What is Good Mileage on a Used Car?

What is good mileage on a used car? Decades ago, cars with over 100,000 miles were considered past their prime. But these days, vehicles are more dependable and durable than ever before – which means good mileage for a used car has changed as well. A well-maintained sedan might go well over 200,000 miles without an issue. However, it’s important to do your research to determine the best option for you. Learn how to determine what is good used car mileage for you, and find out what other factors matter when shopping around Brookfield and Bethel.

Good Used Car Mileage vs. Other Factors

While it’s definitely important to consider good mileage for a used car, it’s also important to think about things like condition and maintenance history. Here are some of the factors that are worth investigating when shopping for your next vehicle:

• Driving Habits – How was the car driven on a typical day? Stop-and-go traffic can be hard on brakes, while heavy towing can be hard on the transmission. Try to learn more about the vehicle’s driving history if possible.
• Location – Where was the car driven? Dry, mild climates are a lot easier on a car than cold, wet climates – which might lead to greater rusting, wear and tear, etc.
• Condition – What is the car’s condition? We recommend getting a certified mechanic to do an inspection if you can. The mechanic can alert you of any issues that you might not spot. While some issues aren’t dealbreakers, you’ll want to work the cost of repair into your budget.
• Maintenance – Has the car been maintained over the years? A solid maintenance history means that the vehicle has been inspected by professionals at regular intervals, while a spotty maintenance history means that mechanical issues might be lurking under the surface.

Good Used Car Mileage vs. Age 

Good mileage for a used car can also vary, depending on the age of the car. Drivers typically log around 12,000 miles every year. So, a two-year-old car with 100,000 miles has clearly been put through its paces. But, what if you find a two-year-old car with a few thousand miles on the odometer?

• Cars perform at their best when driven regularly. Otherwise, mechanical issues can develop – like cracked rubber seals and leaky gaskets.
• Lower mileage cars are almost always priced higher than higher mileage cars. So even if an older car with low mileage isn’t in the best shape, you’ll probably have to pay a higher price for it.
• Regardless of the vehicle’s age and mileage, a well-documented maintenance history is always a green flag.

How Do I Determine Good Mileage for a Used Car?

Instead of asking “What is good mileage on a used car?”, it’s good to think about “What is good mileage on a used car for my everyday needs?” A car with 20,000 or 50,000 miles might be a great fit for you. But if you’re on a tight budget, maybe a well-maintained 100,000-mile vehicle could serve you well for several years. 

Find Your Used Vehicle at Honda of Danbury

Now that you know more about buying a used car around New Fairfield, put your skills to the test! Visit us in Danbury to peruse our used vehicle inventory at your leisure, or contact us with questions in the meantime. We’d be happy to help you find just the right model for you, whether that’s a HondaTrue Certified model or a car priced under 20k.