What is Good Mileage On a Used Car?

Some used car shoppers value price most. Others look at reliability. Still others consider features the most important factor when comparing used vehicles for sale in Huntington Park. And then, there are those who value used car mileage most. If you’re among this group, then you should know that a used car’s mileage is important, but it’s just one factor to consider. Used cars are lasting longer and longer, so mileage plus other factors like vehicle history and regular maintenance are worth looking at together. Read on to learn more, or just contact us at Nissan of Downtown L.A..

The Smart Way to Shop for a Used Car

Here are some of the major factors other than used car mileage to look at next time you’re in the market to purchase a pre-owned car or a used SUV near Downey or Bell Gardens:

• Usage: A car that’s been driven 50,000 miles in stop-and-go traffic will very likely wear out more quickly than one that has been driven 50,000 miles on the freeway. This is why getting a car’s maintenance history is important.
• Condition: It’s a good idea for you to get a pre-purchase inspection completed on any used vehicle in which you’re interested to be sure that it’s in good, salable condition.
• Maintenance: Check the maintenance history of the vehicle to be sure that scheduled service has been completed in a timely manner.
• Location: Vehicles that have been driven in a place with a dry, warm climate undergo less stress than vehicles from areas that have a cold, wet climate.

Choosing a Used Car Based on Mileage

How much mileage is too much for a used car? There is not a great way to answer the question, “What is good mileage on a used car?” Experts often group used cars into either “higher-mileage” or “lower-mileage.” Generally, higher mileage cars have 100,000+ miles. Lower mileage vehicles, on the other hand, are generally considered to have less than 30,000 or 40,000 miles.

While lower mileage used cars and certified pre-owned vehicles are often a great buy as they have many miles left to be driven, a bargain-priced used car with 100,000 miles can probably last you another three or four years so long as it’s in good mechanical condition. Given that the average Van Nuys driver travels roughly 12,000 miles each year, you’ll want to remember this when comparing a vehicle’s mileage vs. its age. Also important to remember is that for used hybrids, battery life can vary from 80,000 miles to 200,000 miles+.

Vehicle Mileage vs. Age

A used car with high mileage that’s comparatively newer than a used car with low mileage could be a better buy. That’s because sometimes, higher-mileage models have had routine maintenance done more often than older used vehicles that have sat and been ill-maintained. Be sure you keep these things in mind when you purchase a pre-owned vehicle in Los Angeles:

• A vehicle with a well-documented maintenance history is preferable to one that has been neglected.
• A car that hasn’t been driven regularly will often have higher repair costs. Mechanical issues, or problems with rubber seals and gaskets, can develop if a car isn’t driven on a regular basis.
• Low mileage vehicles often come with a higher price tag.

Shop for Used Cars Near Bell Gardens Now!

Ready to find your next quality used vehicle for sale near Bell Gardens or Van Nuys? Browse our current selection, then shop our used vehicle specials to find the best deal possible. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions along the way.