Determining Good Mileage for a Used Car
Even if a vehicle has more than 100,000 miles on the odometer, it still may be a smart purchase! Here, we've identified a few related factors to consider when you're making a decision on a used car:
- Maintenance: A vehicle that's been properly maintained can last for 200,000 miles or more, but one that's missed all of its service checkups may start to wear out much, much sooner. Be sure to get the full maintenance history from the seller.
- Usage: If a vehicle has been used primarily for highway driving, there's a good chance that it hasn't suffered much wear and tear. Conversely, a vehicle that's accrued most of its miles in stop and go traffic may not be a smart investment.
- Location: Few drivers consider the local climate when they're searching for a used car, but more would be wise to do so! Vehicles that have been driven in especially cold, humid, rainy, or hot conditions won't last as long as otherwise-comparable models.
The bottom line: When it comes time to choose a used car, the number on the odometer is just one of the things that you should be considering. Even if a vehicle has more than 100,000 miles, it can be a great choice if it passes all of the tests listed above.
Mileage vs. Age: What's More Important?
Some drivers may not realize that vehicles can suffer serious wear, even when they're not being driven! You may be tempted to choose an older vehicle that's spent a lot of time sitting around, but a newer vehicle may be a better choice--even if it has more miles on it. Here are some of the variables you'll want to consider:
- A car that's been idle for a long time may have developed serious drivetrain issues, or it may have damaged belts, hoses, and seals. You could have a lot of repairs to take care of when you drive it home to Schaumburg or Mount Prospect.
- If someone is selling an older used car that hasn't been driven very much, there's a good chance that it hasn't been properly maintained over the years. A vehicle with a well-documented maintenance history is almost always a better choice than an otherwise-comparable vehicle with fewer miles.
- Since lower-mileage used cars are often seen as better values, many sellers will add premiums to the vehicle's asking price. If the vehicle is older, it's probably not worth the higher price you'll be paying.
If you really want to be sure that you're making a smart decision, take the used vehicle into a local Chicagoland service center before you sign any paperwork. An expert technician can identify any problems. If you're searching for an affordable, reliable vehicle that's already passed a thorough inspection, check out the certified pre-owned models at Patrick Volvo.
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