What Is Good Mileage On A Used Car?

The first number you want to check on the dash of a used car is the mileage, even if the physical and mechanical condition of a used vehicle looks flawless. Nixing a used car option with more than 100,000 miles isn’t necessarily a hard-and-fast rule, as long as the previous owner took good care of their vehicle. But mileage is certainly an important factor for Dunlap area drivers to consider.

Use this handy guide from Sam Leman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Peoria to evaluate whether the mileage on your preferred purchase is good mileage for a used car. Here, we’ll cover factors that include condition, location, and usage.

Shop for a Used Car the Smart Way

Let’s take a quick look at some of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a used car, beyond mileage:

• Usage – If the car you’re looking at has been used mostly in stop-and-go traffic, it’s likely to depreciate faster than one that’s been driven on the highway for the length of its life. So, be sure to ask for the previous owner’s driving history.
• Location – Cold, wet climates stress vehicles to a greater extent than dry, warm climates. Check the previous owner’s locale.
• Condition – Calculate the cost of a certified mechanic’s inspection into your budget as you check your intended purchase for mechanical problems or rust. These issues can quickly become costly.
• Maintenance – Sparse service history can be a sign of expensive problems in its future. Routine services like oil changes are important for the longevity of any car, truck, van or SUV. Be sure to check the vehicle’s maintenance history to ensure it has been kept up on schedule.

Mileage vs. Age

Certified Pre-Owned models are worth a look if “like-new” and “low-mileage” are important factors in your purchase decision. For example:

• If a car hasn’t been driven regularly, there’s a greater likelihood of issues with rubber seals and gaskets, which can have particularly expensive repair costs.
• Neglected vehicles are certainly less-preferable than those with well-documented maintenance histories.
• Price comes down with mileage; if you’re looking to save, balance that factor against your budget.

Find Used Cars Near Galesburg Today

Contact us with any questions you have about a particular used car on our lot, how to jump start your car, how to take the doors off your Wrangler, or for general information about the used car market. As you can see here, mileage is only one of many factors requiring examination as you shop. Sam Leman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Peoria has a wide variety of used vehicles, at a wide variety of price points, with a rotating selection of used vehicle specials. Stop in to our showroom today, and let’s find the perfect fit for you!