What is a Good Mileage for a Used Car?

There are several factors to consider before you purchase a used car. It is essential to look at the mechanical and physical condition of the vehicle, and of course, many take mileage into consideration as well. Many sources might dissuade you from purchasing a used car with mileage over 100,000 miles, but what is good mileage for a used car, really? While the best used cars will have fewer than 60,000 miles on the odometer, you’ll need to consider every angle.

Shop Smart: Tips for Researching Pre-Owned Cars

Hartford and Vernon drivers need to consider the vehicle’s history, usage, location, and condition. Manchester Mazda has guidelines that will help you find the best pre-owned vehicle for your needs. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

• Vehicle History Report: Dealerships will occasionally offer a vehicle history report for free, but you can also order the report online. It will give you information, including details on past accidents, ownership history, odometer readings, and service history.
• Your First Impression: You can generally assess a vehicle’s general condition just by looking at it, but it never hurts to spend a little bit more time on the details. A test drive is the best way to get a comprehensive picture of the vehicle.
• Independent Mechanical Inspection: Even if you fall in love with the vehicle after your test drive, it is crucial to get a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic. This will ensure that everything is operating as advertised, and it will help you catch structural damage that might not be visible on the surface.
• Vehicle Location: An often overlooked component of the condition of a car is its exposure to climate. In general, vehicles maintained in a warm, dry climate stay in better shape than those driven in a frigid or wet environment.

Once you’ve found a used car that looks alright, use our payment calculator to find out how much it could cost you month-to-month. We’d love to buy your pre-owned vehicle, so don’t forget to consider the value of your trade-in!

Factoring a Used Car’s Mileage Into Your Decision

The average car owner drives around 12,000 miles per year. Taking the mileage per year of a used vehicle will give insight into its condition. Newer vehicles should last for 200,000 miles or more. Therefore, a car with 50,000 miles could have a good 150,000 miles of life left, affording you around ten years of usage. 

This is why buying a car with over 100,000 miles is not necessarily a bad idea. The perks of doing so can include lower prices, lower insurance costs, and slower depreciation. On the other hand, a used car is almost certainly a bad investment if it will reach 200,000 miles before you can pay off your loan.

Mileage vs. Age When Finding Your Used Car

A certified pre-owned vehicle is a safe bet when purchasing a used car–if your budget allows it. If you are in the market for a used vehicle from a private seller or a dealership, consider these factors:

• The lower the mileage on a used car, the higher the price tag.
• If you have to choose between a high-mileage used car with a well-documented maintenance history and a low-mileage used car with little historical data, the higher-mileage car is the safer option.
• Older used cars with lower mileage may not have been driven often. Since certain components will break down even if they aren’t being used, these vehicles could have numerous mechanical issues.

Find Your New-to-You Used Vehicle Near Glastonbury

Now that you have an excellent guide to help you find a reliable used vehicle, visit Manchester Mazda and check out our extensive inventory of low-mileage used cars for sale. Check out our pre-owned specials, and come in for a test drive today. Contact us to make an appointment.