What Is Good Mileage On A Used Car?

If you’re comparing used cars in Troy, mileage is an important factor that can tell you a lot about how a vehicle will hold up over the years. However, it’s not a perfect metric all on its own — and can even be misleading if you assume that low mileage equals good condition. So what is good mileage on a used car, and how can you tell if a used car is really in good condition? Learn how to determine good mileage for used cars in this guide from Dave Arbogast, and then find a pre-owned Buick or GMC that fits your needs!

Determining Good Mileage for a Used Car

While it’s true that a high-mileage used car is more likely to need service in the coming years than a low-mileage vehicle, you need to consider the whole picture. Other circumstances — like weather, road conditions, and whether the car was driven mainly on highways or in downtown Dayton traffic— can have a major impact. You’ll also want to check the maintenance records to ensure that the previous driver kept up with the vehicle’s manufacturer-recommended service schedule. Here are a few more points to keep in mind when determining the condition of used cars:

• Mileage vs. Age – If the previous owner put on a lot of miles in a relatively short period, the vehicle could have experienced stress that will lead to repairs down the road. For example, a 1-year-old vehicle with 50,000 miles may not be in as good of condition as a 5-year-old vehicle with 70,000 miles.
• Manufacturing Date – Thanks to a dramatic uptick in manufacturing quality over the previous decade, more and more vehicles are reaching 200,000 miles or more with no problem.
• Proof of Maintenance — We recommend requesting maintenance records from the dealership to make sure that a vehicle is up-to-date on recommended services. A car that has received regular oil changes, tire rotations, and other routine maintenance will often provide years of dependable performance.
• Like-New Reliability — If you’re looking for a used car with like-new reliability, look for one with under 10,000 miles. A certified pre-owned model that has been leased once is also a good option.

Good Mileage for Used Cars: More to Consider

If you’re just booking for a number, what is good mileage on a used car? On average, Vandalia drivers put roughly 12,000 to 15,000 miles on the odometer each year. So, look for mileage that isn’t dramatically higher than the vehicle’s age multiplied by 12,000. For example, good mileage for a car that’s 10 years old would be about 120,000 miles. Then round out your research with a few other factors:

• Auto industry reviews
• History of repairs and services
• Vehicle’s previous location

Find Low-Mileage Used Buick, GMC, Ford Models in Troy

Now that you know how to determine good mileage for used cars, it’s time to start your search! Get started today with an online financing application, and then get in touch with our friendly auto experts to learn more.