What Is Good Mileage on a Used Car?

A quality used vehicle or certified pre-owned model can make a huge difference in your drives around New York, NY. If you have a teenager who needs a car, there are plenty of safe options for commutes and errands. You want to balance a bargain price and reliability with a car, truck, or SUV that has good mileage for a used car. The mileage on the odometer isn’t the only thing to consider

So, what is good mileage on a used car? We’ll give you some ideas about how to determine good mileage for a used car with our guide from United Ford. We think one of our fine selections will make a great four-wheeled family member for your needs

What Is Good Mileage on a Used Car at United Ford?

The general rule of thumb used to be that good mileage for a used car is 100,000 miles or less. But with modern engineering and advanced lubricants, cars can last well beyond 200,000 miles when they’re maintained properly. You need to take into account the maintenance history of the used vehicles you have your eye on.

There are three things to consider with a used vehicle purchase aside from what good mileage on a used car is: the condition of the vehicle, where the vehicle was primarily driven, and how the vehicle was used.

How to Find a Reliable Used Car for Sale at United Ford

The numbers on the odometer only say how many miles the car has been driven. But you have to look at these factors:

• Usage: Stop-and-go traffic can wreak havoc on engines over long periods of time. A car driven in the city with 75,000 miles on the odometer will likely have more wear and tear than a car driven on the highway with 75,000 miles on the odometer.
• Location: Vehicles in a warm and dry climate have undergone less environmental stress than vehicles in cold, wet climates. Heat can cause the oil and other lubricants to wear out faster.
• Condition: Have a trained mechanic near North Bergen look over the vehicle you’re about to buy. That person can look for rust and signs of engine wear you need to know about.
• Maintenance: The vehicle history can show oil changes, tire rotations, brakes, and transmission service on a vehicle. Any large gaps in the maintenance record should be a red flag.

Good Mileage for a Used Car: Choosing a Vehicle Just on Miles

How long do you want to drive the vehicle? Consider a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle that’s in like-new condition if you want to own it for many years. A used car with 50,000 miles and in excellent condition seems to be a good buy if you want to drive the vehicle for five to 10 years. However, a cheap used car with 150,000 miles or more might last another four years. 

A more accurate gauge of good mileage for a used car is the miles driven per year. The average is around 12,000 to 15,000 miles annually. Look for a vehicle with 10,000 miles per year or less to see what good mileage is on a used car. If you see a mileage of more than 15,000 per year, consider that to be a high-mileage used vehicle.

Mileage vs. Age on a Used Vehicle

A newer car with high mileage could be a better choice. An older car that hasn’t been driven in a while might have leaky gaskets or seals because the lubricants have circulated in a while. Again, a mechanic can help with this. Also, getting a CPO vehicle gets you one that has some of the factory warranty left on it for peace of mind.

We invite you to see our quality used vehicles on our lot. We have a reputation to maintain with our manufacturer but also the Union City-area community. We don’t have a bad vehicle on our lot. Just read our reviews to see the people who love us.

Test-Drive a Great Used Car for Sale at United Ford

Contact us or call 551-347-5678 to schedule a test drive with our team in Secaucus. Our used vehicle specials could lower your price even more when searching for a bargain price.