What is Good Mileage on a Used Car?

Used cars on a lot

Determining the overall value of a used car requires a keen eye for detail and negotiating skills. But you can still get a good deal on a used car near Santa Cruz even if you don’t have those skills, by reading our guide to what is good mileage on a used car.

Although some mechanics would advise you to steer clear of anything with over 100,000 miles on it, more recent vehicles endure well beyond the 100,000-mile mark when well-maintained. Our used cars under 15K hold value for Watsonville drivers on a tight budget and many have higher mileage but are in otherwise good condition and fit to last a couple more years at least.

Looking at all areas of a used car will keep you from passing up a great deal on a used car. When you’re asking yourself what is good mileage on a used car, make sure you’re considering the vehicle’s other aspects as well.


The Smart Way to Shop for a Used Car

If you’re in the market for a used car, you should consider all areas of the vehicle, aside from good mileage for used car, including:

  • Usage: Where a car was driven by the previous owner affects its condition significantly; a car with 75,000 miles, driven on the highway will suffer less wear than one with the same mileage driven in stop and go traffic. Check the vehicle’s history report to see which category it falls under and that will indicate its condition.
  • Location: Used cars previously driven in warn, dry clients have less wear than those driven in cold, wet climates.
  • Condition: Enlist a mechanic to look under the hood for any hidden mechanical issues unseen by the untrained eye.
  • Maintenance: Inspect it’s maintenance history report to ensure it has received regular maintenance by its previous owner.
Car Being inspected by magnifying glass

Figuring What is Good Mileage on a Used Car

It’s not easy to answer definitely, “What is good mileage on a used car?” Because good mileage for a used car depends on the overall quality of the vehicle. If the vehicle history report shows regular maintenance, there are no mechanical issues, and the car is in otherwise good condition, a car with over 100,000 miles is a good buy. But if a used car hasn’t been well-maintained and has more than 100,000 miles, you should pass on that model.


Mileage vs. Age

Good mileage for used cars also depends on the age of the vehicle. A well-maintained older car with low mileage is a good buy, but a newer car with low mileage is better. Weigh mileage, age, and condition; good condition overcomes age, but it’s usually better to opt for a newer model.

Our CPO vehicles offer Monterey low mileage, like-new used vehicles.


Explore Our Used Car Inventory at Santa Cruz Toyota

Determining what is good mileage on a used car depends on the quality of the vehicle, its age, and vehicle history report. A general rule is to stay under 100,000 miles whenever possible, but remember to weigh its strong points before dismissing a used model with high mileage. Browse our used inventory online if you are set on finding a low mileage used vehicle, or visit our lot near Santa Clara. Apply for financing online for pre-approval.


Our Pre-Owned Inventory


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