What Is the Sweet Spot for Miles On a Used Car?

Depending on your lifestyle, your mileage per year may vary. However, the average amount driven is about 10,000 to 15,000 miles. So, if you’re looking at a used car that is six years old, then 60,000 to 90,000 miles is average.

But, if you find a vehicle that has over 100,000 miles and is under five years old, then you may want to look elsewhere. The average car has a lifespan of 200,000 miles, so if a vehicle has lapped way more mileage than normal, it may not last for as long as you hope for.

However, with proper maintenance, cars can last for many years. It’s always best when shopping for a used car to research its maintenance history, so you know exactly what has been worked on.

In some cases, cars with high miles still run smoothly, especially modern cars made within the last 5 to 6 years. All in all, it’s best to talk to the owner or dealership and get the maintenance records so you can be confident in your purchase.

Maintenance and Mileage

Mileage doesn’t always tell the whole story. You can have a used car with a lot of miles, but was still incredibly well-maintained—or a used car with low miles that didn’t receive proper maintenance.

Maintenance is key to a long-lasting set of wheels. These services include:

• Routine oil changes
• Routine inspections
• Routine fluid replacements

In addition to maintenance, the driving behaviors of the previous owner can also wear on the vehicle—for example, if the driver frequently idled, was rough on the brakes, or drove recklessly.

So, it’s always imperative to get a vehicle history report to ensure there have been no accidents or other reckless instances that may have compromised the used car.

Mileage and Value

When car shopping, or even selling your car, mileage and value go together. Usually, the lower the miles, the higher the value. Still, other factors come into play when valuing a car. These include:

• Features
• Condition
• Trim level
• Year

With these factors in mind, you can begin researching your next used car and see what brings you the best value for your specific needs.