What Is Good Mileage on a Used Car?

When you’re shopping for a used car around Providence, there are multiple things to check. Its physical and mechanical condition is important, obviously, but you’re also going to want to take a look at its mileage. Some dealers recommended that you stay away from used cars with over 100,000 miles on them, but this certainly isn’t a concrete rule. In fact, if a car is well-maintained and has been regularly serviced, it can last for well over 100,000 miles with no issues.

INFINITI of Warwick has put together a guide for shopping for used cars, including the main factors you should consider and how to choose a car based on mileage. Check it out, then feel free to browse our online inventory of used and certified pre-owned INFINITI vehicles!

The Smart Way to Shop for a Used Car

There are four essential things you should take into consideration when looking for a quality used car:

• Usage – A car’s mileage is only half the story. If a car racks up 75,000 miles in stop-and-go traffic, it will wear down sooner than a car with 75,000 miles on an open highway. You’ll want to check the car’s driving history in addition to the mileage before you buy.
• Location – If a car has primarily been driven in a cold, wet climate, it will wear down and undergo more stress than a car driven in a dry, warm climate.
• Condition – A certified mechanic should inspect the vehicle before you make any commitments, to make sure there aren’t any underlying or hard-to-see mechanical problems. Factor the cost of an expert inspection into your budget to make sure the car is in top condition.
• Maintenance – In addition to inspecting the car, you should check its maintenance history to see if it has been properly kept up to date on things like oil changes. If you unknowingly purchase a used car with an improper maintenance record, it can lead to some expensive problems down the line.

Mileage vs. Age

Mileage vs. age is a key consideration when shopping for a used car. As stated above, you can sometimes have better luck with a high-mileage car from a few years ago as opposed to a car with low miles that is quite a bit older. With a used car, miles or years will be a factor, but in different ways. Consider the following:

Car Miles

There is no single answer to the question, “What is good mileage on a used car?” The truth is that there are many factors that determine the quality of a used car in addition to hard numbers. The average driver puts about 14,000 miles on their car per year, so factor this into your decision when you compare mileage and age. Take the following factors into consideration when examining a used car’s mileage:

• A car that’s been driven mostly on paved streets will likely be in better condition than a vehicle that’s been driven primarily on rural dirt roads.
• The stop-and-go traffic of busy cities can be harder on a car’s engine than long, continuous drives on highways.
• A high-mileage vehicle that has received regular oil changes and other routine maintenance can have a longer lifespan than a car with low miles car that has been neglected.
• The more you drive a car, the more likely it is for parts to wear down or become damaged. However, a used car with low miles because it hasn’t been driven regularly can experience a build-up of rust and corrosion in the engine, flat spots on tires, and other issues.

Car Age

Whether you are choosing a used car based on miles or years, it is important to note that the average age of a car on U.S. roads was 12.2 years old in 2021 according to S&P Global Mobility Reports. That’s an all-time new high. Age and mileage often go hand-in-hand, but not always. Here’s what you should look at when considering a car’s age:

• A vehicle that has had multiple owners/drivers will have suffered more stress and strain than a car that has had a single owner/driver.
• As previously noted, an older car that has been kept up to date with its routine maintenance schedule could be a better choice than a newer model that hasn’t been cared for.
• An older car is more likely to show more wear and tear to the exterior and interior, as well as to its moving parts.
• With an older car you’re not as likely to get advanced safety and tech features that are standard on newer vehicles.

How Long Do INFINITI Vehicles Last?

Weighing the difference between used car miles or years is important, but the brand is also a key ingredient. So, how long do INFINITI vehicles last? Most INFINITI models can typically last up to 200,000 miles. The lifespan you can expect from an INFINITI car or SUV depends on:

• The specific model purchased
• Whether or not the vehicle has been kept up to date with its maintenance service schedule
• How often the vehicle is driven
• Where the vehicle is driven

Find Used Cars Near Cranston Today

If you have any questions about buying a used car, or if you want more information on our inventory of used and CPO vehicles, feel free to contact our office anytime! You can also check out our used vehicle specials for great deals on our used cars.