What is Good Mileage On A Used Car?

Henrico drivers often ask our sales team “What is good mileage on a used car?” There’s no clear cut answer, since mileage is just one of the many factors that go into a car’s overall condition. While cars with over 100,000 miles on the odometer may be too high for some customers, a well-maintained car with many miles might have plenty of life to give — along with a bargain price point! Let’s go over good mileage for a used car and explore the other factors to keep in mind during your shopping process.

The Smart Way to Shop for a Used Car

Before we answer “What is good mileage for a used car?”, it’s important to look broadly at any car you’re considering in Glen Allen. Here are a few questions to guide you.

• Usage – How has the car been used? A car with 75,000 miles in stop and go traffic has gone through much more wear and tear than one that has driven mostly on highways.
• Location – Where was the car driven? Dry, warm climates are mild and easier on cars. Extreme cold and extreme heat can accelerate the wear process, especially humid and wet climates.
• Condition – What is the car’s condition? A certified mechanic can help you determine whether or not there are costly issues that you might not notice. Some of these issues may be acceptable to you, but you’ll need to factor in the cost of repair into your budget.
• Maintenance – Has the car been properly maintained? An irregular maintenance history can be a warning sign, while a well-maintained vehicle can be a big plus.

Choosing a Used Car Based on Mileage

So as you can see, it’s difficult to say what is good mileage for a used car without introducing a number of other variables. A well-maintained car with 50,000 miles in a mild climate may look drastically different than a neglected car with 50,000 miles of rough driving in inclement weather. That’s why we recommend thinking about how many miles you have left, rather than how many are currently on the odometer. A cheap car with 100,000 miles might last another four years, and you might save a lot of money by choosing one with a higher mileage. 

Mileage vs. Age 

It’s also important to look at the relationship between mileage and age when assessing good mileage for a used car. Keep in mind that the average driver around Goochland logs around 12,000 miles a year, and use that information to see how much the car has been driven.

• If the car hasn’t been driven very much, it may have repair costs lurking around the corner. Mechanical issues with components like rubber seals and gaskets can occur with a lower-mileage, higher-aged car.
• As always, maintenance is key. If the car has been in storage for years without any maintenance or driving, the lower mileage may not be worth the potential repair costs.
• Lower mileage vehicles are typically more expensive than higher mileage options, which is something to consider if you’re on a tight budget.
• If you want a lower mileage model with extra guarantees, like a warranty plan, consider a Certified Pre-Owned model.

Shop Used Cars at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Richmond

We’ve gone over how to determine good mileage for a used car based on your driving needs, and the team at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Richmond can help you find your next car at our dealership in Richmond. Whether you’re looking for a vehicle under $30k or a CPO model, our extensive inventory has terrific options for all drivers. Contact us to get started.