What Is Good Mileage for a Used Car?

While different drivers have different opinions on the best make and model, many people wonder if there is a clear-cut “good mileage” for used cars. Vehicles in the past may have faltered at 100,000 miles, but modern models are pushing well into the 200,000 mileage marker in Portland, OR! So, just what is good mileage for a used car these days? We’ll tell you how to weigh the different factors, like mileage, condition, and age, to find the best model for your particular wants and needs. It’s a great time to find your next car at Dick Hannah Jeep!

What Matters When Buying Used?

Determining what is “good mileage” for a used car can help you shop wisely, but it’s just one part of the total package. Let’s dive into some of the factors that matter when shopping for your next car:

• Usage – How was the car used by its previous owner? 50,000 miles of stop-and-go traffic is harder on the engine and brakes than 50,000 miles of highway driving in Longview.
• Location – Where was the car driven? A mild and dry climate is easier on a car than a wet, cold climate. 
• Condition – How does the car look? Not only should you conduct your own inspection, but consider getting the car inspected by a certified technician. They can give you a better idea of how much life the car has left in it.
• Maintenance – Does the vehicle have solid maintenance records? A spotty maintenance history can hide future problems, while a well-maintained vehicle can be a fantastic deal – even at a higher mileage.

Choosing a Used Car Based On Mileage

So, what is good mileage for a used car? We encourage you to think about how many miles are still left instead. Keep in mind that the average driver in Longview or Battle Ground logs around 12,000 miles per year. So if you want a low-mileage car with 12,000 miles, you can feel pretty confident that the vehicle will have years and years of travels left in it. 

If you’re on a tight budget, you can also use this information to secure a major bargain. Let’s say you see a car with 80,000 miles, but it’s been impeccably maintained. There’s a good chance you could get at least four or five more years of driving without an issue, and it’ll cost a lot less than low-mileage options.

Mileage vs. Age 

Another factor to consider when looking at “good mileage” for a car is age. Once again, most drivers travel around 12,000 miles per year. So what happens when you find an older car with low mileage?

• An older car with low mileage can be a good deal, but it can also raise some flags. Cars operate the best when they are driven regularly. If the car was in storage or used infrequently, the rubber seals and gaskets may have become dried and damaged. This can cause issues down the road.
• Lower mileage cars are usually priced higher than high mileage options. And a three-year-old model with 36,000 miles might actually be a better buy than a three-year-old model with 5,000 miles.
• No matter your criteria for make and model, we recommend prioritizing cars that have a solid history of regular maintenance. This is the number one predictor of reliability over time.

Shop Used Vehicles at Dick Hannah Jeep

We’ve gone over the basics of shopping for a used vehicle in Vancouver, so why not see our pre-owned inventory up close? Contact us at Dick Hannah Jeep if you have any questions about how to find a great car for you, or just stop by the showroom to chat in person!