What is Good Mileage On A Used Car?

When buying a used car, drivers always check the mileage, not just the car’s physical or mechanical condition. Some say that you should steer clear of any used car that has over 100,000 miles. The thing is, that isn’t completely true. The vehicle could still be a good buy if the previous owner took care of it and kept it well maintained. Drivers around Dos Palos should make sure to consider the condition, location, and usage of any pre-owned vehicle they are considering purchasing. This guide from Western Motors Los Banos can tell you more so you can pick the right used GMC.

How the Savvy Buyer Shops for a Used Car

So what is the smart way to shop for a used car or used SUV for sale? Well, in addition to the mileage there are some other factors drivers should take into account:

• Usage – What was the previous owner’s driving history? Constant traffic? Long trips? Similar distances can have different effects depending on the context. 75,000 miles in stop and go traffic wears a car down much more quickly than 75,000 miles on the open highway.
• Location – Ever heard that salt corrodes metal? That includes road-salt. Vehicles from dry, warm climates encounter less when compared with vehicles from cold, wet ones. This, along with other stressors, makes a difference.
• Condition – A certified mechanic will be able to determine if there are any issues with the vehicle, such as mechanical problems rust, that you need to address. Drivers will need to add this to your budget.
• Maintenance – Checking the maintenance history of the vehicle is a good way to avoid expensive problems in the future. Ensure the vehicle has been kept up to date on routine services like oil changes and hasn’t had an irregular service history.

How Important is a Used Car’s Mileage?

“What is good mileage on a used car?” has no perfect answer. Each car is unique. What a driver really needs to ask is, “How much mileage can I get out of this used car?” A used car with 50,000 miles that’s working well is likely a good buy, but a cheap used car with 100,000 miles in decent condition can probably last for four whole years and will be a better deal. The buyer also has to consider the car’s age.

Consider a Car’s Age

When comparing a car that’s new but with high mileage with a low-mileage older car, a driver may want to choose the higher mileage car. There are several possible reasons why:

• If a car hasn’t been driven regularly it can have higher repair costs. Problems with rubber seals and gaskets, or other mechanical issues can develop in a neglected car.
• Sometimes cars that have been driven very little have poorly-documented maintenance history, which should be avoided as issues might’ve been ignored or not caught. Instead, choose the car with the more well-documented history.
• No matter the actual quality of the vehicle, low-mileage vehicles often come with a marked-up price tag. Don’t be fooled!

Most drivers clock about 12,000 miles per year, so one should keep that in mind when comparing mileage vs. age. Of course, if the goal is to purchase a like-new, low-mileage vehicle, then a Certified Pre-Owned model is worth considering.

How to Find Used Cars Near Newman

We hope we’ve made it clear that when shopping for a used car, there’s much more to consider than just mileage. For a wide selection of high-quality used vehicles to choose from, come to Western Motors Los Banos. We even have a shop by payment tool that makes it easier to find a vehicle that fits your budget. Don’t be afraid to contact us if you have any questions.