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While prices have slowly recovered since the market peak of December 2022, the average transaction price (ATP) for new carswas $48,644 in June, according to Kelley Blue Book, which is well beyond the reach of the average U.S. driver.
With new vehicles costing so much, Americans are holding on to their vehicles longer. According to S&P Mobility, the average vehicle age grew about two months from last year, hitting an all-time record average age of 12.6 years in 2024.
Luckily for the 233 million people with valid driver’s licenses in the United States, cars are built to last longer too. Mechanical issues increase with age for every make and model, however, standard cars in this day and age are expected to reach at least 200,000 miles.
When your trusty ride is nearing 150,000 turns on the odometer, the potential for big repairs goes up and you’ll be asking yourself whether it’s worth it to continue rehabbing your car or replace it. Many cars older than this are still much cheaper to keep than what it’ll cost you in new car payments.
To enjoy your car from its first miles to late-model status, you’ll have to keep it well-maintained with regular tune-ups and part replacements, but there are some repairs that are common to vehicles that reach the 150,000 milestone. Here are nine things you should do when your car hits 150,000 miles and the cost of each, courtesy of Kelley Blue Book (KBB) and Consumer Reports.
1. Regular Maintenance
- Average Repair Cost: $50-$150 (depending on part/service)
Routine maintenance that is first covered by your traditional warranty period — regular oil changes, tire rotations, fluid changes and inspecting the brakes, wipers and tires for wear — should be continued throughout the life of your car and will cost you $50-$150 per visit, depending on what you’re getting done.
2. Brake Pads/Discs and Tires
- Average Repair Cost: $249-$275, $556-$1,256 (Consumer Reports)
Brakes and tires should be inspected regularly because they are crucial parts that need to be in excellent working condition. Consumer Reports suggests replacing brake discs or pads ($249-$275) and tires ($556-$1,256) every 25,000-70,000 and 30,000-80,000 miles, respectively, but that will depend on your driving habits and typical road conditions you regularly encounter.
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3. Fluids, Belts, Filters and Hoses
- Average Repair Cost: $50-$450 (depending on part/service)
The remaining repairs listed here are more common in high-mileage cars, and although you may have already done them, you should look at doing them again. For example, filters are relatively inexpensive, but serpentine belts, which often need replacing around 150,000 miles, will cost you between $150 and $200, per CarParts.com. Replacing transmission fluid should cost between $80-$250, per J.D. Power, but a radiator hose will run you around $425, according to RepairPal.
4. Brake Rotors
- Average Repair Cost: $532.91-$612.01 (KBB)
Your car’s brake rotors are typically suggested to be replaced every 60,000 miles, as are your brake pads.Your pads will have been changed at least once by the time you make it to 150,000 miles, but it’ll be worth doing it again when you swap out the rotors. If you’re particularly handy, you can DIY it and save hundreds, but rotors are trickier than pads to change.
5. Spark Plugs
- Average Repair Cost: $355.77-$417.07 (KBB)
Many spark plugs are rated for 100,000 miles, however, some carmakers recommend replacement at 30,000-mile intervals. You should follow the spark plug service intervals shown in your owner’s manual, but if you can’t remember when you last replaced them, it would be smart to do it at 150,000 miles.
6. Starter
- Average Repair Cost: $727.98-$820.04 (KBB)
If you haven’t replaced your car, truck or utility vehicle’s starter around 100,000 miles to 150,000 miles, consider yourself lucky. A wonky starter will have trouble turning over, make clicking sounds upon start up, may produce a burning smell and smoke or will simply be dead.
7. Alternator
- Average Repair Cost: $746.63-$842.18 (KBB)
Your car’s alternator powers your electronics and recharges your battery by converting the mechanical energy from your engine into electrical energy. Although you could ask for a repair estimate for your alternator, you’ll most likely just end up replacing it at a bare minimum of $450 “for an aftermarket alternator on an economy car (like a Honda Civic) to $2,200-plus for an OEM alternator on a luxury vehicle (like a BMW 740i),” per Consumer Affairs.
8. Head Gasket
- Average Repair Cost: $3,957 (Consumer Reports)
At 150,000 miles, you should be checking seals more often. In particular, the head gasket, which creates a seal between the engine block and the head. Luckily, this important engine part can last for up to 200,000 miles. If you do need to get one replaced, it’ll cost you anywhere from $2,000 to $6,000.
9. Muffler and Exhaust Parts
- Average Repair Cost: $725 (Consumer Reports)
Exhaust parts are unlikely to endure a lifetime because of the intense heat, challenging driving conditions, and harsh environmental factors they encounter. If you live in a snowy state, salt can erode a muffler or tail pipe quickly. Many original equipment manufacturer (OEM) exhaust systems are surprisingly durable and 12-15-year, 150,000-mile vehicles have survived without replacement. However, it’s a good idea to get it looked at around this age. A muffler replacement will cost around $725.
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