Plenty of Hondas and Mazdas in NSW have travelled 200,000 km or more. If yours is one of them, you may wonder whether anyone will want it. The short answer: high kilometres change the conversation, but they don't end it.
What counts as 'high kilometres'?
There's no official definition. Many buyers start to treat a car as high-kilometre somewhere around 150,000–200,000 km, but it depends on the car's age. A ten-year-old car with 200,000 km has been driven more than average; a twenty-year-old car with the same reading has not.
What buyers look for in a high-kilometre car
When the odometer is high, buyers pay closer attention to evidence of care:
- Regular servicing, ideally documented
- Major maintenance already done — for example cooling system work, suspension parts or transmission servicing
- How the engine starts, idles and pulls
- Smooth gear changes and no slipping
- No warning lights on the dashboard
- Tyres and brakes in reasonable condition
Presenting your car honestly
A clean car makes a better first impression, but there's no need to spend heavily on repairs before selling — you may not get that money back. Instead, gather records, list the known issues, and take clear photos. Honest information helps you get a realistic offer and avoids surprises.
Registration in NSW
If your car is registered, keep the registration certificate handy. If registration has lapsed, the car can't be driven on NSW roads without an appropriate permit. Depending on how long it has been unregistered, re-registering a vehicle may require an inspection. Check Service NSW for the current rules that apply to your situation.
We consider unregistered Hondas and Mazdas — just select 'Unregistered' on our form.
Finance and ownership
If there's finance owing on the car, it will need to be resolved as part of the sale. Let any buyer know upfront. You'll also need to be able to show that you're the owner or authorised to sell the vehicle.
After the sale
In NSW, the change of ownership needs to be notified to Service NSW. Check the current requirements and timeframes on the Service NSW website, keep a copy of your sale details, and remember to remove e-tags, personal items and any garage remotes from the car.
This guide is general information only, not legal or financial advice. Vehicle values depend on the individual car and market conditions. Check Service NSW for current registration and transfer requirements.
