There are many reasons why buying used cars is a wise choice rather than a new model. However, there is a wide range of factors that you need to take into account before purchasing a used car—for instance, checking the mileage. So, what exactly is the best mileage to buy used car? If that is the question you have in mind, then you are in the right place. This article will discuss what is considered a good mileage for used cars, other factors to consider, and the Risks of buying an old car with low mileage.
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Good Mileage For A Used Car
Generally, this is how many people tend to determine a good mileage on a used car – averagely, a person drives approximately 12,000 miles in a year. Therefore, for a used car around ten years old, good mileage will be 120,000 miles. Mileage varies between vehicles, but that is the general rule of thumb. Other cars will have more or less when you read car mileage on their odometer.
When choosing a used vehicle, good mileage often translates to more reliable performance. The set number of miles does not necessarily determine how long a car will last. Quite the contrary, some cars with a higher mileage have been recorded to last longer than those with lower mileage. That is basing the measurement on their maintenance and how they were driven.
Why is it Important to Check the Used Car Mileage Chart before Buying one?
Many people opt for used cars for sale rather than new models for a good reason. If you are looking for a second-hand car, it is clear that you understand the merits of buying one. They are less expensive, have low depreciation, and are even cheaper to repair and maintain. Many a time, however, it is hard to judge what the car has been through. The few methods we can use to get some clues regarding the condition are the odometer reading, drivability, and appearance.
Mileage may be an essential factor, but it should not remotely be the deciding factor. The best and advisable way to determine how long a car is supposed to last is whether it was well taken care of by the previous owners. You may want to check the vehicle history report to ensure the car received the professional care it needed. The report indicates all the accident information, maintenance, and reporting services of the car. Regardless of the mileage, if the car received the proper attention, it is likely to last longer.
Good mileage can tell a lot about the vehicle. Low mileage on a ‘newer’ second-hand vehicle can provide years of reliable performance. However, this will be affected by how the previous owners operated the car. For example, a car with more miles may have been used for highway driving. The vehicle tends to exhibit less damage on the performance cars. Such cars will last longer. Therefore, to find a reliable car with long-lasting performance, the mileage on the odometer and understanding how the car was used before purchase will help a great deal.
General Mileage Guidelines
Generally, when given two cars with mileages 50,000 miles and 200,000 miles, the one with 50,000 miles is valued higher than the latter. Unfortunately, that should not entirely affect your decision on which car to buy. High mileage and low mileage cars may not mean what you think. The assumption of the 12,000 miles a year is a good guideline, as many can attest. For an average 10-year-old car, 120,000 miles on the odometer should be the standard. Anything less or more may not be a good sign.
The condition, for instance, is vital. Ensure that you take the car to a trusted mechanic. The mechanic checks the steering and brakes, signs of rust, emissions, oil leaks, transmission and engine, air filters, etc.
The car’s geographic location is another factor, as the weather can affect the car’s performance. Cold and wet weather has adverse effects on cars. Other factors include previous usage and maintenance.
How many miles on a Used Car is too much?
There is no specific number as to how many miles are too many for used cars. That depends on a range of factors, so it is hard to determine the ideal number of miles. In this case, the rule of thumb can apply, whereby you follow the 12,000 miles/year on average. As earlier discussed, there are a lot of factors that determine the performance of a vehicle.
Best Mileage to Buy Used Car
What mileage should you buy a used car at? The excellent mileage for a used car should follow the 12,000 miles/year average. Remember that the average car in the U.S is 12 years, and so the mileage should be about 144,000 miles. It would be best to consider how much mileage you will get from it, rather than how much it has. Some people are okay buying a car with 50,000 miles because they will have 90,000 miles before getting to the average.
A car with 100,000 miles will mean you have around four years of driving before you get to the average. Other people may go for cars with over 150,000 miles, which may last longer than expected with proper maintenance. Therefore, do not take the mileage at face value. Consider the vehicle’s history, how the previous user-operated it, how it was maintained, and taken care of over the years.
Risks of Buying Old Car with Low Mileage
It is almost a norm to see people going for used cars with low mileage. These cars are the choice for many considering they have seen less wear and tear over their years of use. This may be true for many buyers. However, going for a used car with low mileage may not be the best decision, as we are yet to find out.
The car parts still degrade. Most old cars which appear to be in good condition may not have been used as often by their previous owners. But what most people don’t know is that vehicles do not do well when they sit for a long time. This particularly applies to the seals and rubber gaskets, which dry out and therefore need replacement. These old cars with old mileage can also develop tire dry rot, and the radiator and heater components may fail. When they sit for a long time, the tires are likely to develop flat tire spots.
The fluids also pose significant risks. The oil and gasoline may attract moisture and cause internal corrosion, severely damaging the engine, oil, and fuel lines. The other fluids, like transmission fluid and antifreeze, can corrode and leak over time and damage other components. In a nutshell, low mileage cars may have a great appearance but could be a maintenance nightmare.
Conclusion
Most used car buyers are looking to buy a car well under 100,000 miles. But in every case, knowing how well the previous owners took care of the car provides far more data than the mileage can. Like people, cars need check-ups and tune-ups to stay healthy. You can refer to the used car mileage chart to better understand after you have confirmed the history of the vehicle you intend to buy.
