What is Good Mileage for a Used Car?

There are tons of factors to consider when shopping for a used vehicle, but many customers find themselves fixated on mileage. What is “good mileage” for a used car anyway? In the past, a car over 100,000 miles would be considered past its prime. But modern automotive technology has advanced tremendously over the years, resulting in more durable and safer cars than ever before. That means that a well-maintained car with 100,000 miles may have plenty of life left in it! Let’s go over some of the factors that you should keep in mind when purchasing a used car in Tampa.

Components of a Great Used Car

Before we get into what is considered high mileage for a used car, let’s go into a few factors that are important when comparing different used models.

• Usage: How has the car been used? Highway driving is easier on a car than city driving, so a car driven 75,000 miles on the highway has less wear and tear than 75,000 miles of stop-and-go traffic.
• Location: Where has the car been driven? A dry and mild climate is less stressful on a car than extreme weather and wet climates.
• Condition: Does the car have any issues? While some issues are easy for anyone to spot, others require a professional’s inspection. Try to get a mechanical inspection if possible, and factor in potential repairs into your budget.
• Maintenance: Has this car been maintained? Regular maintenance is a huge plus, and irregular maintenance can lead to expensive repairs down the road.

Ideal Used Car Mileage 

What is good mileage on a used car? There’s no clear cut answer, because there are too many factors to keep in mind. Instead, we recommend thinking about how much life is left in the vehicle. A used car with 50,000 miles in good condition likely has years of Lakeland travels left in it. A good car with 100,000 miles might last four more years, and the savings might be worth it if you’re on a budget. A typical driver will log around 12,000 miles per year, so figure this into your calculations as well.

Used Car Mileage vs. Age

Another variable to consider is the relationship between the car’s mileage and its age. A newer car with higher mileage might actually be a better deal than an older car with lower mileage. Why?

• Cars perform the best when driven regularly. A neglected vehicle can have issues with things like rubber seals and gaskets, which can lead to bigger repairs.
• Maintenance plays a huge role in a car’s performance, safety, and longevity. A well-maintained car with more miles is always better than a low-mileage car with lackluster maintenance.
• Lower mileage vehicles are more expensive, so you might find a better deal on a newer car with a higher mileage. You can also look into Toyota Certified vehicles for like-new, low-mileage used cars!

Find Your Used Model at Wesley Chapel Toyota

Now that you know what is considered high mileage for a used car, explore our current pre-owned inventory at Wesley Chapel Toyota and find your next car! Our team can help you find just the right model to suit your driving needs in St. Pete, so don’t hesitate to contact us in Wesley Chapel.