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.

Choosing a Used Car Based on Mileage

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. These factors include age, condition, and location. For example, an older car with less mileage may not work as well as a newer car with more mileage (more on this below). The average driver puts about 12,000 miles on their car per year, so factor this into your decision when you compare mileage and age.

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 lower-mileage car that is quite a bit older. Take the following factors into consideration when examining a used car’s mileage:

• Lower-mileage cars tend to be more expensive, because many dealers consider them higher-quality (this isn’t always the case).
• As we discussed above, it’s a better idea to choose a vehicle with a well-documented maintenance record instead of one with a spotty, improper, or neglected history.
• Cars that haven’t been driven regularly have higher repair costs because they can develop mechanical problems from lack of use. 

You can also consider a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle if you’re looking for a like-new car with an affordable price tag!

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.