...At first glance, the first option seems more profitable. But in practice, things are a bit more complicated. Let's examine both options.

Option #1: A car with 300,000-350,000 miles at the low end of the market

This is the cheapest segment of the market. These cars are usually sold for one reason: the lifespan of the main components is running low.

With around 300,000 km on the clock, the following parts often reach the end of their life:

engine

gearbox

turbine (if equipped)

suspension

steering rack

fuel system

The higher the mileage, the higher the risk of breakdowns, as most parts are already heavily worn.

Pros of this option

low purchase price

you can customize everything

if you do the repairs yourself, you save on labor

it barely loses value

Cons

risk of hidden problems

large investment

you can spend more than the car is worth

difficult to sell later

Sometimes people think, "I'll buy it cheap and completely restore it."
But in practice, unexpected problems almost always arise - electrics, corrosion, minor breakdowns.

So, instead of a $2,000 - $3,000 investment, you end up with $6,000 - $8,000.

Option #2: Car with 150,000 - 200,000 km

This is usually the middle of a car's life.

If the car has been properly maintained, it still has quite a long lifespan.

Many modern cars easily last 300,000–400,000 km with good maintenance.

Pros

Less wear on major components

Less likely to need major repairs

Easier to sell

Fewer unexpected expenses

Cons

More expensive to buy

You'll still need to service it

But in most cases, the total cost of ownership is lower because there are fewer major repairs.

The most important thing is not the mileage

The main rule of the car market:

Condition is more important than mileage.

A well-maintained car with 300,000 km on the clock may be better than a wrecked one with 150,000.

Experts always recommend looking at:

service history

number of owners

body condition

engine condition

interior condition

Because mileage isn't always a reflection of the car's actual condition.

When is it advantageous to buy a car with 300+ km on the clock?

This option makes sense if:

you're a mechanic

you have access to cheap parts

you're buying very cheap

the model is simple and reliable

For example:

older Toyota diesels

older Mercedes

simple naturally aspirated engines

When is it better to buy a car with 150,000 - 200,000 km on the clock?

This is the best option if:

you don't want to constantly repair the car

you plan to drive it every day

you don't have time for repairs

This is usually the most reasonable balance between price and the car's lifespan.

✅ Bottom Line

In short:

300,000+ miles are cheap, but they come with risk and a large investment.

150,000 - 200,000 miles are more expensive, but they're safer and more reliable.

Therefore, for most people, it's better to buy a car with 150,000 - 200,000 miles than to buy a car with 300,000+ miles and try to completely restore it.

But if you understand cars and know how to repair them, sometimes it's more cost-effective to buy a cheaper option and have it perfectly restored.