What Is Good Mileage for a Used Car?

Ready to find a quality used car to put in your garage? You’ve got several things to consider, like the price, condition, mileage, and how long you intend to own it. You might see experts who suggest you should shy away from a used car with over 100,000 miles on the odometer. But 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 very good buy for Kingsland-area drivers. Learn more about what is good mileage for a used car in this guide from I-95 Toyota of Brunswick.

The Smart Way to Shop for a Used Car

When shopping for your next vehicle, what is considered high mileage for a used car might be at the forefront of your mind. However, there are some things you should look at in addition to the mileage:

• Usage – A car driven 75,000 miles in stop-and-go traffic will wear down sooner than one with 75,000 miles driven mostly on the highway. Make sure that you get the previous owner’s driving history before you buy a used car.
• Location – Vehicles that have been driven in a locale that has a dry, warm climate, undergo less stress than vehicles from areas that have a cold, wet climate. You’ll find less wear and tear in dry, warm climates.
• Condition – Get a certified mechanic to inspect the vehicle. The mechanic will determine if there are any issues, such as mechanical problems or rust. Figure this cost into your budget.
• Maintenance – Check the maintenance history of the vehicle, if it’s available, to ensure that it has been kept up to date on 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

If you’re fixated on mileage, there is no easy answer to what is good mileage on a used car. There are many factors, as we noted. However, it’s best to think about how much mileage you’ll get out of a used car as well as the miles driven per year. 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 12,000 miles per year, so keep this in mind when comparing mileage vs. age. A five-year-old vehicle with 100,000 miles on it (20k miles per year_ might be in worse condition than a 20-year-old car with 150,000 miles (7,500 miles per year) on the odometer based on the miles driven per year.

Mileage vs. Age 

That being said, a newer car with high mileage may well be a better choice than a low-mileage older car because newer cars are built to last longer and have better technology in them. You’ll need to check on the reliability records of the cars you’re shopping for. Make sure to take these factors into account when buying:

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

A certified pre-owned model is worth considering if your goal is to purchase a like-new, low-mileage used car for sale. These vehicles have been brought to like-new factory specs as closely as possible by trained technicians.

How Long Do Toyotas Last?

When taken care of properly, Toyota vehicles can last 200,000 miles or more. The key is to follow the regular maintenance schedule for your vehicle.

Find Used Cars for Sale Near St. Simons

Now what is good mileage for a used car, it’s time to find your best option and get behind the wheel. Contact us or call 912-267-1888 to schedule a test drive. While you’re here, check out our used vehicle specials to find some great deals for the Jesup area.