What is Good Mileage On a Used Car?

If you’re shopping for your next vehicle on a tight budget, buying used is often a solid choice. Of course, there are lots of factors to consider, including mileage. What is good mileage on a used car? Some Huntsville, AL drivers swear by a ‘rule’ that if it’s got more than 100,000 miles, you should move on. Depending on your financial limitations, however, looking for a vehicle with over 100,000 miles for under $10k may be the most reasonable route. At the end of the day, good mileage for a used car really depends on how well it was taken care of.

How to Determine Good Mileage for a Used Car

How can you determine good mileage for a used car in Hazel Green, AL? Often, it’s not just the number that matters, but also factors like usage and maintenance history:

• Usage – Looking at a car with 75,000 miles or more? Consider this: 75,000 miles spent on open highways will put a lot less wear and tear on a car than 75,000 miles spent in stop-and-go traffic. If you can, it’s good to get the general driving history of a vehicle’s last owner.
• Climate – Where was the vehicle driven most of its life? Warm, dry climates are easier on vehicles than cold, damp climates.
• Condition – If you’re buying from a private seller, you should always have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before buying. Mechanical problems or rust can be expensive to deal with in the future, so you’ll want to figure those costs into your final offer.
• Service History – Was the vehicle maintained properly? A vehicle that has 100,000 miles with a pristine maintenance record may very well serve you longer than a vehicle with 50,000 miles and a spotty-at-best maintenance history.

Choosing the Right Mileage for You

There’s no right answer for “what is good mileage on a used car,” but a smart approach to your search is to consider how you’ll use the car. If you want it to last another 10+ years and withstand many more miles, you should probably look for something with both low mileage and a good service record, like a certified pre-owned car.

If you’re simply looking for something low-priced, you can usually find an affordable option with higher mileage that, if well-maintained, can last at least another four or five years. As you shop, remember that the average driver clocks about 12,000 miles per year.

Mileage vs. Age

When shopping pre-owned, late-year models don’t always guarantee reliability. An older model with low mileage can be a better choice than a newer model with high mileage in some cases. Consider these factors as you shop:

• If a car has low mileage because it wasn’t driven regularly, it may come with repair costs that can add up. Without regular use, a vehicle can develop performance issues, problems with seals and gaskets, flat tires, and more.
• Always spring for a vehicle with a clean maintenance history over a vehicle with a poor maintenance record.
• Typically, vehicles with low mileage are priced higher.

Find low-mileage used cars without overspending when you shop at Landers McLarty Toyota.

Landers McLarty Toyota Has High-Quality Pre-Owned Vehicles!

Madison, AL shoppers on all types of budgets can find a high-quality pre-owned vehicle at Landers McLarty Toyota. Our service technicians inspect every vehicle in our inventory and recondition it to factory standards, giving you confidence in your purchase. Contact us or stop by today to start exploring our selection!