Which Car to Buy - Saving Money or Buying for Longevity

[OCM19]

I am not sure if I have posted this in the right place, but I guess the dilemma and decision is about money!

I am looking to get a bigger car as I have a small run around which is quite small with a family. I have found 2 cars available at both ends of the spectrum in terms of money!

One is very cheap (I wouldn't need to take a loan out) but has done very high mileage (over 100,000 miles). It is likely that this car will only last me a few years.

The other is double the price (£14,000 more) than the high mileage car, but I tend to buy my cars for longevity and make sure they are well looked after so they last me.

I know only I can decide, but I just wondered opinions or what you've done in similar situations.

Thanks

I had a similar dilemma a few years back, looking at a cheap and cheerful Zafira or a newer one with less mileage. I went with the newer one in the end, and I've had no issues with it so far(touch wood - MOT at the end of the month).

I'm looking to sell it soon, but I've been happy with it! (Just downsizing to a one car family now.)

I would definitely go for a newer car, or even brand new, from now on. The headache of constant issues or shocking MOT surprises isn't worth it to me. I don't think that older cars are particularly good value overall, unless you can do the little jobs yourself.

Thank you @MyButteredBread that is very useful! I think with cars it's pot-luck isn't it as to whether you get one with problem after problem or one that runs smoothly!

It's just hard to part with so much money when I know, financially, I could be better off (perhaps only short-term) with the older one!

Thanks

Oh definitely. I feel like I'm buying peace of mind as well as a car, if that makes sense.

What's your idea of longevity? 3 years, 5 years, 10 years?
Is the 100k miles one petrol or diesel? How old is it now?
My own theory is newer cars won't last as long as older ones purely because of all the electronics on them. But of course I could be wrong.

If I was buying a new car that I would hope to get 5 plus years trouble free motoring from, I think I would be looking at something 3-5 years old, (so the worst depreciation has already gone), max 50k miles if petrol, a reliable make that hold their value well that came with a decent warranty.

Hi @CrotchetyQuaver - I guess previously I would be looking for 5 years plus.

They are both diesel (SUV) and it is 2013, but only had 2 owners. The newer one is 2016 (37,000 miles) and has had 3 owners.

I guess I just don't know enough about cars but the common (perhaps misconception) is to stay clear of high mileage cars.