What is Good Mileage On A Used Car?

Along with looking at a used car’s physical and mechanical condition, you’re also going to want to check out the mileage when shopping pre-owned. While many would suggest you stay away from a vehicle that has over 100,000 miles, this isn’t a rule that’s set in stone. In fact, with routine care, many modern vehicles can travel well over 100,000 miles with relative ease. So, if a high-mileage car has been well maintained, it can still be a good buy. 

So, what is good mileage on a used car? Due to the variety of vehicles and their uses, there isn’t always a rule for what’s considered good mileage for a used car, but it’s important to check the odometer on any vehicle. Along with mileage, you’ll want to be mindful of the condition, location, and usage of any vehicle you’re considering. Learn more about shopping pre-owned, so you can boost your commute from St. Louis to St. Charles below!

The Smart Way to Shop for a Pre-Owned Car

When shopping used, be mindful of the following:

• Usage – A car that’s traveled 75,000 miles in stop-and-go traffic will wear down much sooner than the same car with the same mileage that’s mostly traveled on the highway. Make sure to dig into the previous owner’s habits before you buy.
• Location – Cars that have been driven in mostly dry, warm climates deal with less stress than cars from cold, wet areas. 
• Condition – Make sure to have a certified mechanic inspect any vehicle that’s caught your eye. If any issues are uncovered, make sure to negotiate their repair costs into the price. 

Choosing a Used Car Based on Mileage

The answer to the question, “What is good mileage on a used car?” can range quite drastically. As mentioned above, usage, location, service history, and more can all impact the quality of a vehicle at any mileage interval. A good way to shop is to think about how much mileage you’d like to get out of a used car. 

If a car has 50,000 miles and seems to be in great shape, you can easily expect this model to run smoothly for many years to come. However, a cheaper used car with 100,000 miles can also be a good buy, depending on your intended use. Starting at 100,000 miles, you can expect a few more solid years of travel. So keep that in mind when comparing mileage vs. age.

Mileage vs. Age

In many cases, a newer car with more miles can be a better choice than a low mileage car that’s older. Take the following into account when shopping:

• A car that’s been driven infrequently will often have high repair costs. Mechanical issues tend to spring up with vehicles that aren’t in use. 
• A well-documented service history is preferable to a spotty one. 
• Low-mileage used cars are often more expensive than high-mileage vehicles.

If you’re intent on securing good mileage for a used car, consider a Certified Pre-Owned model. CPO vehicles deliver like-new benefits, low miles, and used savings!

Find Reliable Used Cars Near Fenton

Now that you know that good mileage for a used car is just one of many factors to consider when shopping, you can head out to any of our dealerships feeling confident. Across our locations, we have a wide range of used vehicles to explore, and we’re sure you’ll find your perfect fit. Check out our pre-owned vehicle specials to enjoy incredible savings on top of our already competitive prices. Of course, contact us if you have any automotive questions or concerns.