How Many Miles Should I Buy A Used Car: Buying a used car is great because you can save a lot of money compared to buying new. There are so many different types of used cars to choose from, and you might even find a really great one that others have overlooked. But it can be tricky to figure out how many miles a used car should have. Should you go for one with low mileage, or is it okay to pick one with more miles on it?
This guide will help you understand that the number of miles a car has isn’t the only thing that matters. You’ll learn how to balance finding a car that’s affordable with one that last a long time.
How Many Miles Should I Buy A Used Car
Mileage Matters, But It’s Not The Only Story
People usually think that the fewer miles a car has, the better. That makes sense because less driving means less wear and tear. But only looking at mileage might cause you to miss out on great cars. Luckily, cars made nowadays are really durable. So, even if a car has been driven a lot, it can still be just as dependable as one with fewer miles, as long as it’s been taken care of properly.
Here’s what to consider beyond the odometer reading:
Age Matters: Sometimes, an old car that’s been taken care of can be better than a newer one that’s been neglected. So, don’t just look at how old a car is, but also at how well it’s been looked after.
Check The Brand: Some car brands are famous for making cars that last a long time. Do some research on the brand and model you’re interested in to see if it’s known for being reliable. If a brand is good at making cars that can go for a lot of miles, it can help you feel more confident about your choice.
Look At The Service History: A car’s service history is like a storybook of its life. Check if it’s had regular oil changes, parts replaced when needed, and repairs done on time. A clean service record means the car has been taken care of and is probably in good shape.
Think About Your Needs: Do you drive a lot every day, or just on weekends? SUVs and trucks re usually built tougher than sedans, so they can handle more miles without a problem.
How Many Miles Is Good For A Used Car
Pro Tips For Mileage-Savvy Car Shoppers
Try The 10,000-Mile Rule: Instead of sticking strictly to the 12,000-mile rule, try this: Multiply the car’s age by 10,000 to see roughly how many miles it should have. But remember, this is just a rough estimate. If the actual mileage is a bit higher or lower, it’s not necessarily a deal-breaker.
Check The Car’s History: Get a vehicle history report. It’s like a secret weapon that tells you if the car has been in any accidents, what repairs it’s had, and who owned it before. This can help you spot any issues the car might have had in the past.
Get A Check-Up: Before you buy, have a trusted mechanic give the car a once-over. They can find any hidden problems and make sure everything is okay before you make a decision.
The Takeaway: It’s All About Finding The Right Fit
There isn’t a special number of miles that means a used car is perfect. What’s important is to look at how the car is overall, its maintenance history, and if it fits what you need. If you keep these things in mind, you can find a good used car that will keep going for a long time, without worrying too much about how many miles it has.