As a basis, experts took several popular models - Mercedes-Benz E-Class (2011-2012), Renault Trafic (2011-2012), Hyundai Sonata (2015-2016) – and derived average secondary market prices for them depending on mileage. What was the result?
Thus, it was found that the potential price difference for the E-Class is $5,700, for the Trafic – $3,300, and for the Sonata – $3,400. That is, if, say, a 2015 Sonata with 500,000 km mileage costs on average $8,800-8,900, then a similar car but with 100,000 km mileage is already valued on the secondary market at $12,200-12,300. The same applies to the "E-class": a 2011 German sedan with 400,000 km mileage costs on average $12,800-12,900, while its counterpart with an odometer reading of 100,000 km – $15,400-15,500.
Overall, for every rolled back 100,000 km of mileage, resellers can earn from $800 (for Renault and Hyundai) to $1,400 (for Mercedes). These are substantial amounts, especially considering how much more you will have to invest in a car with a distorted history after purchase.
In this regard, buyers of used cars are advised to use car selection services whenever possible – specialists in this field will help find and choose an "honest" car. Moreover, car selectors are good at bargaining (reducing the price based on identified defects), so their service fees are often offset by the reduction in the car's price.
