Today's cars with six figures on their odometers look and drive better than ever thanks in large part to chemistry.
Changes made at the molecular level in rustproofing; steel body panels; engine and transmission parts; paints; rubber components such as seals in the drivetrain; and suspension bushings have ensured that many older cars have plenty of life — and value — in them after they pass 100,000 miles.
That's being recognized by a growing number of franchised dealers who are selectively adding well-maintained high-mileage used vehicles to their inventories and selling them profitably, a scenario that is expected to continue even after the new- and used-car markets return to normal.