What Is Good Mileage for a Used Car?

Just about every used car shopper wants to bring home one of the region’s low mileage used cars for sale, but what is good mileage on a used car? How should you balance mileage and value when you’re planning a purchase? What other factors need to be taken into account? We know you have questions, and we have answers! 

What Is Considered High Mileage for a Used Car?

There’s good mileage, and then there’s great mileage. Models with fewer than 60,000 miles are excellent investments, and you can often find certified pre-owned vehicles that fall below this upper bound. On the other hand, since used cars are lasting longer than ever, even a model with 100,000 miles can be a good choice. 

So, what is considered high mileage for a used car in 2021? We’d recommend staying away from anything with more than 150,000 miles, since there’s a good chance the vehicle will start racking up significant repair costs before you pay off your loan. Here’s why:

• The average driver puts on around 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year.
• Most used car loans will be paid off in three to five years, although longer loan terms are becoming more common.
• The worst case scenario is a situation in which you’re still making payments on a vehicle that isn’t drivable.
• So, it’s always a good idea to choose a vehicle that won’t leave you in debt for very long!
• If the vehicle will have more than 200,000 miles before you’re done paying off your loan, it might be best to consider another option. Still, there are always exceptions to the rule.

How to Shop for Low-Mileage Used Cars for Sale

Mileage is important, but it shouldn’t be the only factor that you consider when you’re shopping in Scottsdale and Phoenix. Here’s what else you’ll want to keep in mind:

• Model Age: Vehicle technology improves every year, so a newer model with slightly higher mileage may still last longer than an older vehicle with slightly lower mileage.
• Predicted Reliability: Do your research, since not all vehicles are equal! Consider various models, and find out how well they’ve performed over the years.
• Vehicle History Report: Regular maintenance is probably the single most important factor in a vehicle’s long-term performance. The best maintained models will last much longer than those that have missed an oil change or two.
• Usage: Vehicles that have been used for towing and off-roading may not be as reliable as those that have been used for commuting.
• Location: Here in Phoenix and Arrowhead, we don’t need to worry about road salt. However, you should be careful if you’re buying a car from up north! Heat and dust can also take a toll on a vehicle, but overall, used cars tend to do better in drier climates.

Come to Land Rover North Scottsdale for Your Used Car Needs

Our vast selection of used cars for sale includes plenty of high-end options as well as used cars priced under $30K! It’s up to you to determine what is good mileage for a used car, but our team is here to answer any questions on your mind! Contact us today or value your trade-in to start a new adventure.