What is Considered Good Mileage On A Used Car?

When you’re shopping around for the right used car in Aptos or Santa Cruz, there’s a lot to consider. In addition to thinking about a vehicle’s history and mechanical condition, you’re going to want to consider what’s good mileage on a used car. While many car buyers have considered vehicles with over 100,000 miles on the odometer to be “high-mileage,” and thus bad buys, that’s really not true. Most new vehicles today can last well over 250,000 miles. Read on to learn more about buying high vs. low mileage vehicles with our car buying tips .

What to Know When Buying a Used Car in Santa Cruz

Here are some things to keep in mind when purchasing a used vehicle in the greater Monterey area:

• Location – Vehicles from a warm and dry climate generally undergo less stress or weather-related wear and tear than vehicles from a cold, wet climate.
• Condition – Mechanical issues or electrical issues, rust, and other problems with vehicle condition will need to be dealt with. Make sure to factor this cost into your used car budget.
• Usage – A car driven 100,000 miles in stop and go traffic will wear down sooner than one that has racked up 100,000 miles on the open highway. Getting a vehicle history report in addition to knowing the mileage is key to choosing the right car.
• Maintenance – Check the maintenance history of the vehicle. An irregular service history can be a sign of expensive issues to come.

Choosing a Used Car Based on Mileage

There is no right answer to the question “What is good mileage on a used car?” But you should think about how many miles you hope to drive the vehicle for more than or at least in addition to how many miles are on the car. If a used car has 50,000 miles and seems to be working pretty well, then it’s probably a good pick. However, an inexpensive used car with 150,000 miles can probably last you another couple years at least, driving at the average of 12,000 miles a year. Figure out whether you prioritize mileage, cost, or longevity most, and decide accordingly.

Mileage vs. Age

Factor these points into your used car buying decision:

• 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 usually better to one that has been neglected, even if the former has higher mileage and the latter has lower mileage.
• Low mileage vehicles often are more expensive than high mileage vehicles.

Looking for a good solution to your desire for an affordable and reliable car? A Certified Pre-Owned model is definitely a great option to think about! CPO vehicles usually offer some degree of limited bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranty coverage for less than the price of a new vehicle.

Shop for Your Next Used Subaru Today!

Whether you’re dead-set on a used Subaru for sale in Capitola or you’re searching for any quality used car for sale in Scotts Valley or Watsonville for a price that won’t break the bank, we’ve got you covered. And, now that you know more about good mileage for used cars, you can shop smarter! Ready to get matched with your next bargain-priced used vehicle? We invite you to shop from home and apply for financing now! You’ll find our used inventory and certified pre-owned inventory inclusive of tons of vehicles from across the mileage spectrum.