Looking for used car how many miles

Compare that to a vehicle that has , miles on the clock but is in great condition and has a full-service history with no real list of problems. Like we touched on before, remember to ask the owner or dealer of the vehicle about its mileage, highlighting whether they have primarily come from city or motorway driving based on any previous owner knowledge.

Considering if it is wise to buy a car with high mileage depends on context, research and the prevalence of information. View more articles. We'll use your criteria to show you personalised quotations to suit your needs. We'd like to send you some occasional news, reviews and offers. We also have some trusted partners who'd like to do the same. Please choose from below, what you are comfortable with.

Does mileage matter when buying a used car? Home Articles Does mileage matter when buying a used car? As a general rule, you should assume that the average car owner puts 12, miles on a car each year. To determine whether a car has reasonable mileage, you can simply multiply 12, by its age.

Significantly more or fewer miles could indicate a problem or trouble in the future. That said, mileage can be misleading. You have to consider the number of owners as well. If a car is 10 years old and only has 90, miles on it, mileage alone indicates that it could be a good deal.

These cars are typically kept in a garage and meticulously maintained. Because mileage can be misleading, there is no definitive answer on how many miles on a car is too much.

That said, based on the 12, miles per year rule, you can get a general idea of what type of mileage to expect on a used vehicle. If a car has accumulated far more than 12, miles per year, you may want to consider a different vehicle. There is no hard-and-fast rule for how many miles is too little. In general, a used car with low mileage is usually a good decision, even when mileage seems unusually low.

By reviewing the vehicle history report, you typically get a good idea of whether it is correct. For example, if you see on the vehicle history report that the car, at 5 years old, had just 5, miles, there is a strong likelihood that the odometer reading is accurate. These chemicals can cause significant rust, taking cars off the road in what should be prime years. Keep some corrosion away by washing the vehicle regularly, including thoroughly rinsing the undercarriage and suspension components.

Washing a car is part of regular maintenance. Stick to the maintenance schedule as described in the owner's manual for your vehicle. Change the oil, inspect and change consumable parts like brake pads, and complete major maintenance like timing belt services on time. These tasks cost money, but it is much cheaper to maintain a vehicle than to pay repair bills caused by neglect. In addition, one worn component causes a cascading effect of damage to other parts, resulting in higher repair bills.

Generally, take it easy on your vehicle. When possible, avoid hitting potholes or curbs. Allow the vehicle to get up to operating temperature before any hard acceleration. Towing and other hard driving can accelerate the maintenance schedule, particularly transmission maintenance, so check your owner's manual for information. Today's cars are capable, but they're still not indestructible.

Take all dashboard warning lights seriously. Don't assume that because the vehicle is operating normally, it does not need a repair. Develop a relationship with a mechanic.

It is hard to find a good mechanic, so ask around before needing major service or repair. Find out where your friends or family take their vehicles and how their experience has been. Test a mechanic with a minor repair or maintenance service to validate your research. When your car is out of commission, it is far less stressful to take it to your regular garage than to hunt for a mechanic after the fact. When shopping for used cars, high mileage doesn't necessarily make a vehicle a deal-breaker.

With due diligence, you can find high-mileage cars with lots of life left in them. Buying Guides Share. By Josh Noel September 10, Here's a look at how many miles a car can last — and why: General Guidelines Compare two similar cars with a mileage difference of as much as , between the two, and it seems reasonable to assume the low mileage vehicle is worth more and in better condition.

Maintenance Cycles Matter Vehicles exist in a constant state of depreciation and degradation. Good Condition and Maintenance Records Mileage isn't the only thing to take into account when looking at a used car. Browse Listings. A vehicle with more highway miles tends to have less damage in some of its performance parts because cruising down the freeway takes less of a toll on parts.

Therefore, these vehicles may provide a longer-lasting performance. While drivers should consider mileage when shopping for a used car, it shouldn't be the deciding factor. Understanding the type of miles on the odometer and how it was taken care of can help you find the reliable pre-owned car you need. Very happy with service. Advisor was very honest which is really hard to find these days.

Continue to Payment Calculator. Value Your Trade. Enter contact information:. Value My Trade. Quick Price Quote. Enter contact info:. Request More Information. Contact Us. Contact Us Enter contact info:. Pricing Details.