Good Mileage for a Used Car
How Many Miles Should a Used Car Have?
The first thing to remember when considering the mileage of a used car is that not all miles are created equal. In fact, there are instances where a car with 40,000 miles is actually at greater risk for unexpected mechanical problems than a car with over 140,000 miles. As a general rule, lower mileage is better than higher mileage. Consider the fact that the average driver puts between 12,000 and 15,000 miles on their cars per year. This means that you can expect a 5-year-old vehicle to have between 60,000 and 75,000 miles on the odometer in order to be considered average. Below, we’ll cover several factors that play a role in determining the risk that comes from buying a used car with low, average, and high mileage.
USED CHEVROLET TRAVERSE AWARDS
Normal Use vs Abuse
While some owners keep meticulous records and maintain their vehicles to the exact specifications recommended by the manufacturer, others will delay maintenance and neglect their vehicles. The truth is that the majority of drivers fall somewhere in the middle of this spectrum. Since mileage is just a number listed on the odometer of the vehicle, it’s important to do a bit of research yourself to try and determine how well the vehicle has been taken care of.
A logical first step is to check the vehicle’s Carfax or Autocheck vehicle history report for clues related to the maintenance records of the vehicle. You can see how frequently the vehicle received maintenance, if it was involved in any accidents, and if it was ever used in a rental fleet or commercial business. If you come across any red flags, consider a different vehicle.
Abnormally Low Mileage
Have you come across a vehicle with extraordinarily low mileage for its age? Sometimes, abnormally low mileage can actually present a variety of potential issues. Cars don’t benefit from sitting unused for prolonged periods of time. Rubber components like gaskets, seals, and tires can become brittle and susceptible to failure if they’re not regularly exposed to thermal cycles from regular use. Fluids are equally at risk for breakdown, leaks, and reduced lifespan when a car sits for a long period of time. Don’t be fooled into thinking low mileage means problem-free! Be sure to do your homework and thoroughly inspect a low-mile used car before buying.
Abnormally High Mileage
It’s also wise to be suspicious of a newer vehicle that has mileage that far exceeds the industry average of 12,000-15,000 miles per year. High mileage means that this vehicle spent a great deal of time on the road and could have incurred above-average wear and tear. This creates the potential for the vehicle to require major services or repairs much sooner than expected, eliminating any potential value gained from the lower purchase price compared to an equivalent vehicle with average mileage. Once again, do your research and have a thorough inspection performed on any vehicle with higher-than-normal mileage before you make a purchasing decision.
City Driving vs Highway Driving
Geographic location can also give you some insight into how easy or difficult of a life a used vehicle has had. Does the car in question come from a big city? There’s a good chance that it’s spent much of its life rushing from stoplight to stoplight, bouncing across potholes, and being subjected to door dents and dings. However, short-distance drives usually mean lower mileage across its lifespan.
Compare that same used car to an identical model that’s spent its life in a rural desert town. Since the driver will typically have to travel longer distances to work, stores, and other necessities — odometer readings will be higher. On the plus side, wide-open stretches of highway driving are much less taxing on a vehicle’s mechanical components. This is a great example of how a higher mileage vehicle may actually be a smarter buy than a lower mileage vehicle. The answer always lies in the details!
Is Vehicle Age a Concern?
Just like mileage, it’s important to consider the age of a vehicle when shopping for a used car. Regardless of mileage, certain components like belts, tires, and batteries will need replacing simply due to their age. This means that you should budget and account for possible maintenance and service costs based on the age of the vehicle just as you would the mileage. Age and mileage are certainly two factors that are related and play a role in determining a vehicle’s value. In general, it’s a smarter idea to opt for a vehicle that’s newer in age compared to an older model. Just make sure that it’s been properly maintained and is priced accordingly!
Conclusion – Smart Shoppers Are Satisfied Shoppers
Frequently Asked Questions
Wondering how many miles are too many on a used car? Schumacher Used helps New Jersey shoppers compare mileage, age, maintenance history, vehicle condition, and long-term value.
What is good mileage for a used car?
Good mileage depends on the vehicle’s age, condition, maintenance history, and how it was driven. As a general rule, lower mileage is usually better, but mileage should always be considered alongside the full vehicle history.
How many miles should a used car have per year?
Schumacher Used explains that the average driver puts about 12,000 to 15,000 miles on a vehicle per year. That means a 5-year-old vehicle with roughly 60,000 to 75,000 miles would generally be considered average.
Is a low-mileage used car always better?
Not always. A low-mileage used car can be appealing, but vehicles that sit unused for long periods can develop issues with rubber components, gaskets, seals, tires, fluids, leaks, and other age-related wear.
Is high mileage always bad on a used car?
High mileage is not always a deal-breaker, but it can mean the vehicle has experienced more wear and tear. A high-mileage vehicle should be researched carefully and inspected thoroughly before purchase.
Why does maintenance history matter more than mileage alone?
Mileage is only one number. A well-maintained vehicle with higher mileage may be a smarter buy than a lower-mileage vehicle with poor service history. Schumacher Used recommends reviewing a Carfax or Autocheck vehicle history report for maintenance records, accident history, title clues, and prior usage.
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Is highway mileage better than city mileage?
Highway mileage can be less taxing on a vehicle than city mileage because city driving often includes stop-and-go traffic, potholes, short trips, and more wear on mechanical components. A higher-mileage highway-driven car may sometimes be a better option than a lower-mileage city-driven car.
Should I consider vehicle age along with mileage?
Yes. Vehicle age matters because parts like belts, tires, batteries, seals, and fluids can wear out over time regardless of mileage. A newer used car with reasonable mileage and strong maintenance records is often a smart place to start.
Where can I shop used cars with good mileage in New Jersey?
You can shop used and certified pre-owned vehicles at Schumacher Used, which serves New Jersey drivers through dealership locations in Denville, Clifton, Livingston, Boonton, and Little Falls.