What is Good Mileage on a Used Car?

When shopping for a used car, many Whitewater and Orfordville drivers find themselves overwhelmed by options. One question we get often is “What is good mileage on a used car?” In the past, most people shied away from cars with 100,000 miles. However, modern cars are far more durable and reliable than before. It’s not uncommon to find cars sound Orfordville with 200,000 miles on the odometer! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the factors that matter the most when looking for a good used car – and we have plenty more car shopping tips at Drive Burtness!

What Factors Matter When Buying Used?

Good mileage for a used car is an important factor to consider, but it’s not the only one. Here are some things to keep in mind when looking through the pre-owned car inventory.

• Usage – How was the car used? Stop-and-go traffic causes much more wear and tear on the engine and braking system. So 50,000 miles in dense city traffic is more significant than 50,000 miles on the open highway. 
• Location – Where was the car driven? A dry, warm climate is much gentler to a vehicle than a cold, wet climate. Be sure to check for corrosion, hail marks, and other weather-related damage based on climate.
• Condition – How does the car look? Not only should you inspect the vehicle thoroughly, but we recommend getting a certified mechanic under the hood as well. If there are any minor issues that need repairing, factor the costs into your budget.
• Maintenance – Has the car been maintained regularly? Maintenance is a huge factor when looking at used cars. Irregular maintenance can mean hidden issues.

Choosing a Used Car Based on Mileage

It’s difficult to provide a simple answer to the question, “What is good mileage on a used car?” That’s because a car with 75,000 miles in good working condition is much different than a car with 75,000 miles with transmission problems. We recommend looking at how much life is left in the car, rather than deciding purely on mileage. An inexpensive, well-maintained car with 100,000 miles might last your four years with moderate use, and you’ll probably pay a lot less than a car with half the mileage. Look at the total package, and think about how you’ll use the vehicle.

Mileage vs. Age 

What if you find an old car with low mileage? You might be surprised to find out that a newer car with higher mileage might actually be the better buy. Here’s why:

• Cars perform better when they are driven regularly. Otherwise, problems can develop with the gaskets and rubber seals – which can cause costly problems down the road.
• Regardless of mileage, a car with a well-documented history of scheduled maintenance is always the better choice. This leaves less to chance, so you can buy with confidence.
• Usually lower mileage vehicles have a higher price tag. If you’re on a budget, you can get a great car at a lower price if you know what matters.
• Still want a car with super low mileage? Consider shopping our Certified Pre-Owned inventory. These models are newer, low-mileage cars with warranties and other perks built in.

Shop Used Cars at Drive Burtness Today

We’ve gone through good mileage for a used car and other factors that matter when shopping, so why not put this knowledge into practice? Visit Drive Burtness in Orfordville to start shopping for your next vehicle, and contact us with your questions!