What is Good Mileage on a Used Car?

Thinking about a pre-owned vehicle for your next Live Oak- or Macclenny-area ride? Understandably, you want to find a used car, truck, or SUV that meets both your budget and your driving needs, and you surely want to invest in a reliable, quality vehicle that will stand the test of time. Among the many factors to keep in mind as you shop for the right used car, one of the most important is mileage. What, exactly, is considered good mileage for a used car? Rountree Moore Kia answers this question in detail below.

Good Mileage for a Used Car

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question, “What is good mileage for a used car?” It used to be that a vehicle with 100,000 miles or more was considered well past its prime and a questionable investment at best. But today, this is no longer the case, as automakers like Kia have been at the forefront of the latest vehicle technology, design, and engineering to ensure long and dependable lives for the vehicles they manufacture.

Let’s look at some examples. If a used car has 60,000 miles and seems to be in solid working order, it’s probably a smart deal. But a used car with 100,000 miles likely still has substantial life left in it–maybe another four years or so, as long as the vehicle is in overall decent shape and you keep up on routine maintenance.

Mileage vs. Age: Which is More Important?

In some cases, a newer used vehicle with higher mileage might make more sense than an older car with lower mileage. As far as mileage vs. age, here are some things to consider as you shop:

• A used vehicle with fewer miles may not have been regularly driven, which could mean operational issues and, ultimately, higher repair costs. 
• A used vehicle with a comprehensive maintenance history should be a priority, as you can tell a lot about the condition, reliability, and longevity of a car by checking its service records.
• A used vehicle with lower mileage is typically priced higher than one with more miles.

Other Factors to Keep in Mind When Used Car Shopping

Mileage isn’t the only thing that should be factored into the used-car decision-making process. These are equally important:

• Use – Do you know how the vehicle was driven? A car that accrues 75,000 miles in stop-and-go traffic will wear down faster than one with 75,000 miles acquired through open-road driving.
• Location – Used vehicles are often purchased from auctions in other parts of the country. If your vehicle has come from a dry, warm climate, it will likely be in better shape than one from a climate that’s cold and wet.
• Condition – Obviously, you want to put your hard-earned money toward a used vehicle that has maintained its condition. Have a mechanic assess the vehicle before you buy.
• Maintenance – As mentioned above, a well-documented maintenance history shows the vehicle was properly cared for and is a sound investment that can give you significant peace of mind on Gainesville roads and beyond.

Shop for Your Next Used Car at Rountree Moore Kia

Now that you have a better understanding of good mileage for a used car, we invite you to find one of your own among our vast pre-owned inventory. Stop in today for a test drive around Lake City or contact us to schedule an appointment. Already sold on one of our used vehicles? Apply for financing now to streamline the buying process. We’re confident we have a used vehicle that’s sure to surpass your expectations–and not your budget!