What Is Good Mileage on a Used Car?

Are you in the market for a pre-owned ride to help you improve your commute from Queens to Staten Island? If so, you’re probably wondering what good mileage on a used car is. In the past, you would have been wise to shy away from a vehicle with 100,000 miles or more, but what is high mileage on a used car today? While mileage is important, other factors play a major role in whether or not a vehicle is worth buying. 

A high-mileage vehicle that’s been well maintained can often be a great bargain. That said, a vehicle with fewer miles that’s never seen the inside of the shop is likely to be a money pit. Review our shopping tips below to learn more about what high mileage on a used car is and other important information. 

The Smart Way to Shop for a Used Car

What is good mileage on a used car? Mileage is critical, but you’ll also want to look at the following factors when you shop pre-owned:

• Usage: Depending on how and where a vehicle is driven, the wear and tear can be drastically different. 75,000 miles of stop-and-go city driving will cause more issues than 75,000 miles of open highway driving. Investigate the previous driver’s habits if possible!
• Location: Vehicles that travel in warm, dry climates stand the test of time better than cars from cold, wet areas. 
• Condition: Working with a trusted mechanic is the best way to determine if there are any underlying issues with a vehicle. A trained eye can spot problems that can blossom into expensive projects before you buy. 
• Maintenance: Review the maintenance history of a vehicle before you sign on the dotted line. If a vehicle has been kept up to date with maintenance and repairs, it’s often a good investment. 

Choosing a Used Car Based on Mileage

Unfortunately, there’s no perfect answer to the question, “What is good mileage for a used car?” There are simply too many factors to consider that go along with mileage to create a one-size-fits-all rule of thumb. A better way to think about shopping used is to consider your usage plans. If a used car has 50,000 miles and seems to be in good working order, you can likely get many years’ worth of travel without much issue. That said, a car with 100,000 miles or more can still offer reliable driving over a few years for an incredibly budget-friendly price. Since the average driver clocks 12,000 miles per year, considering mileage vs. age is always wise!

Mileage vs. Age 

New cars with lots of miles can often be a better buy than older, low-mileage cars. When comparing good mileage for a used car vs. age, consider the following: 

• A car that sat idle for long stretches of time will often come with high repair costs. Over time, mechanical issues, problems with the seals and gaskets, and other maintenance concerns can develop on a vehicle that isn’t being driven. 
• A strong service record is a very favorable asset when shopping used. 
• Low-mileage cars often come with a higher price tag. 

If you’re stuck between the savings of a used model and the quality of a brand-new car, a CPO VW offers the perfect middle ground! 

Find Used Cars Near Bronx Today

Now that you know what high mileage is on a used car, you can make the switch to a reliable model at Bay Ridge Volkswagen! When you shop with us, you’ll find tons of pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs that offer good mileage for a used car. Once you’re ready to learn how to trade your car, our team can help you through the process! Whether you want to learn more about used car-shopping or how to trade in a financed car, we have the tips and tricks you need.