What Is Good Mileage for a Used Car?


Mileage counter

If you are considering buying a used carin West Lafayette but are worried about potential repair costs, take a look at our guide to used car mileage so you can answer the question, "What is good mileage for a used car?" Don't hesitate to reach out to usif you have any questions! 

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What Is Considered High Mileage for a Used Car?

Due to the exponential increase in vehicle repair costs over the lifespan of a car, most people purchasing older cars are looking for something below 100,000 miles. Taking into account that the average driver puts about 10,000-12,000 miles per year on their vehicle, there are some factors at play to consider:

  • How many miles vs. age of the car: A year-old vehicle with 40,000 miles on it may be in worse shape than a five-year-old vehicle with 60,000 miles on it because it's been extensively driven in a shorter period.
  • Year of manufacture: Within the last decade, car manufacturing has improved significantly, which means there are now more recently used models that will last well over 100,000 miles and even past 200,000 miles.
  • Regularly Scheduled Maintenance: A vehicle with 15,000 miles that did not receive regular maintenance may have more issues than a vehicle with 30,000 miles that did receive regular maintenance. When purchasing, always ask for the service history and proof of maintenance.

Additional Things to Consider When Buying a Used Car

  • Model Generation: Sometimes, a model with a great reputation gets redesigned after a few years for the new generation, or "iteration," can go badly. Inversely, a vehicle that perhaps was less than stellar in the past may have been improved with a redesign. This can usually be sussed out on review websites like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds.com.
  • Vehicle History Report: A vehicle history report from the previous owner will show any repair reports, collisions, police records, and DMV records that may tell you more about what wear and tear the car has sustained over the years. 
  • Location: The Vehicle History Report will also tell you where this car has "lived"-dryer climates like southern California are gentler on vehicles than places with lots of humidity.
  • Foreign Luxury Car Brands: Due to the cost of shipping high-end replacementOEM parts overseas, luxury vehicles can become expensive to repair. On the other hand, these brands often have excellent warranties if you're purchasing certified pre-owned, and luxury dealerships may provide perks while your car is being serviced.

Come to Lafayette Lincoln for Your Used Car Needs

Test drive high-quality, low-mileage used cars for sale near Frankfort, and explore your finance options if you are ready to get a great deal on your next car! We look forward to working with you.