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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