Last updated: October 2026
Has your car done 200,000, 300,000 or even more kilometres? Many owners assume a car like that has no value left. It does. We buy cars of any age and any kilometres across Melbourne and Victoria, and a high odometer reading is one of the most common things we see.
This guide explains why high kilometre cars still sell, what really sets the price, and how to get a fair offer without spending money first.
Why High Kilometre Cars Still Sell
A car with big kilometres still has a market. Some buyers want a cheap daily driver or a work vehicle. Others want a project car. Many older cars are also worth money for their parts and metal, even when they no longer run.
Well built cars from brands with a strong reliability record, such as Toyota, Honda and Mazda, often run well past 300,000 kilometres when they have been serviced. That is why the odometer is only one part of the value.
What Really Sets the Price
When we price a high kilometre car, we look at the whole picture:
- Service history. Regular servicing shows the car has been looked after. After the make and model, it is the biggest single factor.
- Type of driving. Highway kilometres cause less wear than short city trips with constant stopping and starting.
- Mechanical condition. How the engine and gearbox run matters more than the number on the dash.
- Body and interior. Rust, damage and interior wear all affect what the car is worth.
- Model demand. Some models stay in demand at any age, especially utes, four wheel drives and reliable small cars.
- Accident history. A clean record helps, but a past accident does not stop us buying the car.
You can read more in our guide to how we value your car.
Why Private Buyers Push Hard on High Kilometre Cars
Selling a high kilometre car privately is often slow. Many private buyers filter out listings above a set number of kilometres, so fewer people see your advert. The ones who do call often use the odometer to push the price down hard.
A private sale in Victoria also needs a roadworthy certificate to transfer the registration. On an older car, repairs to tyres, brakes or suspension can cost more than they add to the price. Our article on the roadworthy trap explains this in detail.
Should You Fix It Before Selling?
Usually not. A quick clean inside and out and a folder with your service records are worth doing because they cost little. Major repairs rarely pay for themselves on a high kilometre car. Tell the buyer about any known faults instead. An honest description gives you a firm price that does not change on the day. See what is worth fixing before you sell for a full breakdown.
How Selling to Us Works
- Send photos and details. Share the make, model, year, kilometres and condition. We give you a price from your photos straight away.
- We inspect and confirm. We come to you at no cost. The price stays the same unless a major fault was not mentioned.
- Get paid on the spot. We pay by cash, bank transfer or cheque before the car leaves, and we handle the paperwork. Nine out of ten sales are completed the same day.
There is no pickup fee, no roadworthy needed, and we buy cars that do not run.
Common Myths About High Kilometre Cars
“Nobody buys cars over 200,000 kilometres.” They do. These cars sell as budget cars, work vehicles and parts donors every day.
“Dealers only want newer cars.” Many dealers offer little for older trade ins, but licensed car buyers like us buy cars of any age.
“Low kilometres always means a better car.” A low kilometre car that sat unused or only did short trips can be in worse shape than a well serviced highway car.
The Bottom Line
High kilometres lower a car’s value, but they rarely make it worthless. Gather your service records, describe the car honestly and get a firm offer before you spend money on repairs. For a quick price, send us a few photos and get an instant cash offer for your car.
See the vehicles we are buying right now on our cars wanted page.
Driving an older Holden with big kilometres? Our guide to selling a Holden in Victoria explains what affects its value now the brand has gone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell a car with very high kilometres?
Yes. We buy cars of any age and any kilometres. Cars over 200,000 kilometres still sell as budget cars, work vehicles and parts donors.
What affects the value of a high kilometre car?
Service history, accident record, condition, brand reputation and how the car was driven all matter, not only the odometer. Highway kilometres usually cause less wear than city driving.
Do I need a roadworthy to sell a high kilometre car?
Not if you sell to a licensed motor car trader. We buy the car as it is, with no roadworthy needed and no pickup fee.
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About the author: Written by Steve, owner of Victorian Car Buyers, a licensed motor car trader (LMCT 12395) based in Delahey, Melbourne.