Should I keep my BMW X5's mileage down?

Hi,

I have a January 2015 BMW X5 25d bought new with now 70,000km on it. I had planned to keep it four years, but at the rate I am putting up the kms I am worried dealers will tell me it has too high a mileage at probably 150,000km to be worth much on trade. I know some main dealers don't like higher mileage premium stock. Would I be better if I was going for something similar to trade in when the car is relatively younger or do you think it won't make much difference?

Anthony Kiely (Nenagh)

Dec 2016 Filed under: mileage

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Expert answer

Hi Anthony,

The thing is, it shouldn’t make a difference, but it probably will. Our advice to buyers, and it’s the sensible advice, is to basically ignore the mileage and concentrate on the paperwork. If a car comes with a thick sheaf of service book stamps and receipts showing that it has been properly cared for, then the mileage is more or less irrelevant. A well cared for car with huge miles will always be a better car than a low-miles one that’s been abused.

Unfortunately, not everyone listens to us and so, yes, high miles or kilometres can still be an issue. I think the best thing you can do is to go and have a chat with your local dealer and see what they say. If your car is impeccably kept and serviced, then they may say that mileage will only be a minor factor and you can keep the car you’ve got for a bit yet. If they say otherwise, then it may be time to swap.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Advisor
@neilmbriscoe