How Old Can My Car Be? (Age & Mileage Limits 2025)

If you apply for a title loan with a 2024 Tesla, approval is instant. But what if you drive a 2008 Honda Accord with 180,000 miles? Can you still tap into its equity?

The answer is generally yes, but the approval criteria shift from "Is it new?" to "Is it working?".

Unlike traditional auto financing (where banks rarely finance cars older than 7 years), title lenders specialize in older vehicles. This guide explains the age limits, mileage caps, and exceptions that can get your older car approved.

The General Rules of Thumb

Every lender has their own "black box" algorithm, but here are the industry averages for Idaho:

• Age Limit: Most lenders prefer vehicles 10 to 12 years old or newer (e.g., 2013-2015 models).
• Mileage Limit: The "soft cap" is often 200,000 miles.
• Minimum Value: The car usually needs a wholesale value of at least $2,000.

The "Value Over Age" Exception

Lenders are pragmatic. They don't care about the year printed on the door sticker; they care about what the car sells for at auction.

A 15-year-old Toyota Tacoma or 4Runner might be worth $12,000. A 6-year-old luxury German car with engine problems might be worth $4,000.

Victory for Reliability: Brands known for longevity (Toyota, Honda, Subaru, Diesel Trucks) often get approved even when they are 15-20 years old because lenders know they hold value and sell easily.

High Mileage: Is 200k the End?

Not necessarily. While 200k is a common cutoff for automated approval systems, a manual underwriter can override it.

If you have a diesel truck with 250,000 miles, that is considered "broken in." If the body is clean and the transmission is solid, you can likely still get a loan, though the LTV (Loan-to-Value) ratio might be lower (e.g., 25% instead of 50%).

The Classic Car Loophole

What if you own a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro? It's 50+ years old. Based on the "10-year rule," it should be rejected.

However, it's worth $40,000.

Classic Car Title Loans are a specific niche. For these, the lender ignores the "book value" and performs a manual appraisal. They treat it like fine art or jewelry. If you have a classic, make sure you mention "Classic Car" specifically when applying, or the automated system might auto-reject you based on the year.

How to Improve Your Chances with an Older Car

If your car is on the borderline (e.g., a 2010 model), the condition is the tie-breaker.

1. Clean It: Appearance matters. A washed, vacuumed car looks like it has been maintained.
2. Fix the Obvious: Replace a $10 tail light bulb. Top off the oil so the engine sounds smooth.
3. Provide Records: If you have maintenance records showing a new transmission or timing belt, show them. This proves the car has more life left than the mileage suggests.