Automobiles seek damages and wear and tear like a moth to the flame. It is inevitable, regardless of the manufacturing quality. A car’s mileage can be an important factor when you assess a used car’s reliability. Read to know about the average mileage of a used car.
Why Is Mileage Important?
Let’s assume you are comparing two identical cars in terms of manufacturer, model, year, and overall quality. The difference between the mileage of the two cars is 60,000 miles. Going for low-mileage used cars will likely cost more, but it will be a bank for your buck in the long run.
Minimal usage and less wear and tear can compensate for the higher price. If you want to save money, you can go for something with higher mileage, which could lead to more repairs down the road. You’ll find the sweet spot between cost and dependability if you use an annual mileage average.
Since the mileage driven is directly proportional to the intensity of wear and tear on the vehicle, it can be used as a proxy for how long the vehicle is expected to last. A car with 40,000 miles on the odometer may be considered “new” even though it’s several years old in most cases.
Having 140,000 miles on a relatively new car would make it old, but that doesn’t necessarily indicate poor maintenance. Carefully evaluate the vehicle’s age, wear and tear, repair needs, maintenance records, and more before purchasing a used car.
What’s the Average Mileage a Used Car Should Have?
When considering the mileage of a used car, know that less is better. The typical car will rack up around 12,000 miles of driving in a year. To determine if a car’s mileage is reasonable, multiply its age by 12,000. This means that 120,000 miles is a good mileage for a 10-year-old car. Any deviation from the average miles traveled may be an early warning sign for impending trouble.
In most cases, the lower the mileage on a car, the better it will be. Finding used cars with fewer miles than the typical used car sold today will put you in a better position. There are times when more miles seem appealing.
A vehicle with mostly highway miles rather than city miles will have less visible wear. Some pre-owned vehicles, particularly those from specific makes and model years, can handle more miles without showing wear and tear. Maintaining your car regularly is also crucial.
How Many Miles Is Considered Too Much on a Used Car?
Since used vehicles typically require more expensive and frequent maintenance after reaching 100,000 miles, this threshold is often considered a cut-off point for used cars.
However, most modern vehicles keep running long after the 100,000-mile mark, so it all comes down to how well the vehicle is cared for. Brands like Honda and Toyota are well-known for producing vehicles that can easily go over 200,000 miles. In addition, highway miles are much easier on a car than city miles.
How Many Miles Is Considered Too Few on a Used Car?
There is no universally accepted limit for it. Even if the mileage on a used car seems extremely low, it is still likely to be a good investment. You must examine the car thoroughly if it was idle for a long time. Also, it is important to verify the odometer reading before proceeding.
If the report states that it has only 5,000 miles on the odometer despite being five years old, it’s safe to assume that the mileage listed is correct. A vehicle used frequently over its lifespan should have few dents and wear and tear on the interior. Get it checked by a professional before deciding.
Sara Sam may not look like your typical car and finance expert, but don’t let that fool you. With over four years of experience in the industry, she knows all the ins and outs of cars, car insurance, and refinancing. You can trust Sara to help you navigate the often-confusing world of automobiles and financing.
