What Is a Good Mileage for a Used Car and Other Important Factors

Second hand vehicles could be a potential money pit. You should be aware of several factors to prevent your money from being washed down the drain. One such important variable is mileage. What is a good mileage for a used car?

We’ll get the answer along with explaining a few other points.

Is Checking The Mileage Everything That Matters?

Not necessarily, but it undoubtedly plays a big role. For example, two same make and model cars are manufactured in the same year. 

One has 70,000 miles on it while the other runs around 200,000 miles. Which one will you prefer? The first one, obviously.

But, fewer miles don’t make an old car better than other second-hand vehicles. Unless it’s a glaring difference, high- and low-mileage motor vehicles are not opposites.

We’ll get to know other crucial factors, but let’s focus on the mileage first. How many mileage is good for a used car?

how many mileage is good for a used car
Checking the car mileage is not everything. (Photo: Carweeks)

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What Is A Good Mileage For A Used Car?

While the total mileage depends on the age of the vehicle, the standard estimation is 12,000 miles per year. The mileage of a car used for regular commutes and occasional long drives is likely to hover around 12,000 miles.

With the figures in mind, a 10-year-old vehicle should have slightly more or less 120,000 miles on the odometer. There might be a problem if the figure varies by a significant margin.

There is no rule of thumb about how many miles are too many. It’s not rare to have a high-mileage car in tip-top condition simply because it comes from a renowned manufacturer or thanks to the previous owner who has taken good care of it.

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You can apply another technique to solve your dilemma regarding what is a good mileage for a used car. 

The average lifespan of a car is 12 years in the United States before ending up in a junkyard or getting shipped to a third-world country. A 12-year-old vehicle will have around 144,000 miles on the odometer.

What you have to do is to calculate the mileage you can have from your second-hand vehicle. For example, you can drive it for another 70,000 miles if it already has 70,000 miles on it. 

In some cases, it is even safe to purchase a car that already has 150,000 or 200,000 miles on it. If it is from a good brand, you drive it for a few more years with good maintenance.

what is a good mileage for a used car
Buying a used car requires checking several factors. (Photo: patrika)

Other Important Factors You Should Consider

Some people consider the mileage just a number because a few other things are equally important when gauging the longevity of a vehicle. As you already know what is a good mileage for a used car, pay attention to these factors too:

  • Conditions of the braking system and transmission
  • Oil changing intervals
  • Frequency of brakes and tire checkups
  • Regular maintenance

Overall, high mileage is not going to be a problem if you find the overall condition satisfactory.

FAQs on Good Mileage for a Used Car 

  1. Is age more significant than mileage?

The simple answer is no. In the fight of miles vs. age, there is no obvious winner. This is due to the fact that while looking for a used automobile, you don’t solely base your selection on either one. 

You must examine the vehicle’s general condition, history of use, and repair and maintenance record.

  1. Why is excellent mileage calculation important?

Mileage is regarded as an indicator of a vehicle’s wear and tear, and so the mileage of an automobile impacts its worth. 

It’s reasonable to infer that a car with a high mileage has been through more than a vehicle with a lesser mileage, implying that it may be less dependable.

  1. How can you tell whether the mileage is correct?

To check for odometer anomalies in the car’s history, get a vehicle history report. If the seller does not have a vehicle history report, utilize the vehicle’s VIN to buy one online. If you suspect fraud, contact the appropriate law enforcement agency in your state.

  1. When should you replace your vehicle?

A typical automobile has a range of 200,000 miles. Some well-maintained automobile types can go 300,000 miles or more. 

In the United States, the average passenger automobile age is presently approximately 12 years. Choosing a well-made brand and model can assist in extending the life of your vehicle.

  1. Is yearly mileage important?

The more you drive, the more probable it is that you may be in an accident and have to file a claim with your car insurance. As a result, the more your yearly mileage, the higher your premium is going to be.

  1. What is considered good mileage per year?

Aim for less than 10,000 kilometers per year as a general guideline. However, 12,000 miles a year is an acceptable range.

What is a good deal when buying a used car? Watch this video from ChrisFix to see more details!

So we have just scrolled through all the information to learn more about what is a good mileage for a used car and factors you should consider when getting one. For more insightful auto industry knowledge, follow Car From Japan today!