Depends on level of mechanical ability in my opinion
I searched for close to 2 years for the EXACT rig i wanted, color, interior, etc... For a decent price.
I found it for $20k (friend hookup) with 213k miles... Not a spec of rust..
I am in the process of collecting EVERY SINGLE suspension wear item, all 8 control arms, new trac bar, all sway bar links, new CV axle assemblies, wheel bearings, etc...
All of this in parts will cost me about $4k for all OEM items. I can do all the labor myself.
Traded a Suzuki Sammy project for a complete Bilstein suspension kit.
$24k all in for a rig with basically an entirely brand new suspension system all around. Winning!
I figure just for piece of mind, i am also going to preventively replace the steering rack, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, water pump, starter, alternator, etc... with all new OEM. That added up to under $29k still
So for under $30k i will be in a damn near new 200, because i can do all my labor, and if i get stuck, lucky to have friends that can assist,
If i didnt have the ability or skills to do all the labor, and needed to pay a shop to do it, my resto-mod plan likely wouldn't make sense vs buying a much lower mileage rig for more $.
I think when people discuss "Mileage" on rigs, there is much more context involved.
Me personally, i would MUCH rather have a 215k mile rig that ive replaced all wear components with my own 2 hands on, that i know is done right, than a 100k rig that costs 2x $ and will eventually need said wear items.
Once everything is all replaced, based on how much (little) use it will get, my 200 will most definitely outlast me... LOL
Everyones scenario is different
My .04 (inflation)
