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HOW MANY MILES IS TOO MANY ON A USED CAR?

2016 Equinox

June 02, 2024

If you’re shopping for a used vehicle, one of the factors you’ll use to make your decision on which car to buy is the mileage. You may wonder how many miles is too many for a used car. Consider how mileage impacts a vehicle’s dependability and what your own limit should be.

What’s Considered High Mileage on a Used Car?

The term “high mileage” is subjective. What is high mileage on one model may be average or even low mileage on another. For instance, a truck with 100,000 miles is still often considered a low-mileage vehicle. If you have that same 100,000 miles on a subcompact car, you would probably consider it to be high mileage. To determine high mileage, you must know how old the vehicle is and how long it’s supposed to last. Experts in the automotive industry will compare the average age and mileage of different models based on how long they usually last. Some vehicles can last well over 300,000 miles, while others struggle to get to the first 100,000 miles.

Why Does Mileage Matter?

Mileage matters for the simple fact that it indicates how long you can expect the vehicle to last without making major repairs. It also helps you decide how much you’re willing to pay for a vehicle. Most buyers will pay more for a truck with 150,000 miles than a car with that same amount. They know the truck is likely to last longer than the car, which increases its value.

Maintenance and Owner History Matter

Mileage is only one factor to consider with a used vehicle. You’ll also want to look at the maintenance schedule for the vehicle and owner history. A vehicle that has had regular oil changes, tire rotations, and other preventative maintenance services is likely to last longer than one that hasn’t been maintained, even if it has low mileage. Regular service helps the systems work more efficiently, which allows them to perform longer before requiring repairs or replacement.

You’ll also want to look at owner history. A vehicle with multiple owners may indicate the vehicle hasn’t been cared for, especially if you don’t have any maintenance records for it. It’s often easier to find information on vehicles with fewer owners unless they performed their own maintenance.

Should You Buy a Used Car with High Mileage?

Buying a used car with high mileage can be a good investment. If you’re curious how many miles a used car should have, it depends on your needs for a vehicle. For instance, you may want a second vehicle to drive around town, for your teen driver to get to school, or even a part-time job. In these situations, you might decide that a higher-mileage vehicle is the best choice rather than spending more money for a near model (or even brand new).

If you have a tight budget for a vehicle or only want to pay cash, you might choose a car with higher mileage because it should have a lower price. Just realize that a used car with more miles will have a lower value than one with fewer miles. Know how much it’s worth, and don’t pay more than the value of the vehicle.

Is Mileage or Vehicle Age More Important?

When it comes to buying a used vehicle, both the mileage and age are important factors to consider. A vehicle that is only two or three years old but has high mileage is more likely to have problems than an older model with fewer miles. Many of the components on a vehicle are warrantied for a certain number of miles or need to be replaced based on mileage.

Age is often more relevant when it comes to technology and advancements. Used vehicles that are several years old will have older systems and safety features. If you want more amenities, you’ll want to look at the newer used models that have the previous generation technology rather than a system that’s outdated.

Summary: How Many Miles is Too Many for a Used Car?

The decision of how many miles is too many for a used car is based on your needs. You’ll want to think about how you plan to use the vehicle, the number of commuting miles you think you’ll drive each week or month, and what your budget is. When you visit Bentley Chevrolet, our team can help you find a used vehicle that fits your needs with the lowest mileage and best price.

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HOW MANY MILES IS TOO MANY ON A USED CAR?

If you’re shopping for a used vehicle, one of the factors you’ll use to make your decision on which car to buy is the mileage. You may wonder how many miles is too many for a used car. Consider how mileage impacts a vehicle’s dependability and what your own limit should be.

CHEVY SILVERADO FUEL ECONOMY

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HOW TO BUY A USED CAR FROM A DEALERSHIP

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June 02, 2024 If you need a different vehicle and can’t afford or don’t want to buy new, you can find plenty of used vehicles to choose from. To help you get started, here is some information about how to buy a used car from a dealer like Bentley Chevrolet: Set Your Budget You’ll want to know your budget before you start shopping for a vehicle. If you’re not sure how much you can afford, you can use an online payment calculator. This form asks specific questions, such as the price of the vehicle, interest rate, and loan term. You can input different amounts, which will help you see the changes to your monthly payments. For instance, if you increase your down payment amount, your monthly payments will be lower. Find the Right Pre-Owned Vehicle Once you know how much you can afford for a used vehicle, you need to find some models that fit that price. You can search our website for inventory in your price range. Filter by price to see what we have available. Other search criteria include the type of vehicle if you’re looking for a car, truck, or SUV. Dealerships often have Certified Pre-Owned vehicles (CPO), which come with a warranty and meet certain criteria. These vehicles must undergo a stringent inspection, and all parts are checked or replaced to ensure the system works like new. Factors to Consider When Looking for a Used Car When you’re looking at used vehicles, you’ll want to consider several factors. Besides price, mileage is one of the most important considerations. A higher mileage vehicle will often cost less, but you can expect the possibility of more repairs. Age is another factor to think about. Older models often have higher mileage, while newer models should have lower mileage. Age also impacts the technology you’ll see on the vehicle. If you want the newest infotainment systems or other features, you’ll need to look at newer used models. Don’t forget to look at the condition of the vehicle and how it’s been cared for. If you find a vehicle that has had regular service, you’re less likely to be dealing with expensive repairs. Research Your Financing Options You’ll need to decide how you plan to finance your vehicle unless you can pay cash. You can go to your local bank or a finance company, but you may not get the best deal. Dealerships have their own in-house finance department with access to multiple loans. Once you fill out an application, they can compare loan offers to help you get the best deal. If you use a current vehicle as a trade-in, you can lower your monthly payments to make the purchase more affordable. Get a Vehicle History Report Always get a vehicle history report from CARFAX. These reports tell you a lot about the vehicle you want to buy. They list all previous owners, any known accidents, and service history. There are several sections to the report you should review before deciding on a vehicle. For example, you can find out if there are any open recall notices to take care of before you buy the car. Bentley Chevrolet provides buyers with a vehicle history report for our used inventory. Test Drive the Pre-Owned Vehicle At this point, it’s time to get behind the wheel of the vehicle you want to buy. A test drive isn’t just about enjoying the ride in the model you like. It’s the time when you can learn more about the vehicle. Find the main controls, such as cruise control, windshield wipers, headlights, and turn signal. Once you’re on the road, pay attention to how quickly the vehicle picks up speed when you accelerate. Notice how smoothly it drives and how easy it is to apply the brakes. Pay attention to whether the steering is hard or easy, which can indicate issues with the suspension or alignment. Listen for any unusual sounds while you’re driving or when you brake. Many people drive just a few blocks, but don’t be afraid to get out on the highway to see how the vehicle handles at higher speeds! Do the Paperwork and Drive Home in Your Certified Pre-Owned Car After you’ve decided on your vehicle, the finance team will complete the paperwork. Many times, this process can be completed the same day. They’ll hand you the keys, so you can start enjoying your new, used vehicle. Summary: Buying a Used Car from a Dealership When you buy a used car from a dealership, you can also get the financing taken care of and get a copy of the vehicle history report. Bentley Chevrolet carries a large inventory of used cars. We can help you find the right one that fits within your budget.