What is a good mileage to buy a used car? Or, in other terms, is there a cutoff in terms of mileage when a vehicle no longer becomes a good buy? The answer is no. While there is some correlation between vehicle age, mileage, and condition, high mileage vehicles are not necessarily bad buys. In fact, for people looking to spend less than $10,000, a higher-mileage vehicle might be representative of a great buy.
For others, looking for a car with less wear and tear who are willing to spend more up-front, a lower mileage model — perhaps one with less than 50,000 miles on the odometer — could be better.
Want to see what kind of vehicles we have in-stock and discuss your options? Peruse our pre-owned inventory now then contact us with questions.
The Smart Way to Shop for a Used Car
There’s more than just a vehicle’s mileage to keep in mind when buying a used car near Van Nuys. In fact, here are some other factors you should keep in mind when buying pre-owned as opposed to new:
- Condition – The reason people worry about buying a high mileage vehicle has more to do with implications that mileage can have on condition. So get to the heart of the matter and have a certified mechanic inspect your vehicle to determine if there are any issues before you buy.
- Usage – A car driven 55,000 miles in stop-and-go traffic will wear down sooner than one that has racked up 55,000 miles on the open highway. Make sure that you get the previous owner’s driving history before you buy.
- Location – Vehicles that have been driven in a locale that has a dry, warm climate, undergo less stress than vehicles from areas that have a cold, wet climate.
- Maintenance – An irregular service history can spell trouble when it comes to future service expenses more so than high mileage. So get a pre-purchase inspection done before buying, or consider a certified pre-owned vehicle that’s been thoroughly inspected and vetted.
Choosing a Used Car Based on Mileage
“What is good mileage on a used car?” The answer is dependent upon a wide variety of factors. Generally, though, it’s better to think about how much more mileage you can get out of a used car than how much mileage it has already racked up. While this may not have always been the case, good used cars are lasting longer and longer nowadays. So, if a used car has 50,000 miles and seems to be working pretty well, then it’s likely a good buy. Still, even a used vehicle with 100,000 miles or more can probably last you another four to five years or longer if it’s in good condition. Remember: the average driver drivers around 12,000 miles a year.
Compare Mileage vs. Age
A newer car that has relatively high mileage may be a better choice than a low-mileage car that’s older. Here are a few tips to remember when shopping for a used vehicle in Los Angeles or Downey
- A car that hasn’t been driven regularly will often have higher repair costs. Mechanical issues, or problems with rubber seals and gaskets, can develop if a car isn’t driven on a regular basis.
- A vehicle with a well-documented maintenance history is preferable to one that has been neglected.
- Low mileage vehicles often come with a higher price tag.
Shop Used Cars Near Glendale Today
Ready to jump into the used vehicle or even used hybrid for sale near Los Angeles that’s right for your needs? Chances are we’ve got it today at INFINITI of Downtown LA, where we carefully hand-select all of our used vehicles for sale. Whether you’re planning to purchase a used INFINITI or another used luxury vehicle, we’ve got you covered.
