Would you like to purchase a used car? There are many considerations that you should make. Price is one of the factors that you should consider as some of these models might cost an arm and a leg. However, most used cars usually come at a subsidized price. Besides this, these cars usually have a lower rate of depreciation and are cheap to maintain.
Although buying a used car can enable you to save a few dollars, you should not forget to check its mileage. This basically refers to the number of kilometres it has covered in the recent past. In this article, we shall take a closer look at the best mileage for a used car so that you can make a good decision.
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What Is The Best Mileage To Buy A Used Car?
Like we mentioned above, a used car must have covered a number of kilometres in the past. However, one question that lingers in the minds of many is, what is the best mileage to buy a used car? To determine this mileage, it is imperative that you multiply the distance covered in one year by the car’s age. For instance, if an average driver usually covers 12000 miles per year, a car that has been used for 5 years should have a mileage of 60000 miles.
Any mileage that is beyond this could mean that the car has been overused. If you want a car that has been in use for the last 10 years, you should ensure that its odometer reads 120000 miles or thereabout.
For optimal results, you should choose a car that has covered about 120000 miles or thereabout for the last 10 years. However, if you come across one that has less mileage, the better for you. If the car is also well maintained, be sure that you will get the value for your hard-earned money.
What Is Good Mileage For A Used Car In Km?
In terms of kilometres, good mileage for a used car should be 193121 km. This ought to be the number of kilometres it has covered for the last 10 years.
How Many Miles On A Used Car Is Too Much?
Based on the 12000 miles per year rule, any car that has covered more than 12000 miles in a year is considered to have covered a mileage that is above average. For instance, a car that has covered 13000 miles or 14000 miles per year is deemed to have too much mileage. If you notice that a car has covered more than 12000 miles per year, it is essential that you consider choosing another used car.
How Many Miles On A Used Car Is Too Little?
Generally, there is no rule that states how many miles is too little for a used car. However, a car that has covered less than 12000 miles per year is deemed to have low mileage. Such cars are a good option as they have not been used extensively. You can trust that it will serve you for several years without getting damaged.
What Are The Signs That The Car Has Not Been Driven Enough?
To determine if a car has been driven for many years or not, it is essential that you check the odometer readings. Here, you will get to know the number of miles the car has covered over the years. If the odometer readings are accurate, be sure that you will be able to determine whether the car has been in use or not. For instance, if the car has covered less than 120000 for the last 10 years, it shows that the car has not been driven enough.
Besides this, you can check the car’s history report. For instance, if you notice that the car has just covered 100000 for the last 10 years, chances are that the car has not been driven enough. Also, you can check the appearance of the car. This is because the appearance of a car is a good indicator of whether the car has been in use for many years or not.
For instance, if the car has several dents, chances are that the car has been used for many years. Ideally, a car that has been used for the last 10 years should have little wear and tear on the interior. Besides this, it should have fewer dents on the outside.
Finally, you can hire a professional mechanic to inspect the car for you. The good news is that this professional will help you determine whether the car has been in use for many years or not. From the car’s exterior to its interior, this professional will evaluable the condition of every part of the car. Besides this, the mechanic will help you take the car for a test drive in order to evaluate its performance on the road. If something is not right, the mechanic will ultimately inform you so that you can take appropriate action.
Is It Advisable To Buy A Car With High Mileage?
Although cars with high mileage are perceived to be prone to regular car problems, modern cars are built to last for many years. If you purchase a car that has high mileage, be sure that its depreciation curve has already flattened. This means that the car might not depreciate further than that if you maintain it well.
Remember that new cars usually depreciate fast, which can make you sell a new car at a lower price than the one you initially bought at the dealership.
Besides this, cars with a high mileage tend to be well-lubricated and are usually effective when it comes to fuel combustion. As a result, the engine of such cars lasts for ages without getting damaged. After all, cars are meant to be driven. Remember that low mileage cars are hardly serviced and thus might develop problems later in life.
Finally, such cars will not strain your budget as they usually cost affordable prices. Therefore, you will get a good car and still save a few bucks. All you need to check is the condition of the car alongside its mileage, and you will be good to go.
Should You Purchase A Car With More Than 50000 Miles?
When buying a pre-owned car, it is imperative that you check the number of miles left in it. Technically, a modern car is able to travel up to 200000 miles. In this case, if your choice of car has more than 50000 miles, chances are that you have 150000 miles left to cover. Such a car is worth the money as it can serve you for about 10 years or even more.
Is It Advisable To Purchase A Car With More Than 100000 Miles?
To start with, a car that has more than 100000 miles on its odometer is likely to be more than 10 years old. Better still, it might be almost 10 years old. Unlike other models, the car mentioned above is likely to have most of its components replaced. Some of these components include:
- Gaskets
- Water pump
- Timing belt
- PCV valve
- Accessory drive belts.
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With the parts mentioned above replaced, be sure that the car is likely to be in good shape. Therefore, it might serve you for another 10 years or thereabout, before you think of replacing the components mentioned above.
What Are The DaFctors That Affect The Number Of Miles Left On A Car?
There are many factors that can affect the number of miles left on a particular car. One of them is the degree of maintenance done on that car. A car that has not been maintained well is likely to develop many issues over time. As a result, the car might not be able to travel many miles as desired. However, if the used car is well maintained, be sure that it will have fewer miles left.
Besides maintenance, the driving environment also affects the number of miles left on a car. For instance, a car that is driven in a sparsely populated area is likely to have more miles left on it. Such is the case because it is easier to drive in a sparsely populated region than in an area that has a lot of traffic.
Is Mileage Vital When Purchasing A Used Car?
Yes. However, this should not be the only factor worth consideration. Regardless of the car’s mileage, it is important that you check the condition of the car before buying it. Ideally, your choice of a used car should be one that has been well taken care of by its previous owners. For optimal results, you should check the car’s history report. Some of the vital details you are likely to find here include:
- Number of reported accidents
- Title history
- Service and maintenance records
- Number of previous owners
If the reports say that the cat has had the much-needed maintenance and repairs at the right time, chances are that the car will last longer and offer value for money.
If you want to buy used cars, there are some models that you should avoid buying. They include:
- Acura MDX
- Alfa Romeo Stelvio
- Audi A5
- BMW 5 Series
- Cadillac XTS
Like we mentioned, the cars mentioned above are not the best choice for any rational person. This is because these cars have a bad record of being unreliable in the recent past. Therefore, you should instead consider other models out there.
Final Thoughts
Buying a used car is a good idea. You will save a lot of money and get a good deal. However, you need to consider the car’s mileage as this can tell you if the car will be of much help to you in the near future or not. Ideally, a car that has been used should not be beyond 120000 miles. Consider these ideas when buying a used car, and you will get value for your hard-earned money.