While buying second-hand might be a financially sound choice, mileage must be the main concern of the buyers. It dictates how much wear and tear the vehicle has undergone, which contributes to its lifespan, reliability, and cost of maintenance. So what’s considered decent mileage for a used car? In general, this article divulges mileage benchmarks and also looks into the factors influencing vehicle longevity and some handy tips to make your selection when buying a used vehicle.
Understanding Mileage and Its Impact
Mileage is the total number of miles a car has been used since its manufacture. It is a significant number that can influence the automobile’s current condition, resale value, and expected lifespan. On average, cars run about 12,000 to 15,000 miles a year. Thus, a properly maintained 5-year-old automobile should typically possess between 60,000 and 75,000 miles on the odometer.
However, mileage alone does not define a car; a car’s reliability attributes greatly to the type of a car, the history of maintenance, and was of the driving conditions.
What Is Considered Good Mileage for a Used Car?
An ideal mileage for used cars depends upon age and condition. These general guidelines provide the key.
Age of Car
Mileage Range Ideal
1 year
12,000-15,000 m
3 years
36,000-45,000 m
5 years
60,000-75,000 m
10 years
120,000-150,000 m
Vehicles that fall within or below these mileage ranges are often thought of as good buys; assuming, of course, they are known to have been well maintained.
When Is Low Mileage Too Low?
While high mileage can indicate wear, extremely low mileage isn’t always a good sign either. A car that has been driven significantly less than average (e.g., 3,000–5,000 miles per year) may have:
Mechanical issues due to long periods of inactivity (e.g., dried-out seals, battery degradation, rust in the fuel system).
Irregular maintenance, as some owners may skip servicing their cars due to infrequent use.
Older tires that may need replacing even with minimal wear.
When you have an old used car with incredibly low mileage, be sure to check all the maintenance records and make sure you thoroughly inspect the vehicle.
Factors That Affect a Car’s Longevity
Apart from mileage, there are various factors that would dictate to you whether the used car you’re eyeing is a smart buy or not:
Maintenance History
Sometimes, a well-maintained car with countless mileage could be a far better option than hastily considered by those looking at a low-mileage car with poor maintenance. Such maintenance should include:
Regular oil changes and fluid replacements.Timely replacement of brake pads, tires, and so forth.Records of servicing the transmission and engine.
Whenever you are buying a used car, always ask for the service records. A vehicle for which there is a documentary evidence to show its maintenance will very easily last longer than another that lacks such evidence.
Driving Conditions
All miles are not equal. While highway miles expose the car to even stress as long, steady-speed driving would, city miles include frequent stops and starts and idling. The brakes, transmission, and engine on the cars do wear out even when such running time is kept small.
Should You Buy a High-Mileage Car?
High-mileage vehicles tend to make some buyers wary, but no reliable vehicle is devoid of high mileage. Most new cars mileage-wise range between two hundred to three hundred thousand miles, depending on their manufacturer.
Pros of Buying a High-mileage Car:
Lower purchase price
Price depreciation has already occurred
If maintained well, could have more years of life left
Cons of Buying a High-mileage Car:
More wear and tear on major components (engine, transmission, suspension)
Potential repair costs could be higher
Major servicing may be required (timing belts, transmission work, etc.)
How to Evaluate a Used Car’s Mileage
When discussing the evaluation of mileage on a second-hand car, adhere to the following steps:
Compare what the mileage says with age
The 12,000-15,000 miles per year standard will let you determine whether the mileage is consistent with the car’s age.
Find out the maintenance record
Generally, a high-mileage car in good repair is a better choice than a low-mileage car with a sparse maintenance history.
Obtain a vehicle history report
Use services like CARFAX or AutoCheck to discover things such as accidents, ownership history, and odometer discrepancies.
Check the physical condition of the car
Search for excessive wear signs such as:
Uneven tire wear
Engine noise or leaks
Transmission problems (delayed shifting, slipping gears)
Rust on the undercarriage
Final Thoughts
Some variables include the age, condition, and the history of maintenance of the vehicle. Typically, 3- to 5-year-old cars in the 36,000 to 75,000 miles’ range are a really good bet to go with. However, older cars might have more mileage but, if well maintained, they could still be great buys.
It’s important not just to look out for mileage; take accident history into the consideration, driving conditions, upkeep, and overall performance. Always conduct research, order a vehicle history report, and have it checked out by a trusted mechanic before purchasing.
With that in mind, it’s a sure bet you can go ahead to procure a reliable used car and one that will afford comfortably.