How Many Miles Should a Used Car Have? 

If you’re looking for a new-to-you vehicle, how do you know how many miles is good for the year, make and model you’re considering? Here are some insights on used car mileage. 

What Should the Mileage Be on a Used Vehicle? 

A general rule of thumb 

Used car mileage can vary greatly, but on average drivers put 10,000 to 12,000 miles per year on their vehicles. For example, if you’re looking at a vehicle that is four years old, you can expect that vehicle to have anywhere from 40,000 to 48,000 miles. Anything under that would be considered low mileage, and anything significantly over that would be considered high mileage.    

Why does mileage matter? 

Vehicles are made up of many moving parts. A car’s mileage is a good indicator of the wear and tear that the parts have received. That might also provide some insight into how much more life is left in the vehicle before costly repairs are needed. Most expensive maintenance typically takes place after a vehicle has racked up 100,000 miles. This does depend on the make and model, as some vehicles are known for longevity and low ownership costs and can be reliable with minimal repairs through 200,000 miles. 

Type of mileage matters 

It can be important to find out what type of mileage was put on the vehicle, as not all mileage affects cars the same. Highway miles are easier on vehicles than city mileage from a lot of stop-and-go traffic. The quicker speed of freeway driving allows the vehicle’s parts, particularly the engine, to get regular lubrication and the chance to burn off any carbon build-up. It’s also better for the battery as the vehicle is likely running for longer periods of time, giving the battery a chance to charge up from the alternator.  

Be cautious of very low or very high mileage 

If a car’s mileage is so low that it is too good to be true, it might indicate a stored or rarely used vehicle. This not only doesn’t give the car the driving time needed to keep everything in good working order, but it could indicate that the vehicle didn’t receive regularly schedule maintenance. If the vehicle is just sitting, the previous owner might not have cared for the vehicle since it wasn’t a priority or main driver.  

Very high mileage can also be a red flag. If the vehicle has been driven so much in a short amount of time, not only are the engine parts receiving that usage, but so is the interior. Make sure that seats and other interior appointments are comfortable and look like they will continue to last for how long you plan on owning the vehicle.  

How Many Miles on a Used Car is Good? 

Most used cars will have typical miles for the vehicle age. It’s a good idea to investigate very high or low mileage, as that can signal how the vehicle was maintained and how much life is left. Keep in mind that some vehicle makes and models offer incredible longevity, so higher mileage isn’t as much of a concern for those used options. 

Want to learn more about a used vehicle purchase?

Contact the any of our dealerships at Ontario Auto Center to learn more about certified pre-owned vehicle options. A certified pre-owned vehicle can give you peace of mind that the vehicle is in good shape, and many come with limited warranties for added protection!