What Is Good Mileage for a Used Car?

When shopping for a new-to-you vehicle, opting for a used car is a great choice. You can save big, explore a large selection, and head home in a high-quality vehicle. That said, you’ll want to do your homework when shopping pre-owned to be sure you’re getting a vehicle you can rely on for your commute from Charlotte to Pineville. 

While some suggest avoiding a vehicle with more than 100,000 miles, this isn’t necessarily a rule that’s set in stone. This is because well-maintained, modern vehicles can often travel for 200,000 miles or more! That means you’ll have an opportunity to find a reliable used car, even among our high-mileage options. Here at Hendrick Cadillac Monroe, we offer shopping tips and tricks to help you find your fit. Learn more about shopping for a used car with us below!

The Smart Way to Shop for a Used Car

While you’ll want to always prioritize good mileage for a used car, there are other factors that you’ll need to consider when shopping pre-owned:

• Usage: Each mile accumulated on a vehicle is not considered equal. 50,000 miles of stop-and-go city traffic will cause a lot more wear and tear on a vehicle than 50,000 miles from driving on the open highway. Study the habits of the previous owner if possible to get a sense of how the vehicle has been driven.
• Location: Vehicles in warm, dry climates endure less stress than ones from cold, wet areas. 
• Condition: Work with a certified mechanic to inspect the used car that caught your eye. If the mechanic spots any issues, and you still intend to buy, negotiate the cost of the repairs into the price. 
• Maintenance: Review the maintenance history of the vehicle. A spotty service record doesn’t always mean that a vehicle has been problem-free. It may mean that the previous owner was neglectful. An irregular repair history can be indicative of future issues. 

Choosing a Used Car Based on Mileage

Since we’ve discussed that good mileage for a used car is a bit subjective, it’s sometimes better to think about how many more miles you’d like to rack up, rather than what’s been accumulated in the past. If you find a vehicle with 75,000 miles that seems to be working well, it’s likely a great buy. However, you can also save big and opt for a vehicle with about 100,000 miles. A high-mileage vehicle that’s been well-cared for can likely offer another three or four years of dependable Concord travels. The average driver racks up about 12,000 miles per year, so keep that in mind when you’re comparing mileage vs. age. 

Mileage vs. Age

In some cases, a newer car with higher mileage can be a better option than an older car with fewer miles. Consider the following when buying used:

• A vehicle that’s been driven irregularly will often come with high repair costs. Mechanical issues and problems with the seals and gaskets can accumulate when a car sits for too long. 
• Always favor a used car with a well-documented service history. 
• Low-mileage used cars often come with a higher price tag.

If you’re concerned about the quality of a pre-owned vehicle, but you’d like to save, consider a CPO Cadillac from Hendrick Cadillac Monroe! CPO stands for certified pre-owned and means that a vehicle is technically used but is newer and in impeccable condition. Our CPO models even come backed by a strong warranty for greater peace of mind! Consult with one of our team members if you think a CPO vehicle offers what you need.

Find Used Cars in Monroe Today

As you can see, there’s a lot more to consider when shopping for a used car than just mileage. Here at Hendrick Cadillac Monroe, we offer a quality selection of new, used, and CPO models to help you head home in a vehicle that matches your budget and lifestyle. Visit our Monroe showroom today to start your upgrade!