What Is Good Mileage for a Used Car?

odometer displaying higher mileage on 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!

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Hendrick Vehicle Disclaimer:
$699.00 Closing Fee is not included in advertised price. The Closing Fee is a charge that is permitted but not required by law.

All prices exclude all taxes, tag, title, registration fees and government fees. Out of state buyers are responsible for all taxes and government fees and title/registration fees in the state where the vehicle will be registered. All prices include all manufacturer to dealer incentives, which the dealer retains unless otherwise specifically provided. Dealer not responsible for errors and omissions; all offers subject to change without notice; please confirm listings with dealer.

All vehicles may not be physically located at this dealership but may be available for delivery through this location. Transportation charges may apply. Please contact the dealership for more specific information. All vehicles are subject to prior sale.

 

Additional Disclaimers:


Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between June 1, 2025, and July 31, 2025, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 72 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by July 31, 2025. See dealer for complete down payment options and details.

*2.9% APR for 36 months for well-qualified buyers when financed w/GM Financial. Monthly payment is $29.04 for every $1000 you finance. Average down payment is 20.83%. Some customers will not qualify. Take new retail delivery by 06-30-2025. **Based on an MSRP of $63,391. Must trade in a 2011 model year or newer vehicle. Not available with special financing, lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 6/30/2025.

*1.9% APR for 36 months. Finance charges accrue from date of financing. Deferred monthly payments for 90 days. Monthly payment is $28.60 for every $1,000 you finance. Example down payment: 18.9%. Must finance with GM Financial. Not available in PA. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery 6/30/2025.

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