What is Good Mileage on a Used Car?

A quality used vehicle can make all the difference with easier commutes in St. Louis, weekly errands, and weekend getaways to your favorite Lake of the Ozarks or Branson destination. Aside from the price, you want a vehicle that has good mileage for a used car. But, the mileage on the odometer isn’t the whole story when it comes to shopping for a reliable used car, truck, or SUV.

Discover what it means to have good mileage for a used car with our guide from Weber Chevrolet Co.. One of our fine pre-owned vehicles could be an outstanding ride for your family in St. Charles and beyond.

What Is Good Mileage for a Used Car on Our Lot in Creve Coeur?

Ten years ago, experts believed that 100,000 miles or less was considered good mileage for a used car. That may not be the case anymore. Cars built today could last upwards of 200,000 miles when taken care of properly. You might find a vehicle that’s less than 10 years old with a clean history on CARFAX that might last well past the 200,000-mile mark.

There are three things to consider with a used vehicle purchase. Examine the condition of the vehicle, where the vehicle was primarily driven, and how the vehicle was used.

Look Beyond Just the Mileage When Shopping for a Reliable Used Car

The numbers on the odometer simply say how long the engine on your vehicle has been driven. But, you should dig a bit deeper to see the whole story.

• Usage – Someone driving a car in stop-and-go traffic will have more wear than someone driving on the highway if the mileage figures are the same. A car driven in the city with 75,000 miles on the odometer will likely have more wear and tear than a car driven on the highway with 75,000 miles.  
• Location – Vehicles in a warm and dry climate have undergone less environmental stress than vehicles in cold, wet climates. 
• Condition – Have a mechanic inspect your potential buy for hidden signs of wear and rust. All of the ones on our lot near St. Peters have been inspected by our team, and you’ll get a good vehicle for the price.
• Maintenance – Check the maintenance history of the vehicle to ensure that it’s been kept up to date on routine services like oil changes, tire rotations, brakes, and transmission service. If you see any large gaps in maintenance or a lack of maintenance, consider looking for a vehicle in better condition.

Good Mileage for a Used Car: Choosing a Vehicle Just on Miles

Ask yourself how long you plan on driving this particular used vehicle. A used car with 50,000 miles and in excellent condition seems to be a good buy if you want to drive the vehicle for five to 10 years. However, a cheap used car with 100,000 miles or more might last another four years. Again, these are just general numbers. Each vehicle is different. You can perform independent research on the reliability of used vehicles to find the best one for you.

A more accurate gauge of good mileage for a used car is the miles driven per year. The average is around 12,000 to 15,000 miles annually. If a vehicle has fewer miles on it per year than these figures, it could be in great shape. If a vehicle has more miles per year than these numbers, look at whether they were highway or city miles.

Mileage vs. Age on a Used Vehicle

A newer car with high mileage may well be a better choice than a low-mileage older car. Low mileage on an older car could be deceptive because a car that hasn’t been driven regularly could have leaky seals and gaskets. So, a lower mileage car might not be worth it, even if it looks like a bargain

A vehicle with a well-documented maintenance history is preferable to one that’s been neglected. Always look over the vehicle history report to find any gaps in maintenance if they’re available. 

Low-mileage vehicles often come with higher prices, but they could be in like-new condition, which is still a bargain. A certified pre-owned vehicle for your Creve Coeur drives is a great idea if you want a like-new vehicle for a used vehicle price. These later-model used vehicles have low miles, generally one owner, and have been reconditioned by factory-trained technicians to be in as close to like-new condition as possible.

Test-Drive a Great Used Car for Sale at Weber Chevrolet Co.

Ready to upgrade your four-wheeled family member? Contact us or call (314) 325-8860 to schedule a test drive with our team. Our used vehicle specials could lower your price even more!