What Is Good Mileage for a Used Car?

Buying a used car can be challenging since there are various factors to consider, including mileage. In this guide, our expert team at Meadowland of Carmel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR) will provide you with everything you need to know about how to determine good mileage on a used car. This will help you find the best and most affordable vehicle for your lifestyle.

What Does Mileage Tell You About a Used Car?

The mileage on your vehicle reflects its history. Cars typically accumulate between 13,000 and 15,000 miles per year, and the condition of vehicles can vary despite their age. With regular maintenance, modern cars can reach 150,000 to 200,000 miles, so it’s important to adhere to your service schedule in terms of oil changes and brake pad inspections, as well as timing belt and transmission fluid replacements.

What’s Considered Good Mileage for a Used Car?

To determine good mileage for a used car, multiply the car’s age by 12,000 miles, which will give you the average distance most drivers travel in a year. A vehicle with annual mileage of around 13,000 to 15,000 typically raises no red flags, and a 5-year-old car should ideally have between 60,000 and 75,000 miles on it. Although a car with lower mileage can be a bargain, it may indicate that it was left unused for too long, which can present its own issues. If the mileage is significantly higher, you should investigate its history more thoroughly.

Family sedans typically offer their best value before reaching 100,000 miles, while trucks and SUVs often surpass 150,000 miles without issues. The harsh winters and winding rural roads in Carmel, New York, also make a difference. Highway driving treats cars much better than stop-and-go city conditions, meaning a 90,000-mile highway commuter may be in far better shape than a 60,000-mile car that never left town. The constant acceleration and braking during urban driving cause more rapid component wear than steady highway cruising. The salt on winter roads can also damage your vehicle’s undercarriage over time.

Factors Influencing Good Mileage

Stop-and-go traffic puts more stress on a car’s brakes and suspension than highway cruising. Additionally, short trips to the grocery store often prevent a car’s engine from reaching its optimal temperature, leading to sludge buildup. This is more harmful than the wear from high-mileage highway driving. Road salt serves as a protective measure on snowy winter roads, but it also accelerates the deterioration of metal components, while freeze-thaw cycles cause the rapid cracking of rubber materials. Ultimately, maintenance records may be more informative than odometer readings.

High vs. Low Mileage

Although high-mileage cars can save you money initially, they may cost more down the line. Most consider over 150,000 miles as high territory, while traditional experts still believe 100,000 is the upper limit for a worthwhile purchase, regardless of reliability or price. Similarly, extremely low mileage isn’t always ideal. Cars that accumulate less than 5,000 miles per year can experience issues due to lack of use — seals can dry out, belts can crack, and fluids can deteriorate. Your best option is a moderately used vehicle with comprehensive service records.

Mileage Considerations

With proper maintenance, many vehicles can reach between 200,000 and 300,000 miles. Well-maintained higher-mileage cars often last longer than neglected low-mileage ones. Vehicle history reports and maintenance records are essential. You should also carefully check a car’s compression, fluids, and test-drive performance, which are more accurate indicators than mileage alone.

If you’re apprehensive about purchasing a used car, certified preowned (CPO) programs offer additional reassurance. CPO vehicles include bumper-to-bumper coverage and powertrain protection that lasts seven years or 100,000 miles. Benefits include roadside assistance, inspection documents, history reports, and transferable warranties. Some add free oil changes and concierge services.

Find Your Perfect Used Car in Carmel, New York

Familiarizing yourself with mileage enquiries allows you to shop with confidence, but don’t lose sight of the bigger picture. With proper care, modern vehicles can easily exceed traditional mileage expectations without any issues. If you’re in Carmel, New York, visit Meadowland of Carmel CDJR to experience our extensive inventory of used cars firsthand. Our friendly team will walk you through the various features of your chosen options, help you explore your financing options, and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to schedule a test-drive to help you find the perfect used vehicle for your lifestyle.

Images from jeep.com, ramtrucks.com, dodge.com

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