Used Cars: How many miles is too many?, salvage title, toyota avalon

Question
Hi Zach,

I'm looking to buy a used car in the $7000 range. Does it pay to buy something a little older (2000-2002) with around 60-70k miles or something newer (2004+) with somewhere around 100k miles?

Specifically, I'm looking at Acuras. I've been looking for an RSX (2002-2004) with less than 75k miles. I have a friend who is selling a 2004 TSX with 100k miles for $8500, which seems like a great deal to me. I really didn't want a car with that many miles though. Is 100k considered high mileage these days? My goal is to put at least another 60k-75k miles on whatever car I do buy.

One last thing...should I even bother looking at salvage title cars?

Thanks!

Joe

Answer
In my professional opinion, i would and have spent more for a car with low miles vs. high miles and newer, and yes 100k miles is a lot.  Not as much on an Acura as say a Kia, but still it is hi.  I recently purchased a 1998 toyota avalon with 32000 miles, this car is new in every way, i would venture to say there is an 06 or 07 out there with 100k miles, at a higher price and probably has more wrong with it than my 98.  The true life expectancy of a car is based on how it was used, how it was serviced all through out its' life.  The earlier in the mileage you can get your car and start servicing it the way you want it serviced.  Miles are the key. I would definetly steer clear of salvage or reconditioned title cars.