What is Good Mileage on a Used Car?

When you’re exploring all of the used cars for sale around Morrisville, you’ll quickly discover how much variety exists in terms of the makes, models, age, mileage, features, and more that are available. You’re bound to have questions as you shop, like “What is good mileage on a used car?” One driver’s opinion on good mileage for a used car could be vastly different from another’s, but some of the key factors anyone should consider are the condition, location, and history of the used car. Learn more about used car mileage with Hendrick Cadillac Cary, below!

Weigh These Factors While Shopping for Used Cars

There are tons of used vehicles to explore in the Apex-area market. To ensure you make a smart choice, consider these factors:

• How was it used? – If a vehicle’s driving history includes 75,000 miles of stop-and-go traffic, it will probably have more wear and tear than a car that was driven 75,000 miles on open highways. 
• Where was it driven? – A used car in Durham might have only recently made its way there. Always find out if a used car was owned and driven in any other region. Why? Climate can take a toll on a vehicle’s condition; cold, wet climates tend to be harder on a vehicle than dry, warm climates.
• What is the overall condition? – If you’re serious about a used vehicle, always bring it to a mechanic you trust before buying it. Your mechanic will let you know if there are budding mechanical problems, rust, etc. that need to be addressed. If you still want to move forward, you need to figure the cost of repairs into your budget.
• Maintenance record – Always request a service record and review it carefully before purchasing a used car. A spotty maintenance history can lead to serious problems in the future.

How to Determine Good Mileage for a Used Car

Since there’s no blanket answer to, “What is good mileage on a used car?”, how are you to determine whether a used car has acceptable mileage? We always suggest that you consider how many future miles you expect a car to offer. 

Keep in mind, that the average driver clocks about 12,000 miles per year. With that in mind, you could buy a used car with anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 miles logged, and still expect to see at least five to ten more years on the road. Of course, this also depends on your adherence to a routine maintenance schedule. These days, how long a car lasts is really up to the owner and how much time and money they want to spend on long-term upkeep. 

Debating Mileage vs. Age

Good mileage for a used car is also partially dependent on how many miles the car has in comparison to its age. Sometimes, a newer car with higher mileage is a better purchase than an older car with lower mileage. Here are some things to consider if you’re debating mileage vs. age:

• A car that isn’t driven very often and also hasn’t been given routine maintenance is likely to garner loftier repair costs. A car that sits for long periods can get mechanical problems, as well as issues with rubber seals and gaskets. 
• A used car with a proven maintenance record should always take precedence over a used car with no record or spotty service history.
• Low-mileage used cars are often certified pre-owned cars that come with special benefits like modern features, warranty coverage, and more. Thus, they also tend to be pricier than standard used cars.

Find the Right Used Car for You at Hendrick Cadillac Cary!

Our dealership is home to a vast inventory of used and CPO vehicles, and our team will be happy to point you in the right direction based on your expectations and budget! Contact us or stop by to start your journey today. In the meantime, read up on more car buying tips right here on our website.