What is Good Mileage on a Used Car?

2019 Chevrolet Malibu

 

If you’re a Brookings shopper inspecting a used car’s mechanical and physical condition before making a purchasing decision, you should consider checking the vehicle’s mileage as well. Not sure what’s good mileage for a used car? Most experts would suggest avoiding a used vehicle that has over 100,000 miles on the odometer, however, this isn’t a rule set in stone. 

If the vehicle has been taken care of and is well maintained it could still be a great buy. Some crucial factors for Watertown shoppers to consider when browsing for a pre-owned car include frequency of usage, location, and condition. Find out more with Brookings Auto Mall below!

 

 

What to Consider When Shopping for a Used Car

When shopping for a used vehicle, there are some variables you should take into consideration in addition to determining what’s good mileage on a used Chevy:

  • Vehicle Maintenance – Check the maintenance history of the vehicle to ensure that it has been kept up to date on routine services like oil changes. Irregular service history can be a sign of costly problems in the future.
  • Current Condition – Get a certified mechanic to inspect the vehicle to determine if there are any issues, such as rust or other mechanical problems, that will need to be dealt with. Figure this cost into your budget.
  • Location & Climate – Vehicles that have been driven in a locale that has a dry, warm climate, undergo less strain than vehicles from areas that have a cold, wet climate.
  • Frequency of Usage – A car driven 75,000 miles in stop-and-go traffic will wear down sooner than one that has racked up 75,000 miles on the open highway. Make sure that you get the previous owner’s driving history before you buy.

Determining Good Mileage for Used Cars

There’s no ideal answer for the question, “what is good mileage on a used car?” However, there are plenty of factors to take into account, such as how much mileage you’ll get out of your used Chevy purchase. If a used car has 50,000 miles and seems to be working pretty well, then it’s likely a good buy. However, a cheap used car with 100,000 miles can probably last you another four years so long as it’s in decent condition. The typical driver clocks about 12,000 miles per year, so keep this in mind when comparing age vs. mileage.

Mileage vs. Age 

A newer vehicle with high mileage may well be a better choice than a low-mileage older vehicle. Make sure to consider these factors when buying:

  • Low mileage vehicles often come with a higher price tag. 
  • 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. 

Purchase Used Cars at Brookings Auto Mall Today!

There’s so much more research that goes into a used car purchase besides figuring out what’s good mileage on used Chevy vehicles. Luckily, you can contact our knowledgeable staff here at Brookings Auto Mall with any questions you might have about our wide selection of high-quality used cars! Don’t forget to reach out to our talented finance team to explore financing options and browse our available discounts!

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