Buying a Used Car: To What Extent Does Mileage Matter?

The amount of mileage a car has done can vary greatly when you are looking at a selection of used cars. If you are looking at a model that has done 30,000 miles, for instance, you might reasonably expect to pay a higher price than for a similar model that has done 50,000 miles.

If the car is in great condition, generally, and even still has some warranty left, would it really matter that much if you buy the car with higher mileage?

When you start looking for another car, by searching something like used cars Utah, for example, how much should you be influenced by the mileage each vehicle has done?

Let’s take a look at factors to consider when buying a used car, in particular, the pros and cons of mileage.

How much mileage is acceptable?

A huge influential factor to consider when you are looking at a used car and wondering about the mileage is how many miles are on the clock.

There are several key considerations to take into account when trying to decide whether the amount of mileage on the clock is enough of an issue to put you off from buying the car. What’s on the odometer is not always something that you should be concerned about, for a number of good reasons.

Where has the car done most of its miles?

If you are looking at a car that has done lots of miles in an urban environment, that is likely to cause more wear and tear than if the car has been driven mostly on long journeys and using highways.

Ask about the existing owner and where the car has come from, as that might give you a good clue as to the history and condition of the vehicle. Lots of short trips can put a train on the engine, especially if it has not had regular oil changes and the right servicing intervals.

On the other hand, if you can see documentary evidence in the form of a service history that the car has been well maintained, the fact that it has done lots of city miles is not as critical to its condition.

However, it stands to reason that a car that has done a lot of highway driving in fifth and sixth gear is going to help reduce the level of wear and tear. As you can see, where the car has been driven can make mileage more of a factor to take into account.

Has the car done average mileage?

As a car ages, you can get a good idea of what sort of mileage it should have covered, on average.

To give you an idea, a typical car will travel about 10,000 miles each year. Therefore, a used car that is five years old can be expected to have done about 50,000 miles. A car with a much higher mileage than average might warrant further questions about its service and repair history. If you can see that it has been regularly checked and maintained through its life, a slightly higher mileage than average may not be so important.

A car that has done what can be classed as typical mileage should not be that much of a concern. It’s only when the number is much higher or lower than average for its year that you should consider asking a few more questions about its history.

The brand of car can make a big difference

A car that has been manufactured by a premium brand can be expected to last longer than a standard production model that has been made to appeal to drivers with a smaller budget.

It is a reasonable assumption to make that a car that cost $50,000 plus when new, will have more chance of coping with a high mileage reading compared to a model that cost considerably less when it left the showroom as a new car.

It often pays to do a bit of research on the average longevity of certain brands. Some makes and models do last longer than others. Without question, the brand of used car you are looking at will be something that can influence how important it is to pay attention to the amount of mileage it has done.

The bottom line is that some makes and models last longer than others. Bear this in mind when trying to decide on a used car to buy.

Is there always a mileage number that is too high?

The simple answer to that question is no. It is fair to say that there are so many different dimensions to buying a car that mileage should not be the only deciding factor that influences your purchasing decision.

It’s not just about miles on the clock. You need to look at the general condition of the used car and what sort of service and maintenance history it has.

The importance of mileage is something that should be addressed on an individual car-by-car basis. If a car has been regularly serviced, has average mileage for its age, and has some knowledge of its history, this will allow you to make an informed purchasing decision that is not overly influenced by how many miles it has done.

High mileage can be a chance to buy a used car at a good price

A car that has high mileage might be unattractive at first glance. However, if the make and model is a trusted and respected brand, and the car has a good service history, you might be able to buy a car at a fair price, that will last you well.

As long as you approach the car buying process with an open mind and ask as many questions as you need before committing to buy, there is no particular reason to worry too much about how much mileage the car has done.

When you go in search of a used car, make sure you view high mileage in context. This should help you find a great car at a great price.