Purchasing a used car brings with it quite a few concerns. Some of the things people check before buying a used car include it’s overall condition and how many miles it has on it. But the mileage is what determines the used vehicles selling price. The reason is that most drivers who purchase a used vehicle, would want to drive it for at least 30,000-40,000 miles before taking it to a mechanic for any major work. Unfortunately, this might not be a fool-proof process to assess a used car’s mileage. The following article will take a look at the ins and outs of mileage and what it can do for your car.

What Is Good Mileage For A Used Car?

An average driver puts about 12,000 miles per year on a vehicle. Most manufacturers use this number as a standard value to determine a vehicle’s warranty. There’s around 6,000-8,000 miles of breathing space here, which can be considered while assessing the overall condition of the car. Another thing that needs to be taken into account is the year of manufacturing. For example, a five year old vehicle that has run 15,000-18,000 miles each year, is considered to have good mileage.

How Many Miles Is Too Many?

The answer to this question depends on how the vehicle was driven. If a five year old car has less than 30,000 miles on it but was never regularly maintained by the owner, you should avoid the purchase. On the other hand, if that car has instead run for more than 150,000 miles and is in great condition, then it might be worth bringing it to a mechanic for a final check. Knowing if the vehicle has run primarily on highway roads or city roads is important. Remember to ask the owner that. If it has spent most of its time on the highway, it is likely to be in a better condition. If it is a city vehicle, then the chances of some parts being worn out are more. Make sure to take a mechanic’s advice before purchasing or even making an offer.

The Pros Of Buying A Low Mileage Used Car

  • The fewer miles a car has been driven, the better condition it will be in.
  • Most low mileage used cars come with a higher resale value. Down the years, you’ll be able to sell it at a good price.
  • The rate of depreciation is better on low mileage used cars, as opposed to new vehicles.

The Cons Of Buying A Low Mileage Used Car

  • These can be expensive and could tempt you to invest a little more money into buying a new car itself.
  • If a car has a low mileage but is really old (10 years & over), you should be suspicious. A vehicle that has been unused for extended periods of time may suffer from mechanical failures.
  • The warranty may be close to expiring for low mileage vehicles that are old.
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