What Is Good Mileage for a Used Car?

In addition to looking at a used car’s physical and mechanical condition, you’re also going to want to check the mileage. While most would suggest that you shy away from a used car that has over 100,000 miles, that isn’t necessarily a hard and fast rule. If the vehicle has been taken care of and is well-maintained, it could still be a good buy. Some important factors for Hershey area drivers to consider when shopping for a pre-owned vehicle include condition, location, and usage. Learn more in this guide from Jerry Remus Chevrolet, and contact us online today with any questions.

The Smart Way to Shop for a Used Car in Nebraska

When shopping for a used car, there are several crucial details you should look at in addition to the mileage on the dashboard:

• Usage: A car driven 75,000 miles in stop-and-go traffic will wear down sooner than one that has racked up 75,000 miles on the open highway. Make sure that you get the previous owner’s driving history before you buy.
• Location: Vehicles driven in a locale with a dry, warm climate undergo less stress than vehicles from areas with a cold, wet climate or heavily salted winter roads.
• Condition: Get a certified mechanic to inspect the vehicle to determine if there are any issues, such as mechanical problems or rust, that will need to be dealt with. Figure this cost into your budget.
• Maintenance: Check the maintenance history of the vehicle to ensure that it has been kept up to date with routine services like oil changes. Irregular service history can be a sign of expensive problems in the future.

Choosing a Used Car Based on Mileage

There is no perfect way to answer, “What is good mileage on a used car?” There are many factors. However, it’s best to think about how much mileage you’ll get out of a used car. If a used car has 50,000 miles and seems to be working pretty well, then it’s likely a good buy. However, a cheap used car with 100,000 miles can probably last you another four years so long as it’s in decent condition. The typical driver clocks about 13,500 to 14,500 miles per year, so keep this in mind when comparing mileage vs. age.

Mileage vs. Age: Which Matters More?

A newer car with high mileage may well be a better choice than a low-mileage older car. Make sure to take these factors into account when buying:

• A car that hasn’t been driven regularly will often have higher repair costs. Mechanical issues, or problems with rubber seals and gaskets, can develop if a car isn’t driven regularly.
• A vehicle with a well-documented maintenance history is preferable to one that has been neglected.
• Low-mileage vehicles often come with a higher price tag.

To ensure you get the absolute best price on your next purchase, take a look at our available pre-owned vehicle specials. You can also value your trade-in online to see how much your current vehicle can reduce the cost of your next vehicle.

Pre-Owned Car Mileage & Inspection Frequently Asked Questions

Is 100,000 miles a lot for a used car?

While 100,000 miles used to be the traditional limit for pre-owned car shopping, modern engineering allows well-maintained modern vehicles to comfortably surpass 200,000 miles. A detailed maintenance history is a far more accurate metric of a car’s remaining lifespan than the total odometer reading.

What is considered low mileage for a used vehicle?

On average, drivers add roughly 12,000 to 14,000 miles to their vehicles each year. A vehicle is typically considered “low mileage” if its average yearly usage falls well under this spectrum—for instance, a five-year-old vehicle with less than 40,000 total miles.

Why can a high-mileage newer car be a better purchase?

Newer vehicles with high mileage usually accumulated those miles quickly on open highways. Highway driving causes substantially less stress on the brakes, transmission, and suspension components compared to the persistent wear-and-tear of stop-and-go city environments.

How can I verify a pre-owned car’s service history?

You can request a comprehensive Vehicle History Report (such as CARFAX or AutoCheck) using the vehicle’s unique 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This paperwork highlights title records, structural collision data, open recalls, and regular service intervals.

Find High-Quality Used Cars Near Sutherland Today

There’s more to consider than just the mileage when shopping for a used car. At Jerry Remus Chevrolet, we have a wide selection of high-quality used vehicles for you to choose from. Check out our inventory to find some of the best deals available in the Maxwell area, and please visit our showroom in North Platte if you have any questions. Ready to upgrade your daily commute with a reliable pre-owned car, truck, or SUV? Stop by Jerry Remus Chevrolet, your premier used Chevy dealer in North Platte, NE, to test drive your favorite model today!