What is Good Mileage on a Used Car?

There are many factors to consider when buying a used car, ranging from price to performance specs. But many Englewood and North Port drivers ask us, “What is good mileage for a used car?” The answer isn’t so simple nowadays.

A car with 100,000 miles might still have plenty of life left in it if it’s been maintained properly, while a poorly maintained model could be near the end of its life. That’s why we encourage you to look broadly at the condition, history, and age of the vehicle when deciding what is really “good” mileage after all. Let’s get started.

What Matters When Shopping for a Used Car?

In addition to mileage, here are a few factors that matter when shopping for your next vehicle in Venice:

• Usage – Travel history can have a big impact on a car’s condition. A car that’s driven 75,000 miles in stop-and-go traffic will probably have more strain on its braking system than a car with 75,000 miles on the open highway. Look into the previous owner’s driving history before you buy.
• Location – Dry, warm climates are much easier on a car than a cold, wet climate. If you’re buying out of state, this is particularly important to consider.
• Condition – It’s a good idea to get a certified mechanic to look under the hood of any car you want to buy. This allows you to get a better idea about any service issues you may have missed and how much it will cost to repair them.
• Maintenance – The better the maintenance history, the better the buy. A car with an irregular maintenance history could be hiding serious problems that could get worse with time.

Choosing a Used Car Based on Mileage

As you can see, it’s difficult to come up with a specific figure when determining “good” mileage for a used car. Instead, think about how many miles are left on the car. For example, a car with 50,000 miles has plenty of life left in it. But, a well-maintained car with 100,000 miles could also offer you years worth of happy travels – and it might be considerably cheaper. Look at the big picture, and you’re sure to get a great deal.

Mileage vs. Age 

Many drivers are surprised that a newer car with high mileage could be a better choice than a low-mileage older car. Here are the reasons why:

• Most people log around 12,000 miles per year. If an older car has very low mileage, this means it wasn’t driven very much. It may have problems with rubber seals and gaskets, which you’ll need to factor into your budget.
• Maintenance is one of the most important factors when it comes to used cars. If you have the choice between two vehicles and only one has a strong maintenance history, that is almost always the better choice.
• Low mileage vehicles tend to be more expensive. If you’re on a budget, a higher-mileage vehicle might be a great option – as long as it’s in good condition.
• Looking for a low-mileage, like-new car? Check out our Certified Pre-Owned inventory. You’ll even get a full warranty plan!

Shop Used Cars at Kia of Port Charlotte 

Now that you know what to look for when shopping for a used car, why not put your skills to practice? Stop by Kia of Port Charlotte to shop our used vehicle inventory or contact us with any questions about finding your dream car in Port Charlotte.