What is Good Mileage on a Used Car?

When looking for a vehicle in Cleveland, many customers wonder, “What is good mileage on a used car?” The answer is a little more complicated than you might think. In the past, the rule of thumb was to avoid cars with over 100,000 miles. But modern cars are safer and more reliable than ever before, and with proper care, cars can last hundreds of thousands of miles! Still, there are several factors to consider when determining good mileage a used car. Let’s examine a few:

What Matters When Buying a Used Car?

• Usage: Driving 75,000 miles on the Brunswick highway is a lot smoother and easier than 75,000 miles of stop-and-go city traffic in Parma. Try to get information about the vehicle’s usage if possible.
• Location: Warm, dry climates are easy on cars, while extreme cold and wet temperatures can wreak havoc on a vehicle over time.
• Condition: Find a certified mechanic to take a closer look at the car. While it’s easy to spot issues like rust or scratches, an expert can really get under the hood and find those red flags that you may miss. Figure the price of repairs into your budget.
• Maintenance: A well maintained vehicle is always a better buy than a neglected vehicle. Irregular maintenance can lead to big problems down the road.

Good Mileage for a Used Car

So, what’s good mileage on a used car? We prefer to think about how many miles are left on the car, rather than how many miles the car has accumulated. Keep in mind that the average driver logs about 12,000 miles annually. So if you’re looking at a used car with 50,000 miles in great condition, that car has tons of life left to give on the open road. And, think about the big picture. A well-maintained car with 100,0000 miles still might have another four years to give, and you’ll also get that vehicle at a bargain price.

Mileage vs. Age 

If you’re looking at a newer car with higher mileage vs. an older car with lower mileage, which is the better buy? Here are some things to consider:

• Cars perform at their best when driven regularly. A car that sits in one place may have issues with rubber seals and gaskets, which could lead to bigger repair costs.
• A vehicle with a well-documented maintenance history should always get priority over one with a spotty history.
• Lower mileage vehicles are often priced higher than higher mileage counterparts, so keep that in mind if you’re on a budget.
• A Certified Pre-Owned model is a great choice if you want a like-new vehicle with low mileage, along with a thorough inspection and reconditioning process.

Find Your Next Vehicle at Metro Toyota

Now that you know more about good mileage for a used car, put that knowledge to use and check out our pre-owned vehicle inventory at Metro Toyota. Feel free to contact us in Brook Park with any questions, and we’d be happy to help you find your dream car.