What is Good Mileage On A Pre-Owned Car?

While also looking at a pre-owned car’s physical and mechanical condition, you’ll want to make sure you check the mileage. Though most would suggest you stay away from pre-owned models with over 100,000 miles, this doesn’t mean that a vehicle with more mileage is a bad choice. If the vehicle you’re interested in has been well maintained, then it should still be a very good buy. Learn more about what good mileage on a pre-owned car looks like and more with our team at Mercedes-Benz of St. Louis before you schedule a test drive in your favorite model.

The Smart Way to Shop for a Pre-Owned Car

When shopping a pre-owned car there are some things you should look at in addition to the mileage:

• Usage – A car driven 75,000 miles in stop-and-go traffic will wear down sooner than one that has racked up 75,000 miles on the open highway. Make sure that you get the previous owner’s driving history before you buy.
• Location – Vehicles that have been driven in a locale that has a dry, warm climate, undergo less stress than vehicles from areas that have a cold, wet climate.
• Condition – Get a certified mechanic to inspect the vehicle to determine if there are any issues — such as mechanical problems or rust — that will need to be dealt with in the near future. Figure this cost into your budget.
• Maintenance – Check the maintenance history of the vehicle to ensure that it has been kept up-to-date on routine services like oil changes. An irregular service history can be a sign of expensive problems down the road.

Choosing a pre-owned Car Based on Mileage

While there is no perfect way to answer this question, there are ways to know if a high mileage pre-owned vehicle is a better option than a low-mileage vehicle. So, what is good mileage on a pre-owned car? It’s better to look at it in terms of how much mileage you’ll get out of a pre-owned car. If you find a pre-owned car with 100,000 miles, this could last you another 4 years if properly cared for. 

If you find a newer pre-owned vehicle with less mileage, but it hasn’t been serviced in quite a while, this could mean more expensive repairs down the line. Also, keep in mind that the typical driver clocks about 12,000 miles per year. This is good to know when comparing mileage vs. age in a pre-owned model.

Mileage vs. Age

As mentioned above, a high mileage pre-owned car might be a better choice than a low-mileage older model. Keep these factors in mind when buying:

• A car that hasn’t been driven regularly will often have higher repair costs. Mechanical issues, or problems with rubber seals and gaskets, can develop if a car isn’t driven on a regular basis. 
• A vehicle with a well-documented maintenance history is preferable to one that has been neglected.
• Low-mileage vehicles often come with a significantly higher price tag. 

If you’re interested in a like-new, low-mileage pre-owned vehicle, we highly recommend a certified pre-owned model.

Find Pre-Owned Cars Near Frontenac Today

When the time comes to apply for financing for a newer vehicle, trust our team to help. Our dealership stocks a wide selection of models to choose from, and we offer a variety of flexible financing and leasing options for you to consider. Contact us in the meantime with questions, or visit us in St. Louis to learn more about your options!