What Is Good Mileage for a Used Car?

odometer displaying higher mileage on used car

When it comes to shopping for a used car in the Middlesex County area, mileage is one way to evaluate any potential problems. Higher mileage typically correlates with higher repair costs. That begs the question, “What is considered high mileage for a used car?” We could throw out a random figure, but the answer is more complicated than you might think and requires a bit of math and research on your end. In the following guide, we answer this question in depth and how you can determine what is considered good mileage on a used car at Carpoint Auto Group.

 

 

What Is Considered High Mileage for a Used Car?

You’ve probably already heard about the 100,000-mile rule. Most used car shoppers in Hudson County only consider vehicles with under 100,000 miles, as repair costs increase exponentially during a vehicle’s lifespan. Given the fact that the average driver racks up around 10,000 to 12,000 miles annually on their vehicle, it’s important to take the following factors into account to determine if a used car is worth buying or not:

  • Miles vs. Car Age. A used car that is a year old with 40,000 miles could cost you more in repairs than a 5-year old vehicle 50,000 miles on it. Accumulating more miles in a shorter period of time increases the risk of repairs. So when you’re shopping for used cars, divide the odometer number by the age of the car to get the vehicle’s annual mileage average. This is a far better indicator than simply going off of mileage.
  • Model Year & Generation. Of course, as time goes on, technology improves. Used vehicles from more recent model years can last well over 100,000 miles—and even 200,000 miles. It’s also important to note that some model years/generations experience more problems than others–regardless of mileage. Using sources like Kelley Blue Book, or Edmunds.com can help you with researching a certain model year or generation to determine a used vehicle’s reliability.
  • Maintenance History. When shopping for a used vehicle in the Ocean County-area, always ask for proof of maintenance and a vehicle history report. For example, a vehicle with only 10,000 miles that has never received any repairs or with a history of collisions may cost you far more than a vehicle with 40,000 miles that has received regular maintenancewith no past history of accidents.
  • Foreign Luxury Automakers. Luxury vehicles can be expensive to repair due to the shipping costs of high-end replacement OEM parts. However, if you purchase certified pre-owned, a lot of these brands provide excellent warranties to help out with service.

Browse Low Mileage Used Cars for Sale at Carpoint Auto Group!

Now you know the ropes of how to shop for a good used car, come down to Carpoint Auto Group in South River to explore our extensive selection of low mileage used cars for sale! Be sure to also check out our pre-owned vehicle specials to see if you can save even more on our competitive priced selection. For any inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us online.

 

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