Experts increasingly emphasize: low mileage does not guarantee impeccable technical condition. Moreover, long periods of standing without proper maintenance can cause significant malfunctions in various systems.

Sarah Jenkins, who specializes in the used car market, notes in a comment to the British publication Express: cars are designed for daily use, not for long-term storage in a garage. If a vehicle is not used for several months or even years, this can significantly affect its technical condition. Even in a room protected from moisture and temperature fluctuations, the car remains vulnerable to such problems:

  • brake mechanisms can seize;

  • rubber seals can dry out, leading to oil or coolant leaks;

  • the battery discharges and can completely fail;

  • tires lose their shape, especially if the pressure in them was insufficient;

  • mold can appear in the cabin due to increased humidity.

Moreover, when a car is not in use, it is usually taken for maintenance less often. So a car with low mileage that has been sitting for a long time can cause more trouble than one that was regularly used and serviced on time.

Jenkins notes that many buyers mistakenly believe: a car with 48,000 kilometers of mileage is a priori better than one that has traveled 128,000. However, if the first example stood idle for several years, and the second actively drove and underwent scheduled maintenance, then the advantage is not necessarily on the side of the car with lower mileage.

What to pay attention to when buying a car with low mileage:

  • ask the owner about the conditions and place of storage of the vehicle;

  • clarify whether maintenance was performed regularly;

  • carefully check the condition of tires, brake discs, and the engine;

  • pay attention to how the engine starts, as well as any unusual sounds or smells.

Experts also advise owners not to leave their cars idle for a long time. Even if you use the car infrequently, it is worth taking short trips of 15–50 kilometers from time to time. This will help keep it in working condition and prevent unexpected breakdowns.