Going the Distance: What is a Good Mileage for Used Cars, Trucks & SUVs?
Whether you’re getting a used sedan, SUV, or truck for your next car purchase, you should also consider its mileage along with your budget.
Many second-hand vehicle buyers often ask what a good mileage for a used car is. The number of miles on a car determines the distance a vehicle has traveled since it drove off the dealership. This is one of the major indicators of a car's overall condition.
But what mileage is good for a used car, and how can you know you’re getting a good deal? Continue reading our blog to learn about the ideal mileage on pre-owned cars, SUVs, and trucks.
What is Good Mileage for a Used Car?
The most straightforward way to determine if a used car has a reasonable mileage is by multiplying 12,000 by age. This is the average number of miles a driver travels in a year. So, for example, a used or pre-owned five-year-old car should have around 60,000 miles on it or less for it to still be considered a good drivable vehicle.
However, you should also remember that significantly more or fewer miles can also indicate a concern with the vehicle. You should also ask why it has so many miles on it, what conditions it was often driven around, and how often it had its maintenance checks.
What is Good Mileage for a Used SUV?
Sports utility vehicles are built for long drives, so you can expect one to pack a lot of miles. What is a good mileage for a used SUV? Is there a range you can consider as the best mileage?
The average driver travels around 12,000 miles per year in their car, and the same goes for a used SUV. It may cost you more in repairs and replacement parts if it has many miles. However, its mileage is by no means a hard and fast rule. You should also inspect the SUV thoroughly to get a good idea of its condition.
While it may seem counterintuitive, some used SUVs can have a surprisingly low number of miles. You can consider this a red flag as it could mean the vehicle has been sitting in a garage for a long time.
What is Good Mileage for a Used Truck?
A good rule of thumb to reference is the lower the mileage, the better it is for used trucks. Gas engines under 100,000 miles and diesel-powered trucks with 200,000 miles can be considered good options.
Why do gas and diesel engines matter in a used truck? In comparison, diesel engines last longer than gasoline-powered ones, as they have higher compression ratios and cylinder pressures than their gasoline counterparts.
Moreover, diesel engines have larger bearings and sturdier bolts in their crankshaft and camshaft. This gives them increased clearance, better oil flow, and smoother lubrication. On the other hand, gasoline engines can need help with oil and fuel temperature regulation as they rely heavily on chains, pumps, and timing belts.
Other Aspects to Consider
Maintenance Record
A maintenance record has all the mechanical specs, visits, and related matters of the car. You can find out if the car was regularly maintained or had irregular intervals. This document is your best assurance of a ride’s condition. It also informs you if any vehicle parts have been replaced or if it still has its original equipment manufacturer components.
Where the vehicle was normally used
You also need to find out how the vehicle was used, whether it frequented off-road terrain or highways. This is vital for checking the condition of the struts and other suspension components of the car and whether or not it needs these parts are to be replaced.
Driving behavior
Apart from location, you must also consider how its previous owner drives and takes care of the vehicle. Are they reckless, or do they treat their vehicle with utmost care? These symptoms would show in various components, such as the tire markings, brake pads, and exterior body.
Bottom Line: You Can Go the Distance with Good Mileage
While the number of miles on its system indicates how driven a ride is, mileage shouldn’t be your sole basis in determining whether you’re buying a used vehicle or not. You must also look at its history reports and maintenance and repair records to see how much it has been cared for by its previous owner.
Mileage alone can also be misleading, as you must consider the number of owners. For example, a used car is 10 years old and has 90,000 miles on it. If your sole basis is mileage, you know it can be a good deal as it is 30,000 miles short. However, if the vehicle had four previous owners in ten years, there’s a high probability that it might not have been properly maintained along the way.
We also recommend getting an independent mechanic to look at your desired vehicle. Doing so gives you an unbiased third-party opinion, and they can inform you of any hidden problems you can encounter in the future, such as repairs and replacement parts.
Make the Most of Your Next Used Vehicle Purchase
The mileage on used cars is one of the vital things you need to consider before buying one. Every mile driven contributes to a ride’s wear and tear. The higher the mileage, the more likely it was well-used and had inevitable problems over time. This also gives you a rough estimate of a car’s remaining functional lifespan.
Whether you’re getting a new or used car, purchasing your next vehicle can be relatively costly. We want to ensure we make the most of our purchase by getting a vehicle with reasonable miles that can last you for many years. When you weigh in other factors, you’ll find a ride with the best deal that fits perfectly into your budget.
Learn more about certified used vehicles by visiting the VIP Automotive Group blog.