What Is Good Mileage for a Used Car?

Purchasing a used vehicle for your North Charleston commutes is a smart financial decision that will reward you for many years to come. However, with thousands of used cars for sale in Charleston, it can get difficult to narrow down the best choice for your budget and driving needs, and there are plenty of questions to consider, like “What is good mileage for a used car?” 

Mileage is certainly an important factor when choosing a used vehicle, but it’s not the only one that matters. There are other factors, like the service record and driving history, that will help you determine whether a car truly has good mileage—because low mileage doesn’t always equal “good mileage.” Read on with Rick Hendrick Chevrolet to learn how to make the smartest decision while used vehicle shopping near Mount Pleasant!

What Is Considered High Mileage for a Used Car?

The older a vehicle gets, the higher repair costs tend to rise. With that said, many James Island shoppers seek out used vehicles with less than 100,000 miles. Bearing in mind that most drivers clock about 10,000–12,000 miles per year, here are some big picture factors to consider: 

• Mileage vs. age: A vehicle that’s only one year old but has 50,000 miles could be in poorer condition than a vehicle that’s five years old with 70,000 miles. This is because the one-year-old vehicle was driven more extensively in a shorter period of time. 
• Model year: The last decade has seen major improvements in auto manufacturing. That means today’s car buyers can expect a recent model year to bring them well beyond the 100,000-mile mark, and even past the 200,000-mile mark with good maintenance habits.
• Service record: Speaking of maintenance habits, you should confirm that the used vehicle you’re considering has a good record. For example, you may be drawn to a vehicle with only 15,000 miles, but if it wasn’t well maintained, it could end up costing you a ton in repairs. Conversely, a vehicle with 30,000 miles and a spotless service record would be a more trustworthy purchase.

More Tips for Used-Car-Buying

• Model Generation: It’s not a bad idea to look for a model that’s two years or more into its generation. Why? When a new generation is first introduced, it’s often the first model year of it that experiences the most issues. However, a new generation’s redesign could also include marked improvements compared to the last one. You can often glean this information from sources like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds.com.
• Vehicle History Report: Always ask for a Vehicle History Report, as it will show you vital information like whether the vehicle has had any major repairs or been in any collisions.
• Previous location’s climate: Just because you find a low mileage used car for sale in Charleston, that doesn’t necessarily mean it was driven here. You can use the Vehicle History Report to find out where your prospective vehicle “lived” in the past. Warm, dry climates tend to be easier on vehicles than wet climates.

Find High-Quality Low Mileage Used Cars for Sale in Charleston

Rick Hendrick Chevrolet can help you figure out what is considered high mileage for a used car, so you can make a confident decision when it’s time to upgrade. Contact us to learn more about our inventory and services, and be sure to check out our pre-owned specials for added savings!