Buying a car is a stressful process for everyone. Having to choose between new and used, choosing between an older vehicle vs current mileage on a used car, to deciding what is a good mileage for a used car can be a time and energy-consuming process to go through for days. The process can quickly overwhelm you, and that’s understandable. 

The easiest way to help calm those overwhelming feelings is to do a bit of research. Sure, while you may want to buy a brand-new car, it is often more cost-effective to go with a used car. However, knowing how to pick the best used car can be difficult, which is why this post was written to help simplify the process for you. 

Which is Better: Good Mileage vs. Age of The Car

Before trying to answer the question of what is a good mileage for a used car, you first must decide which factor is more important to you: the age of a used car or the mileage?

While some people may jump on the mileage as more critical, it’s crucial to remember that not all used cars are created equal. While some newer cars may have less mileage, these cars may have been worn down more prematurely than some older cars with more mileage. 

Here’s where the monkey wrench get’s thrown into the whole debate: mileage and age of the car really don’t matter. What matters is how the car was cared for over its lifetime. 

One of the primary reasons that people choose to purchase a used car is because they are looking for some savings. While the age of a car can factor into the equation, the mileage is a good initial indicator of how well the vehicle was managed. 

For example, if you’re looking at a 2017 car with over 100,000 miles on it, you know that it was a workhorse for the previous owner. 

When you compare that to a 2014 car with under 100,000 miles, it’s clear that the 2014 wasn’t worked nearly as hard, leading you to believe that it was maintained a little better over time. 

In this case, if you are asking “what is a good mileage for a used car,” the ideal situation is to look into the history of the vehicle. With sites such as Carfax.com available to help give you a detailed look into a vehicle’s history, this can help significantly in choosing your ideal used car.

Mileage Is an Important Factor to Consider

Yes, both the age of the vehicle and the mileage on it indeed play an essential factor in choosing the right used vehicle for your needs. However, the primary factor that goes into determining the price of the car is the mileage. So, that’s where the question “what is a good mileage for a used car,” comes into play. 

Is there an approximate number of miles that are considered better than another? There is no right answer. Yes, a car with 60,000 miles on it is much more appealing than one with 110,000 miles on it, but there are simply too many other factors to consider when purchasing your used car.

While it’s true that less miles are traditionally considered better in the long run, when answering the question, “what is a good mileage for a used car,” you really do need to factor in things such as:

• Service history
• Average repair costs for the make and model of the car
• Depreciation
• Geographical location 
• Condition of varying parts, including brakes, steering, transmission, engine, filters, etc. 

Each of these plays more of a significant factor into the decision-making process. Remember, this is a massive investment, and if the cost is your primary reason behind purchasing a used car over a new car, then you need to keep all of these in mind. Repairs and replacements of different parts can eventually leave you out more money than it would have cost you to purchase a new car and properly maintain it from the beginning.

The point? While mileage is an essential factor in choosing your used car, it’s only one of many factors worth considering.

Need Some Cash to Put Towards Your Used Car? US Junk Cars Can Help

Deciding on what is a good mileage for a used car comes down to personal preference. If you need a little extra help with your down payment for your new or used car, consider a junk car pick up. Looking for “cash for junk cars near me” is easier than you think.