What is Good Mileage On A Used Car?

When buying a used vehicle, you’ll want to not only check out its physical condition and mechanical condition, but also its mileage. While many Arlington and Fort Worth drivers might suggest that you stay away from a used vehicle that has over 100,000 miles on the odometer, that is a rule that’s largely based on antediluvian wisdom. In fact, it’s really not a rule at all, per se. What’s more, mileage is just one thing to consider when buying a used vehicle. Read on to learn more about what other factors people consider when buying used vehicles.

Other Factors to Consider When Buying a Used Car

Mileage is just one component to consider in your used car search. Here are several others:

• Maintenance – Check the maintenance history of the vehicle to be certain that it has been routinely serviced with things like oil changes and tire rotations. An irregular service history can be a sign of expensive problems in the future.
• Condition – Condition goes hand-in-hand with maintenance. Get a certified mechanic to inspect the vehicle to determine if there are any issues, such as mechanical problems or rust, that will need to be dealt with. Figure this cost into your budget.
• Usage – A car driven 75,000 miles in stop-and-go traffic will wear down sooner than one that has racked up 75,000 miles on the open highway. Make sure that you get the previous owner’s driving history before you buy.
• Location – Vehicles that have been driven in a locale that has a dry, warm climate, undergo less stress than vehicles from areas that have a cold, wet climate.

Choosing a Used Car Based on Mileage

“What is good mileage on a used car?” There are so many things to consider in answering this question, so there really is no one-size-fits-all answer. 

We recommend, instead, putting some thought into how much mileage you’ll need to get out of a used car vs. how much it’s already wracked up: for instance, a used car has 50,000 miles and seems to be working pretty well could be a good buy BUT a much cheaper used car with 125,000 miles could be just fine. 

If you’re like the average driver and you drive around 12,000 miles a year, and you need a car to say, finish out college for another two years, then a car with 100,000 miles could be just fine. If you’re looking to buy a used vehicle to replace an old aging car with issues, then you’re probably, conversely, going to want something that lasts longer.

Used Car Mileage vs. Age: Three Things to Consider

1. Low mileage vehicles often come with a higher price tag. 
2. A car that hasn’t been driven regularly will often have higher repair costs. Mechanical issues, or problems with rubber seals and gaskets, can develop if a car isn’t driven on a regular basis. 
3. A vehicle with a well-documented maintenance history is preferable to one that has been neglected.

Want a used vehicle that offers greater peace of mind? (That’s ultimately what many used car shoppers concerned with mileage are after) If so, a Certified Pre-Owned model is worth looking into.

Find Used Cars Near Plano Today

Ready to shop for your next affordable low-mileage used vehicle for sale near Plano and Frisco? Check out what we’ve got in-stock now! Meanwhile, save more on your purchase with our used vehicle specials.