How Many Miles Is Too Many Miles on a Used Car?

Though purchasing a pre-owned vehicle can be a good option for your finances, there are several things to consider before buying. One major factor involves the vehicle’s current mileage and how this can indicate its life expectancy. Understanding the importance of car mileage can help you make a more informed decision regarding your pre-owned vehicle purchase. Learn more about the importance of car mileage when buying a used car and what else to consider when buying a used car. View our inventory of Used vehicles or give us a call today at 817-367-4000.

How Important Is Car Mileage When Buying a Used Car?

Image via Unsplash by Mpho Mojapelo

If you plan to buy a pre-owned vehicle, it’s important to know how many miles is too many miles. This is because a car’s mileage essentially tells you how much life the car has lived. If you purchase a car with too many miles, it may not last you a long time. Before you make a purchase, use the car’s mileage to make a strategic decision about whether the used car is right for you.

What’s a Good Mileage Threshold When Buying a Car?

Simply put, there’s no clear answer as to what’s considered a good mileage threshold. While a car under 20,000 miles is still fairly new, there may be a reason as to why it’s back on the market so soon. For example, it could mean the owner had problems with the car, they may no longer be able to afford it, or maybe they just didn’t like the fact that the vehicle is no longer under warranty. Then again, maybe they just wanted a different make or model for no particular reason.

Typically, a car between 40,000 and 100,000 miles is a safe bet economically. This is because it’s already shown its reliability by reaching this mileage milestone without major problems. In addition, it’s reached a stable value depreciation by this point, too.

How to Estimate Good Mileage On A Used Vehicle In Fort Worth, TX

When it comes to pre-owned vehicles, it’s important to consider several factors that can help you make a more strategic purchase. Consider the following factors when estimating a good mileage threshold for a vehicle:

• How often you plan on driving the vehicle: Once you own the vehicle, you’ll be adding to its mileage based on your own driving habits. When you know how many miles you plan to drive the vehicle, you can determine its estimated life expectancy given its current mileage.
• How many miles it currently has: Once you know the vehicle’s current mileage, you can determine how long it may last you. With routine maintenance, many cars can reach up to 200,000 miles. So if a vehicle has 50,000 miles, a reasonable guess would be to say it can last you another 150,000 miles. However, although many vehicles can reach 200,000 miles, not all are as reliable.

Let’s say you drive around 15,000 miles per year and you’re looking at a vehicle with 70,000 miles on it. Based on this information, you can estimate that in two years, the vehicle will reach around 100,000 miles under your ownership. From here, you can determine how long it might be before it reaches the 200,000 miles that many reliable vehicles reach. If it seems like a reasonable amount of time to you, it may be a good purchase based on the price and potential reliability.

What Else Should You Look at When Shopping for a Used Vehicle In Fort Worth, TX?

Along with a vehicle’s car mileage, there are several other things to consider before signing on the dotted line. Consider the following factors before making a purchase:

Vehicle history

Before you purchase a pre-owned vehicle, ask the dealer to show you data regarding the vehicle’s previous repairs, maintenance services, and recalls. Reviewing a used car report gives you an idea of what to expect regarding its future performance based on its paper trail of repair records. In addition, a report lets you see how many previous owners the vehicle has had. For the most part, if the vehicle history shows that the car was well-maintained, it’ll probably give you a worry-free future.

Auto brand and model history

Along with the individual vehicle’s history, you should consider the vehicle’s brand and the history of the specific model you’re interested in buying. If the specific model or year has repetitive problems, particularly serious and expensive issues, it might raise a red flag. However, if the model seems reliable, it may be worth purchasing. You can determine its model history by doing some online research.

In addition, consider the car’s manufacturer. Some auto brands are more well-known for their reliability. Doing some online research in this regard can help you determine if the vehicle you’re considering will retain its value even with a high number of miles.

Vehicle’s age

When you purchase a used car, newer models are often a safer bet. One reason why is that newer models tend to have better safety systems that can give you added confidence on the road. In addition, if the vehicle is in need of repair, you’ll probably have an easier time finding necessary parts than if you have an outdated model.

If you come across a newer vehicle with a higher amount of miles, it may just mean that the previous owner had a lengthy commute. If they kept up with routine maintenance, it’s probably a safe bet. Unfortunately, sometimes this information is hard to determine, and any potential mechanical issues may not come to light until after the vehicle is in your driveway.

Solid driving performance

Don’t be afraid to take a vehicle for a test run. When you do, it gives you an idea of its driving performance and particular condition. In addition, a test drive helps you determine if it’s the right make and model for you. Some things to consider include how the brakes perform, if the seats are comfortable, and whether you have enough headroom and legroom.

Find Used vehicles For Sale At Hiley Hyundai In Fort Worth, TX

If you want to take a look at our wide selection of quality pre-owned vehicles, and used SUVs visit us at Hiley Hyundai of Fort Worth. We’re here to help you with your automotive questions and get you behind the wheel of your next vehicle.