What Is Good Mileage on a Used Car?

When you’re on the search for a used car that fits your daily Watsonville commute and weekend adventure, you may be wondering, “What is good mileage on a used car?” On top of the vehicle’s physical and mechanical conditions, you should also check how the mileage fits your needs. While drivers are often warned to stay away from used cars over 100,000 miles, that isn’t so true any more. High-mileage vehicles with a record of care can still be a good buy. Read on with Santa Cruz Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to explore the factors you should consider when shopping for pre-owned vehicles around Santa Cruz.

What to Look for When Shopping for Used Cars

On top of good mileage for used cars, there are a number of other factors you should consider such as: 

• Usage – The type of roads a car is driven on affects how fast it will wear down. For example, vehicles traveling 75,00 miles in stop and go traffic will see faster wear than vehicles racking up 75,000 miles on the highways around Scotts Valley. Be sure to get an idea of the previous owner’s driving history. 
• Location – The climate where the vehicle is driven matters as well. Those in dry, warm climates well see less wear than those on the road in cold, wet climates. 
• Condition – Be sure to take a vehicle to a trusted mechanic to evaluate its mechanical condition and any issues that need to be addressed in the future. The cost of this visit should also factor into your car-buying budget. 
• Maintenance – A detailed history of maintenance goes a long way. Irregular service can lead to costly problems in the future. Check if the vehicle received routine service like oil changes and tire care. 

Deciding What’s Good Mileage for Used Cars

With the addition of the previously mentioned factors, there’s no straightforward answer to, “What is good mileage on a used car?” Another way to think about it is how you’re using it around Capitola. It’s likely that a car in good condition with 50,000 miles will do well for your daily commute. Yet, if you come across an affordable used car with 100,000 miles and a record of maintenance can probably last another four years. Keep in mind that the average driver travels about 12,000 miles per year. 

Weighing Mileage vs. Age 

Shopping for used car models means you’ll get to choose from various models and model years. Since good mileage for used cars can vary, a newer, high-mileage model may be a better choice than an older, low-mileage car. Also take these factors into account:

• While low-mileage cars are enticing, vehicles that haven’t been driven regularly may see higher repair costs thanks to mechanical issues or problems with rubber seals and gaskets. 
• Search for vehicles with a well-documented history of maintenance as vehicles with neglected service can also lead to costly repairs.
• Higher price tags are often found on vehicles with low mileage.

Browse our inventory of certified pre-owned models for like-new, low-mileage vehicles. 

Find the Right Used Car at Santa Cruz Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram!

Continue exploring good mileage for used cars with the team at Santa Cruz Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, and browse our inventory of used and certified pre-owned models. Contact us if you have any questions about how to find the right used vehicle for you, then be sure to take advantage of our used vehicle specials.