What is Good Mileage on a Used Car?

When searching for a great deal or a vehicle that you can count on for a few years near Clearfield, you’ll want to consider mileage when shopping for used models. If you ask around, many people would tell you to avoid any pre-owned car with over 100,000 miles. However, that’s not a hard and fast rule. A car can still be a good buy with over 100,000 miles if it has been well taken care of. Learn more about what could be a good mileage for a used car and what are the other factors you should be considering along with mileage below. 

The Smart Way to a Used Car

Mileage is only a number, so you will need context to better understand if a vehicle will perform the way you expect it to. Consider the following factors along with mileage:

• Usage – How a car is driven will determine how it wears down over time. Check out the previous owner’s driving history to see if a potential vehicle will last. 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. 
• 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.
• Condition – Always hire a certified mechanic to inspect the vehicle to determine if there are any issues, such as mechanical problems or rust, that you will need to fix. If there are, you should include this cost in your budget.
• Maintenance – Check the maintenance history of the vehicle to ensure that it has been kept up to date on routine services like oil changes. Irregular service history can be a sign of expensive problems down the road.

Choosing a Used Car Based on Mileage

There’s no one good mileage for a used car as there are other factors to consider in Philipsburg. Instead of looking for a hard and fast rule, you should consider how much mileage you want to get out of your next vehicle. If a used car has 50,000 miles and seems to be working pretty well, then it’s likely a good buy. However, a cheap used car with 100,000 miles can probably last you another few years so long as it’s in decent condition. You should also keep in mind that the typical driver clocks about 12,000 miles per year when comparing a model’s mileage to its age.

Mileage vs. Age 

A newer car with high mileage may be a better purchase than a low-mileage older car. Be sure to take the following into account when looking at a car’s mileage vs. age:

• 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 regularly. 
• A vehicle with a well-documented maintenance history is preferable to one that has been neglected. Always ask for proof of maintenance history.
• Low-mileage vehicles often are more expensive. 

Find Used Cars Near Clarion Today

Good mileage for a used car depends on other factors and what you expect from your next ride. If you need more help finding a model that’s right for you, stop by our DuBois lot or get in touch with our team and we’ll assist you! We can also recommend different options in our used car inventory that match what you’re looking for if you’d like!