What is Good Mileage on a Used Car?

Many used car buyers look first to mileage as an indicator of future reliability, but it’s actually just one factor among many that matter. So, what is good mileage on a used car? In reality, a used car that has been properly maintained can perform perfectly even with 100,000 miles or more logged on the odometer—so it’s best not to think of mileage as the deciding factor in your decision. Issaquah used car buyers should also take into account the location in which the vehicle was driven, how it was used by the previous driver(s), and its overall condition. Get the details in this guide from North Bend Chevrolet!

Shop Smart for a Used Car

What’s low mileage on a used car? There’s really no one-size-fits-all answer. Of course, buyers are drawn to used cars because they can expect to pay significantly less than MSRP, even when a used car is in nearly-new condition. At the same time, some worry that used cars with higher mileage could require major maintenance a few years down the line. While it’s true that an older vehicle is going to need more maintenance than a new one, there’s no reason that you can’t expect a reliable ride. How the car was driven and how attentively it was cared for will have a big impact on its condition. Here’s what you should ask:

• Usage – Was the car driven mainly in downtown Bellevue stop-and-go traffic, or was it used for highway commuting? Frequent stops and starts take a greater toll on a car than highway driving.
• Location – Good mileage for a used car can depend on the conditions it experienced. What was the climate like where the vehicle was primarily driven? Cold, wet climates put greater stress on a vehicle than warm, dry climates.
• Condition – Before you sign on the dotted line, have the car inspected by a certified mechanic. If you buy from a dealership like North Bend Chevrolet, we can take care of this here at our in-house service center!
• Service History – Find out how well the previous owner(s) kept up with the car’s manufacturer-recommended service schedule. A vehicle that has been properly maintained ever since it left the lot is often a smart investment!

When to Choose a Used Car Based on Mileage

What is good mileage on a used car may not matter if you’ll just be driving short distances within Snoqualmie, but what if you’ll be logging lots of miles? In this case, it may make sense to choose a used car based on mileage. If you’re buying used in order to avoid paying a new car sticker price, but you still need a vehicle that can stand up to a long commute for many years, then a low-mileage used car might be your best bet.

Mileage vs. Age

“Good” mileage for used cars can also depend on the age of the vehicle. For instance, a recent-year used car with high mileage—if it’s been serviced properly—may be a smarter buy than a low-mileage older car that has spent some time sitting idle. In fact, sitting idle can cause lots of problems for a car, leading to higher maintenance costs.

How can you be sure that a used car will run reliably? Shop our certified pre-owned inventory to find a low-mileage, recent-year used car with a perfect service history.

Shop Used Cars Near North Bend Today

As you can see, there’s a lot more than mileage to consider when you shop for a pre-owned car in Snoqualmie! At North Bend Chevrolet, we carry a hand-selected inventory of pre-owned—from retired loaner vehicles to low-mileage CPO models to affordable used cars priced under 10k. Contact us to learn more today!