What is Good Mileage for a Used Car?

There are many factors to consider when purchasing a pre-owned car, ranging from vehicle condition to maintenance records to car mileage. So, what is good mileage for a used car, anyway? The answer isn’t as clear-cut as you may think since modern vehicles can last well over 200,000 miles when properly maintained! In this guide, we’ll discuss the idea of good car mileage and how to look at the big picture when making your next purchase.

How Many Miles Should a Used Car Have?

Determining how many miles should your used car have is tricky, and most of it boils down to personal preference. In generations past, cars with 100,000 miles on the odometer were considered past their prime. But with huge advancements in technology, those days are long gone. Higher-mileage models still have plenty of life left in them, and they can often provide fantastic value for shoppers on a budget.

We recommend considering how many miles the car has left rather than just the amount on the odometer. Remember that most Springfield and Alexandria drivers log around 12,000 miles yearly. A car with 50,000 miles in good condition will provide years of adventures if taken in for regular maintenance visits. But if you find a well-maintained car with 100,000 miles, it may last another four or five years with proper care – and you’ll probably get a great deal on the price.

What Factors Matter Beyond Good Car Mileage?

• Usage: If you can get some information about the car’s history, it might reveal potential issues. A car with 75,000 miles of stop-and-go city traffic might have more brake pad wear than a car with 75,000 miles of easy highway driving.
• Location: The harsher the climate, the harder on the vehicle. Cars from milder and drier climates tend to fare better than those in colder, wetter climates.
• Condition: It’s a good idea to get a technician to inspect any vehicle that you’re considering. Sometimes, minor repairs aren’t a dealbreaker, but you’ll want to incorporate repair costs into your budget.
• Maintenance: A well-maintained vehicle is always a better buy than one without a service history. Maintenance records prove that the car has been properly inspected over time, so there are fewer surprises down the road.
• Age: Look for the relationship between age and mileage. If a vehicle is two years old with 50,000 miles already, it might have greater wear and tear than expected. But if a vehicle is 10 years old with only 50,000 miles, that car was not driven much and could have issues with gaskets and seals.

Find Your Next Car with Lindsay Volkswagen of Dulles

Still have questions about how many miles should a used car have? While good car mileage for a used car is largely a matter of preference, the team at Lindsay Volkswagen of Dulles would love to help you find a vehicle that suits your wants and needs.

Contact us online or stop by our dealership in Sterling. We’ll happily walk you through your used and certified pre-owned vehicle options.