Used Car Mileage: How Many Miles Are Too Many For A Used Car?
Buying a used car can save money compared to a new one, but how many miles are too many? The odometer shows total mileage, a crucial factor in determining a used car’s value and reliability. How many miles second-hand car shoppers should accept depends on make, model, and maintenance history.
How much mileage is too much for used car buyers? There’s no universal cutoff. Well-maintained cars can reliably run for 200,000+ miles. However, higher mileage increases the risks of expensive repairs. As mileage approaches 150k, scrutinize maintenance records and inspect thoroughly.
Simple models with robust construction and easy repairs (ex. old Hondas) often handle miles better. If it is an old car with high mileage, maintenance becomes a deciding factor. When buying used cars, prioritize regular oil changes, tune-ups, etc.
Understanding Car Mileage
A vehicle’s mileage, shown on its odometer, measures the total number of miles driven over its lifetime. This helps determine the car’s value and reliability. Mileage helps buyers gauge wear and tear.
Typically, drivers average 12,000-15,000 miles annually. High yearly mileages accelerate the need for maintenance and repairs. Monitoring mileage is crucial for making an informed used car purchase. Set your expectations around mileage properly based on how prior owners maintained the vehicle.
How Many Miles On A Used Car Is Good: General Guideline
While no universal cut-off exists, staying under 100,000 miles when buying used is an optimistic goal. As miles near 150,000, scrutinize maintenance records more closely and get inspections before purchase. There are exceptions depending on the make/model.
Maximum mileage on a car that you should consider varies greatly depending on durability and driving conditions as mentioned. Well-maintained cars can stay reliable at over 200,000 miles, while some vehicles feel worn out well before 100,000. As a reference, a typical car lasting 15 years averages around 150,000 miles.
What constitutes how many miles on a used car is too high depends greatly on prior maintenance and repairs. Responsible previous owners make high mileage less concerning.
Also Read: Tips For Your Next Used Car Purchase
Impact of Mileage on Car Value
Accumulated mileage substantially impacts used car value and resale prices. Higher mileage also raises insurance rates.
Depreciation acceleration is another consideration – some luxury or performance models lose value exponentially faster as mileage increases. This makes mileage thresholds for acceptable value retention vary between models.
Mileage directly contributes to wear and repair needs, lowering valuations accordingly such that high miles on a car mean greater depreciation. But well-documented maintenance could offset some cheaper pricing for budget-conscious shoppers.
High vs. Low Mileage: Which is Better?
Opinions vary on ideal mileage when weighing pros and cons. Lower-mileage used cars provide more remaining useful road life. What is a good mileage for used cars depends on many factors – costs, reliability needs, and what compromises are acceptable. Modern engines and proper maintenance help cars exceed over 200,000 miles.
No definitive right choice exists between older low-mileage and newer high-mileage used cars. Prioritize service records, inspections, and test drives. Responsible previous upkeep makes high mileage more palatable to help find the right balance of age, price, and condition.
One exception to this rule can be that high-mileage is almost always detrimental to drivetrain parts and this is especially true with automatic transmissions including the latest Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) which have been found to be even more susceptible to wear as the mileage approaches 100,000. This is due to the components always being subjected to loading and unloading as gears change which happens whenever the car is moving. Frictional components and surfaces such as clutches and bands in automatics are constantly engaging and disengaging causing wear no matter how many times the fluid has been serviced. Also hard acceleration and towing trailers or heavy loads is another factor which will accelerate automatic transmission wear even more. Therefore, vehicles with over 100,000 miles and automatic transmissions should focus on the condition of the transmission including slipping, noises and vibration or no engagement when driving the vehicle. A problem here could end up costing between $3500 to $7000 or more for a new or rebuilt unit depending on the vehicle.
Importance of Maintenance History
Responsible maintenance better determines reliability than just odometer readings alone.
Routine oil changes, tune-ups, fluid changes, and more extend how long components last.
Request complete car service records. Seeking maintenance logs with details about repairs made shows the priority placed on upkeep.
While deciding what is a good mileage for used cars, don’t automatically rule out higher-mileage cars. Even surpassing 200,000 miles could be reasonable if proper maintenance has been done.
Conclusion
Buying a used car can feel risky – how to know if you’re getting a lemon? Used car mechanic inspection from experts like us helps you spot issues you would have missed. Our ASE master-certified technicians perform thorough on-location car inspection services.
We have decades of experience doing used car inspections in Los Angeles. Our remote line tech troubleshooting tackles tricky mechanical issues. We scrutinize all systems to evaluate true condition, unlike brief dealer inspections. You’ll receive a comprehensive checklist report of findings to inform your buying decision. Let us lend our expertise so you don’t end up with a lemon. Contact Car Inspectors today to schedule your inspection.
FAQs
What should a used car inspection include?
A thorough used car inspection in Los Angeles covers all mechanical and electronic systems. On-site used car inspection technicians will assess the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, electrical parts, etc.
How can I find a reliable used car inspector?
Look for used car mechanic inspection technicians with updated ASE certification and extensive experience. The best inspectors use a combination of visual checks, test drives, and computer diagnostics tailored to that specific vehicle year, make and model.
What are the benefits of an on-site inspection?
On-location car inspection services allow the technician to mimic real-world driving conditions more accurately to expose issues. They can provide a more rigorous bumper-to-bumper inspection than off-site services.
How are inspections customized to the car?
Quality used car inspection services in Los Angeles tailor the process to the vehicle’s specifics like make, model, and mileage. This ensures inspection of known trouble areas for that particular car. The most comprehensive checks use custom diagnostics as needed.