How many miles is good for a used car?

When buying a used car, it’s important to evaluate the vehicle’s condition to make sure it will meet your needs and that you’re paying a fair price. We at Ike Honda are dedicated to helping our customers feel satisfied and confident in their purchases. That’s why we have created this guide to help you understand how many miles is good for a used car, along with other important factors for choosing a used vehicle.

The total number of miles that a car has driven, also known as the mileage, can be a useful indicator of the car’s value. While the specific number of appropriate miles may differ depending on the car’s make and model, you can calculate the average number of miles you might expect on a car and use what you discover to influence your buying decision.

Most cars accumulate approximately 12,000 miles per year. You can multiply the age of the car by 12,000 to learn approximately how many miles you might expect. If the car has around that many miles, that can suggest that it’s a good used car to purchase. If the car has significantly more or fewer miles, you may want to learn more about the car’s history before you make your purchase decision.

Why does used car mileage matter?

Mileage = 123456 by CJ Sorg is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0

The number of miles a car has driven is important because it can affect the amount of natural wear and tear you might expect on the car. If the car has a high mileage, that suggests the previous owner drove it a lot. This high-intensity use may age the car prematurely, resulting in an increased need for maintenance or parts repairs. It can be a good economic decision to avoid buying a used car that requires expensive repairs soon after your purchase.

How many miles are too many for a used car?

Again, you may use the 12,000 miles per year rule to determine how many miles are too many for a particular used car. For example, if you’re looking at a used car that is five years old, multiply 12,000 by five to calculate the approximate number of miles you might expect. 12,000 times five is 60,000, so if the car that is five years old has significantly more than 60,000 miles on it, that may be a red flag.

How many miles are too few for a used car?

In general, a car with fewer miles than the average per-year rule dictates that it is likely to be a good deal. Fewer miles suggest the car has spent less time on the road, and may therefore have less natural wear and tear.

Significantly fewer miles, however, can also be a warning sign that you should learn more about the car. This may indicate that the previous owners allowed the car to sit unused for long periods of time, which can suggest they did not follow regular maintenance procedures. You may also want to check the odometer to ensure it is working and recording the number of miles accurately.

Other factors to consider when buying a used car

Mileage isn’t the only factor that matters when picking out a used car. Here are a few other useful elements to consider:

Age

As a car ages, the likelihood that its parts might degrade and require maintenance or replacement increases. This means that finding out a car’s age can be just as important as discovering its mileage. Knowing the age of the car can also make it easier to interpret the mileage information. Furthermore, a newer car may also be more likely to come with technology and safety innovations that older vehicles may lack. If these innovations are important to you, age may play an important role in your decision.

Ownership and maintenance history

When you buy a used car, it’s worth requesting information on the previous ownership and maintenance history. Learning how many previous owners the car has had and for how long each owner kept the vehicle may help inform you about the vehicle’s reliability. The maintenance history can help inform you about which car elements are new and which you may need to replace soon. Consider the brakes, transmission, timing belt, and timing chain. You can also learn about the car’s collision history, which may also help you better understand its value.

Budget

The amount you’re willing to pay is a major factor in what used car may best fit your needs. To find a used car that fits your budget, you can look for special deals on used cars. You can also check out the Ike Honda finance center for advice on auto loans, financing application assistance, and a payment calculator. Some individuals may also choose to trade in their current car and use the earnings to help pay for a new vehicle. If you choose to finance your purchase this way, the value of your current vehicle may be a major factor in which used car purchase fits your budget.

Insurance

Every state requires some form of auto insurance for all drivers. The amount you’re likely to pay in premiums, however, may depend on a variety of factors. The type of car you drive is one of these factors, so finding out how much a used car may be to insure is useful information for anyone considering buying a used car. While everything from the make and model to the color can impact your insurance rates, a general rule of thumb is that more expensive cars are more likely to cost more to insure.

If you’re getting ready to buy a used car, it’s important to understand how to evaluate mileage and consider it before making your purchase. Now that you’ve gotten up to speed, you’re ready to check out our fantastic selection of used cars. For the best deal, be sure to consider our used vehicle specials and our used cars priced under $20,000 for sale in Marion, Illinois.