How Many Miles Is Good for a Used Car in 2024?

Buying a used car can be a great way of getting a quality vehicle for a fraction of its original price. Finding the right one can be challenging, as many things can contribute to its overall condition and longevity. The number of miles it has is one of the most important factors, but there are also others you should look out for. Keep reading to learn more about what makes a used car worthwhile, what the average used car mileage is, and how to find one you can rely on.

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How Many Miles Is Too Many for a Used Car?

Determining a car’s overall value based on the miles it’s been driven is the most popular approach, and for good reason. Although you can find cars in excellent condition with hundreds of thousands of miles on board, determining the best mileage for used cars is usually a sensible strategy.

Generally, 100,000 miles is the limit that separates used vehicles between those that are likely in good condition and those that will probably need extensive maintenance and repair soon. However, modern cars are likely to keep working well even after this cutoff point and can even exceed 200,000 miles while still being in great condition if properly maintained.

High-Mileage Used Cars

Getting a vehicle with over 100,000 miles on board can be an excellent choice when done properly. However, it’s essential to do a little research before buying a high-mileage used car. You should prioritize brands with a long quality and longevity history and only consider cars that come with a full service history. That way, you’ll know that all routine maintenance was performed in due time. For instance, what can be good mileage for a used Honda with a known service history may not be so good for other brands.

Also, an owner who takes their car in for servicing regularly is more likely to take good care of it and drive it carefully. In summary, the answer to the question “What mileage is too high for a used car” depends on many other factors.

Low-Mileage Pitfalls

Although low-mileage used cars are usually relatively new cars in good condition, that’s not always the case. It’s wise to avoid cars with suspiciously low mileage. Cars aren’t meant to sit in a garage or parking lot for months without being used. Doing so leaves them exposed to issues such as leaks, rot, and moisture. Although an old car with low mileage may seem like a great deal, you may wind up paying a lot more for repairs. The typical mileage for used cars is 12,000 miles per year, so use this as a guiding point.

Factors That Affect a Car’s Longevity

As mentioned earlier, there are many other things you need to look out for when buying a used vehicle than its odometer reading. These are some of the most important factors that make a car last many years or break down prematurely. If you’re interested in learning how to find a good used car, this can be your starting point. It can also help you determine a fair price if you ever decide to sell a used vehicle.

Maintenance History

Arguably, the main thing a car owner can do to make their car last is to service it properly. This means that a good used vehicle has had all its routine operations, such as oil and filter changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections, performed at the exact intervals specified by its manufacturer. Given the high quality standards of most modern vehicles, simply doing this will have it running as good as new for a long time. This means that you can consider a used vehicle with a full service history, even if it has many miles on board.

Driving Conditions

Another major factor is the environment in which the car has been driven. Vehicles suffer the most wear and tear when accelerating and braking, as they have to fight inertia. Driving on crowded city streets will put more strain on a vehicle than smooth highway driving at regular speeds. Climate is also an essential factor, as cold, dust, and precipitation may cause aesthetic and mechanical issues. Road quality is also important. Bumpy roads may prematurely affect suspensions, while excessively dusty ones can clog the car’s filters quicker than usual.

Driving Style

Although this can be difficult to monitor and assess, the previous owner’s driving style can significantly influence a used car’s current condition. A driver who aggressively hits the brake and acceleration pedals and constantly makes sudden maneuvers will put unnecessary pressure on the car’s components. On the other hand, a driver who doesn’t push their vehicle to the limit will have fewer needs for repairs later on.

Vehicle Type

The type of vehicle you’re after is also important when deciding whether a used car is too old. These are some rough longevity estimations based on vehicle type:

• SUVs: These vehicles are built to work both as comfortable family vehicles and as adventure companions. This makes them likely to last even if they’ve been driven in harsh conditions, and they have an average life span of at least 150,000-200,000 miles.
• Sedans: These are some of the most reliable vehicles you’ll find on the used market. While they usually last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles, well-maintained sedans can easily exceed these figures.
• Trucks: Trucks last even longer than SUVs, as they’re built to withstand harsh working conditions. They can easily last 200,000-300,000 miles and even more with proper maintenance.
• Electric vehicles: Given that they’re relatively new to the automotive world, it’s difficult to predict how long electric vehicles last on average. However, manufacturers claim that the battery can last up to 500,000 miles, and the electric architecture means that not many other parts will likely break down.

Find the Right Used Vehicle for You at Ike Honda

While getting a used vehicle involves doing a little research, knowing what to look for can help you get a great car at a bargain price. It also helps to choose a brand with a long history of making long-lasting vehicles. Here at Ike Honda in Marion, Illinois, our used car inventory includes select vehicles from Honda and other respected manufacturers. Contact us today or visit our website to discover excellent used vehicles at attractive prices.

cars parked on parking lot during daytime by Vitor Paladini is licensed with Unsplash License