What Is Good Mileage on a Used Car?

When looking for a used vehicle for Dayton adventures, you always need to inspect the physical and mechanical condition of the car. But you also must look at the mileage shown on the odometer. Common practice says to avoid a used vehicle with more than 100,000 miles on the current engine. However, that isn’t always the case. There are still some very good deals out there for used vehicles that have six-figure driving records.

That’s why you need to look at how much the car was driven per year while also looking at its overall condition. Discover what is good mileage on a used car in addition to the driving conditions the vehicle was in and the overall wear-and-tear on an engine. 

The Smart Way to Shop for a Used Car

We’ll get to the mileage guidelines in a bit. When looking for a good used car, our friendly staff suggests taking into account other factors as you shop and test drive a vehicle on our lot. Look for:

• Usage – A car driven 100,000 miles in stop-and-go city traffic will wear down sooner than one that traveled the same distance over highways. That’s why you should get a driving history report on the vehicle if you can.
• Location – Dry and warm climates, like those in the desert Southwest or in Texas, are easier on car engines than cold or wet climates. If you live in Nevada, Arizona, or New Mexico, those engines should be in great shape provided they don’t have a lot of dust in them.
• Condition – Look over the car for signs of rust on the body, fluid leaks, or any engine parts that aren’t doing well. Take your chosen car to a trained mechanic who can give you an expert third-party opinion on the used car.
• Maintenance – Regular maintenance, such as oil changes, replacing the air filter, and transmission fluid changes are all vital to the operation of a vehicle. See if you can find the maintenance record of the used car before buying it. Even with good mileage, a lack of maintaining the engine isn’t a good sign.

Choosing a Used Car Based on Mileage

So, what exactly is good mileage on a used car? Well, if the engine is in good shape the vehicle runs well, even a higher-mileage car can be in good shape. For example, if a used car has 50,000 miles and appears to run well, it’s a decent catch. But don’t overlook a cheap used car with 100,000 miles on it. This high-mileage vehicle can probably last you another four to five years if it’s in good condition. 

If you just go by mileage alone, a typical driver logs around 12,000 miles per year. Over five years, that’s 60,000 miles. If you see a five-year-old used car for sale with, say, 40,000 miles on it, the car might be in better shape (depending on the location, conditions, and driving habits as noted earlier). However, don’t overlook a car that’s 15 years old with 90,000 miles on it. That’s only 6,000 miles per year driven on the engine.

Mileage vs. Age 

A newer car (six years or less) with high mileage might offer a more relevant choice for you just because the technology in newer vehicles is better. Look into these factors when purchasing a used car:

• A car that hasn’t been driven regularly might have engine problems due to a lack of lubricants on the seals. Mechanical issues can develop due to lack of driving.
• Definitely find a used car with a well-documented maintenance history. If you can, find a vehicle that was bought new and maintained at the dealership before it was traded in at a later day.
• Used cars with lower miles often have a higher price.

Think about buying a certified pre-owned (CPO) model if you want a like-new, low-mileage vehicle. CPOs are brought up to like-new condition by trained mechanics before being sold.

Find Used Cars Near Vandalia

As we’ve shown, you have plenty to think about when buying a used car. It’s much more than looking at the odometer and dividing by how many years ago the car was made. We have a wide selection of high-quality used vehicles for you to choose from, and we’d be happy to help you pick the right one and take it home to Troy.

Check out our used vehicle specials to find some of the best deals available in the Troy area. Have questions? Contact usor call 937-980-0568 to speak to a team member at Dave Arbogast.