What Is Good Mileage On A Used Car?

Financing Used Vehicles


The general rule of thumb that most experienced used car owners follow is not to buy a used car that has over 100,000 miles on it. Although that advice has merit, you should look at all aspects of the vehicle before judging its condition. Some cars that have 100,000 miles on them, but are in otherwise good condition, are a solid buy for car shoppers on a budget. Take a look at the vehicle history and inspect the vehicle yourself to decide whether a used car is the right choice. Low mileage is an important factor when inspecting a used car, and our expert service staff layout the answer to, “What is good mileage on a used car,” below. Contact us to learn more about our car buying tips and inventory.

How to Determine Good Mileage for a Used Car

Checking the mileage of a used car is an important touchpoint when inspecting its condition. Some other factors you should check are:

  • Location – Vehicles that were driven in a cold, wet climate have more damage than cars in warm, dry climates.
  • Maintenance – Check the vehicleā€™s maintenance history to determine if the previous owner kept up to date with routine maintenance.
  • Condition – Consult an expert mechanic to determine whether youā€™ll have mechanical issues in the future.
  • Usage – If the car youā€™re looking at has 75,000 miles of being used in rush hour stop and go traffic, it will have significantly more wear and tear than a car used on the highway. Check the brakes and other parts to determine its condition. You should check the previous ownerā€™s vehicle report and double-check that the carā€™s condition aligns with it.

Buying a Used Car Based on Mileage

The answer to ā€œ What is good mileage on a used car,ā€ depends on multiple factors. Itā€™s safe to say that a used car with 50,000 miles on it and a clean vehicle report is a smart buy for Douglas County car shoppers looking for a like-new vehicle. However, if you find a car for a low price that has 100,000 miles on it and you find it in good condition, it will likely last four years. Most drivers who drive regularly add about 12,000 miles to each year, so buying a used car no matter how old is smart, as new cars show significant depreciation when it’s time to trade it in due in part to added mileage.

Mileage vs. Age

Age plays a significant role in the quality of a used car. Buying a newer car with higher mileage is a better buy than buying an older car with lower mileage. It would help if you also considered:

  • If the previous owner did not drive the car regularly, youā€™d likely face higher repair costs and future mechanical issues. Check the maintenance.
  • report for gaps and other signs of neglect when youā€™re considering a used car.
  • A car with a long history report is preferable to one that has had few visits to the shop.
  • A vehicle with low mileage is typically more expensive than one with high mileage.

If you want to purchase a vehicle in like-new condition, consider buying a certified pre-owned car from Scott Evans Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

Explore Used Cars For Sale in Carrollton

When youā€™re shopping for a used car near Paulding County, itā€™s important to consider what is good mileage for a used car. Contact our service department to inquire about car inspections or to schedule a service. Our service specials can help lower your maintenance costs. We offer low monthly payments and leasing terms on our used vehicles, so explore our used inventory today for great deals. Apply for financing online to see if youā€™re approved.

Scott Evans Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram 33.613149, -85.0047918.