What is Good Mileage on a Used Car?

There are plenty of used cars to choose from in Orland Park, from barely-driven used Jeep Compass SUVs to old workhorses that still have a lot of life in them. Make and model, age, depreciation, and wear and tear all play a part in deciding a used car’s value. What is good mileage for a used car in Tinley Park?

High Mileage Used Cars

What makes a used car high-mileage? The average driver puts 10,000 – 12,000 miles per year on a car. Once a car surpasses 100,000 miles, the chance of high repairs costs and inconvenience increases exponentially. Recently-produced models are lasting longer than ever, but it’s still a good idea to search for used cars with fewer than 100,000 miles on the odometer.

But what about a used car that’s only been driven 30,000 miles in eight years? Or a three-year-old car with 50,000 miles? Here are some tips that illustrate what is considered high mileage for a used car.

• In the scenario above, go with the car that’s older but has been driven fewer miles. More miles driven in a shorter time makes for more wear and tear.
• For cars with similar mileage, opt for one made in the past decade. Improved technology often means a car that will last longer.
• Check the maintenance records. A car with more mileage that’s been regularly maintained is usually a better deal than a lower mileage used car that hasn’t been well maintained.

Improve the value of your car by staying up to date on maintenance. Schedule your maintenance appointments online to make your car more valuable when you’re ready to sell or trade it as a used car.

Other Used Car Issues to Consider

Do your research and find out what model generations have fared best for the make and model you’re considering. Get a Vehicle History Report for an accurate history of collisions, repairs, police and DMV records, and ask questions about where the car has been primarily driven.

See Our Low Mileage Used Cars for Sale!

At Bettenhausen Automotive we have a great selection of low mileage used cars for sale from New Lenox and other nearby locations, often with excellent specials. You can also learn the difference between a certified pre-owned and a used car with Bettenhausen Automotive! Contact us and we’ll help you find a pre-owned car, like a used RAM, that’s ready for many more years on the road with you!