whether the previous owner took meticulous care of the vehicle. Checking for regular repairs and upkeep is essential in making sure the car is road-ready.
• Type of driving: When seeking a quality pre-owned vehicle, it is important to take into account the way in which the previous owner drove. You may want to prioritise a car that has mainly lived on highways since it is likely less worn out than even a low-mileage vehicle used in the city with frequent stops and starts.
• Future repair costs: A higher-mileage car may require more maintenance and repairs, so it’s important to budget for these costs when weighing your options.

Anyone driving a high-mileage car must adhere to the following rules:

• Change engine oil: Use premium oil and filters and make periodic oil changes.
• Check and replace fluids: Routinely check and replace all engine fluids. Never let the transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant or power steering run low.
• Keep up with maintenance: Adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines for tune-ups, belt replacements and other services.
• Replace worn parts: Monitor and replace parts prone to wear, such as tyres, brakes and suspension components.

When driving a car with high mileage, keep the following tips in mind:

• Taking note of even the small signs from your car could save you time and money in the long run. Do not overlook things such as faint vibrations, strange noises or dashboard warning lights.
• Avoid rapid acceleration or hard braking as this can put extra strain on the engine and transmission
• Check your tyre pressure and inflate the tyres regularly.

It is not always better to buy a car with low mileage. When making a car purchase, mileage isn’t the only indicator of quality. For example, the car’s age is also worth considering. A low-mileage car that’s been sitting idle for years could still require costly repairs due to its dated components.

The maintenance history of a car is also crucial. A well-maintained vehicle with more miles may be more dependable than a low-mileage car. Also, consider the driving conditions and the price of the vehicle.