What’s a Good Mileage for a Used Car?

Pre-owned cars offer incredible value for many Kannapolis and Salisbury shoppers. However, to get the best value, it’s important to shop smartly. We find shoppers across Mooresville and Lexington wondering: What’s a good mileage for a used car?

When it comes to mileage, there’s no set number to look for. You may find 12,000 miles per year a useful benchmark, but it’s just that—a benchmark. There are more factors to consider, and our team at Cloninger Ford is here to delve into the details!

How Many Miles on a Used Car?

You’re not alone in wondering how many miles your next pre-owned car should have. You want to know you’re getting a reliable vehicle, and you may be wary of shopping cars with too many miles.

However, more important than the miles themselves is how they were accrued. The average car has driven 10,000 to 15,000 miles per year. In theory, a vehicle that sits somewhere within those limits is a solid bet. High usage and inactivity can both present their own problems.  

The CARFAX® Vehicle History Report™ tracks odometer readings over the years. It will give you a clearer picture of the mileage that was racked up, year after year.

How Well Was the Vehicle Kept?

Knowing how well a vehicle was cared for is even more important than knowing the mileage. A well-cared-for, 10-year-old car with 100,000 miles racked up may have more life left than a neglected, 5-year-old car with 50,000 miles on it. Routine maintenance is everything.

If previous owners had the car serviced at a certified dealership, you can check maintenance records in the CARFAX® Vehicle History Report™. See how often crucial services, such as oil changes and fluid level inspections, were performed.

Most dealers, including ours, run pre-owned cars through a complete inspection before they go on sale. If you want a second opinion from a 3rd-party mechanic, that’s always an option, too.

How Much Mileage Is Left—And How Much Do You Need?

To state the obvious, it’s impossible to know how much life a vehicle has left. You can assess its prospects, though, when you know how well it has been maintained over the years.

The filter you’ll want to use is this: How many miles do you need, and how long do you plan on keeping the car? You can be a bit more flexible with a car that gets used once a week for grandma’s grocery run. You may want lower mileage, though, if you’re looking for a daily driver you can enjoy for years.

Shop Used Cars at Cloninger Ford

We hope these tips help as you shop for your next pre-owned car! Remember, it’s not so much about the mileage figures themselves. Look at how the mileage was accrued and how well the car was cared for.

For top-quality pre-owned cars, don’t miss our selection at Cloninger Ford. Kannapolis, Mooresville, and Lexington shoppers will find lots of options here at our Salisbury dealer! We’re happy to help match you with the perfect pre-owned vehicle.