What is Good Mileage for Used Cars?

What is considered good mileage on a used car will invariably differ for each used car shopper. There is, in other words, not a simple answer to the question of what constitutes “good” vs. “bad” mileage when looking for quality used cars. There is, in turn, no mileage cutoff that determines whether or not you’ll have a trouble-free ownership experience. Rather, you should look at a vehicle’s mileage, condition, history, and more when searching for the perfect pre-owned vehicle near Stanley or Watford City. Let us help with our car buying tips!

How to Shop for a Used Car

When shopping for a quality used car for sale near Dickinson, mileage is but one factor you’ll want to think about. Here are some others that are just, as if not, more important:

• Where a Car is Used – Have you ever thought about where a vehicle spends most of its time and the ensuing effect that can have on its condition? Used vehicles from a warm and dry climate usually undergo less stress than vehicles that have long endured a wet and cold climate.
• How a Car is Used – A car driven 75,000 miles in stop and go traffic will often wear down much faster than one that has racked up 75,000 miles on the open highway, potentially requiring more repairs. Make sure that you get the previous owner’s driving history before you buy.
• What Condition a Car is in – Does the used vehicle you like have minor or major mechanical issues, electrical gremlins, or rust?
• Maintenance – Always be sure that the vehicle you like is thoroughly vetted not just for its current condition but also for how it was maintained over the years. Our service center can help!

Choosing a Used Car Based on Mileage

All of the above factors are super important. But what if you really do want to weed down your used car search based on mileage, too? We can understand that. After all, though mileage in and of itself is only a number, it does have some link, albeit not necessarily a 1:1 correlation with vehicle condition. A good guideline to go by is that if you need a vehicle for the next 3-4 years, you probably can get by with a vehicle with over 100,000 miles. (Most drivers drive around 12,000 miles a year). If, however, you really want something you know will give you many trouble-free miles ahead, you should consider buying a newer used vehicle — or leasing a brand new one!

Mileage vs. Age 

Don’t discount a vehicle with higher mileage just because of this fact alone. Think about the other factors we’ve discussed. Also, be sure to weigh a used car’s mileage against its age. Remember:

• A vehicle with a well-documented maintenance history is preferable to one that has been neglected.
• 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. 
• Low mileage vehicles often come with a higher price tag. 

Want a great deal on a quality used car near Billings? We have plenty of low-mileage and high-mileage quality used cars, trucks, and SUVs for sale at Ryan Chrysler Jeep Dodge! 

Your Next Used Car in Williston Awaits!

Ready to step into a quality affordable used car with just the right mileage for you on the odometer? We can help. Browse our pre-owned inventory online now, then check out our pre-owned specials.