What Is a Good Mileage for a Used Car? Tips for Smart Car Buyers

• Is Mileage Important When Buying a Used Car?
• What's the Average Mileage of Used Cars on the Road?
• Best Mileage to Buy a Used Car
• Comparison of Used Car Mileage 
• How to Check Car Mileage
• Critical Milestones for Evaluating a Pre-Owned Vehicle
• What's More Important: Mileage or Age?
• Key Takeaways 

When you read an ad selling a low-mileage car, it seems like a good deal. Such a vehicle is relatively inexpensive but looks almost like new. However, the reality is sometimes not so rosy. So, how many miles should a used car have? We will talk about this in the used car mileage guide below.

Is Mileage Important When Buying a Used Car?

Experience indicates that current mileage is not the sole factor when purchasing a vehicle. Exceptionally high and suspiciously low miles should be cautionary indicators.

Additionally, the car could be idle for months or years. This is not a reason to buy because long idle times can cause parts to rot, dry out, and reduce battery. You need to be guided by logic: If you buy a three-year car, pick up the one with a good mileage for used car of about 30–40 thousand miles since the average mileage on a car per year is 9–13 thousand miles.

What's the Average Mileage of Used Cars on the Road?

What is a good mileage for a used car? Let’s start with average numbers. The average car mileage on American roads is about 12.4 thousand miles. However, this figure can change depending on the region and the economic situation in the country. For example, during the 2008 crisis, it was 9 thousand miles, while in 2015, it increased to 14.8 thousand miles.

Best Mileage to Buy a Used Car

Addressing the question “What mileage is good for a used car?”, a vehicle used regularly should have approximately 30–40 thousand miles per year. If used occasionally, the mileage would likely be 9–13 thousand miles.

Some car owners may alter the odometer readings to increase the value of their vehicle on the market, avoiding uncomfortable discussions about the car's used car mileage and how many miles might be considered too high by potential buyers.

At the service station, digital odometers can be verified. You can also check your car history using Carfax. Remember, attempting to defraud with false odometer readings can result in criminal penalties. When buying a car with high mileage, it's especially important to verify these details to avoid falling into a trap.

Comparison of Used Car Mileage 

How to Check Car Mileage

Does the seller convince you that it is good mileage to buy a used car? Note that sellers may put up a vehicle with a rolled-back odometer for sale. Fortunately, this is easy to determine. 

You can cross-reference data with a used car mileage chart to verify if the mileage is accurate. The actual used car mileage can be determined by the condition of the body, interior, and paintwork. Pay attention to brake disc wear, the windshield, and door backlash.

In the cabin, inspect the steering wheel, seat belts, gear lever knob, and pedal pads. Newer cars are unlikely to have sagging seats, scratched armrests, or faded control buttons.

Critical Milestones for Evaluating a Pre-Owned Vehicle

When assessing a used car, a comprehensive examination is necessary. The following benchmarks can be used to assess an earlier-owned car:

• Maintenance intervals. Review maintenance records. Regular maintenance indicates the vehicle has been well cared for and can provide insights into whether it has good used car mileage.
• Timing belt & chain replacement. This replacement is critical to maintaining a pre-owned vehicle. Neglecting this can cause severe engine damage.
• Brakes maintenance. Ensure the braking system is in good condition to avoid future safety and performance issues.
• Transmission care. A well-maintained transmission ensures smooth gear transitions and prevents costly repairs of used cars 

What's More Important: Mileage or Age?

Low or good mileage for used car can be associated with long-term downtime. To prevent problems like corrosion and metal fatigue, the car must be protected before storage. Even these steps, nevertheless, are insufficient to completely safeguard the vehicle. As a result, a car that is too old and has minimal mileage is frequently unreliable.

Nevertheless, even these procedures cannot protect the car from damage; in practice, few car owners perform them. It is fundamentally wrong to say that a large age of a car is better than high mileage. So, stop calculating how many miles used SUVs or other vehicles should have and think about what details you must examine to ensure the specific car is worth buying.

As for the answer to the best mileage for a used car, the other extreme is an almost new high-mileage car. This category includes cars used as taxis and corporate vehicles. Usually, such cars, despite their visual novelty, hide mechanisms damaged by wear.

In general, you should understand that there is no exact answer to the question, “How much mileage is too much for a used car?” A vehicle in prime condition with lower mileage is often preferable. However, the overall condition, maintenance history, and the type of driving the car has experienced are essential considerations as well.

When making a purchase decision, it's advisable to assess both car miles and age in conjunction with the vehicle's maintenance records and overall condition. You can also apply for a car financing option to help manage the purchase.

Key Takeaways 

• Evaluate the overall condition. Always consider the overall condition along with the miles on a car.
• Regular maintenance records. Check for consistent maintenance to ensure reliability.
• Mileage vs. age. Both factors are essential, but mileage often gives more insight into potential wear.
• Inspect physical condition. Look for signs of wear and tear, regardless of the reported mileage.