What Is Good Mileage On A Pre-Owned Car?

When sorting through pre-owned cars, you’re likely looking for a vehicle that is in good shape, mechanically sound, and — most often — with good mileage. But that begs the question, “What is good mileage on a pre-owned car?” The old way of thinking led buyers to stay away from models with over 100,000 miles, but that’s no longer the case. Beyond mileage, you’ll want to consider a variety of factors from usage to maintenance when considering a new-to-you vehicle.

Buying Pre-Owned: It’s About More than Mileage

While you may want a vehicle with good mileage for a pre-owned car, the quality of the miles matter and other factors need to be taken into account. If you’re shopping for a pre-owned car, make sure to look at:

• Location – No matter the mileage, a vehicle from a dry, warm climate is exposed to less stress than a vehicle from a cold, wet climate.
• Usage – 50,000 miles put on in stop-and-go traffic aren’t the same as 50,000 miles spent cruising the highways. Consider not just the mileage, but how the mileage was accumulated.
• Maintenance – Sticking with recommended maintenance can prevent major issues in the long run. Try to get any available service records for the vehicle you’re looking at to ensure it was properly cared for.
• Condition – Bring the vehicle to a certified mechanic to have them give the vehicle a once over. This can mitigate any surprise repairs in the future.

Weighing Good Mileage for a Pre-Owned Car

When deciding if a vehicle has good mileage for a pre-owned car, there’s isn’t always a clear-cut answer. Along with considering how a car got its mileage, you’ll want to consider how much mileage you want out of it. Typically, drivers put an average of 12,000 miles per year on their vehicles, so keep this in mind.

Considering Age & Mileage

While you may be attracted to lower mileage vehicles, an older low mileage vehicle may be a worse buy than a newer vehicle with more miles. Why? Consider the following:

• Cars that are left sitting can develop mechanical issues, or problems with rubber seals and gaskets. Low mileage may not be a benefit if it’s because the vehicle has been left to sit.
• Well-maintained vehicles are preferred to ones that have been neglected. Even if mileage differs, a well-maintained vehicle may last longer.
• You’ll often pay more for a low mileage model.

If you want a vehicle that strikes a balance between age and mileage, a certified pre-owned model may be worth a closer look.

Get Into a Pre-Owned Car With Mercedes-Benz of Charleston

With a revolving inventory of high-quality pre-owned cars and the convenience of online financing, it’s easy to see why Mercedes-Benz of Charleston has become the go-to luxury and pre-owned car dealership near Clarksburg and Bridgeport. Connect with us to learn more or get set-up with a test drive!