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What is Good Mileage for a Used Car?

Pre-Owned Vehicles

If you’re shopping for a used vehicle or used Jeeps for sale in Iowa, you have a variety of makes, models, and years to consider. One of the questions drivers ask when shopping for a used vehicle is “What is good mileage for a used car?” Typically a car with under 100,000 miles on the odometer is a good buy, but if a vehicle has over 100,000 miles but has been properly maintained, then it could be an excellent choice! Learn more about what is good mileage for a used car below, and then contact our team to browse our pre-owned vehicle inventory.


Picking a Used Car Based on Mileage

There isn’t a single answer to the question “How many miles on a car is too much?” Since there are many factors involved, it’s best to think about how much mileage you’ll get out of the used car you buy. If a used car has 70,000 miles and seems to be in good working condition, then it’s likely a good buy and will last you for many years to come. However, a used car with 100,000 miles can probably last you another five or more years so long as it’s been maintained well. The typical driver clocks about 12,000 miles per year, so keep this in mind when comparing used vehicle mileage vs. age.


How to Shop for a Used Car

When you shop for a used vehicle in Waterloo, there are some factors you should keep in mind. Read more about them below:

  • Usage: Make sure to find out the vehicle’s driving history before you buy it. A car driven 60,000 miles in stop and go traffic will wear down sooner than one that has driven 60,000 miles on the open highway.
  • Location: Vehicles that have lived in a dry, warm climate, are in better overall condition than vehicles from areas that have lived in a cold, wet climate.
  • Condition: Have a certified mechanic 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 future. Figure this cost into your budget.
  • Maintenance: Go over 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 in the future.

Vehicle Mileage vs. Age

When you buy a used car in Des Moines, there’s a significant difference between vehicle mileage and age. A newer car with high mileage may well be a better choice than a low-mileage older car. Make sure to take these factors into account when buying:

  • Mechanical issues, or problems with rubber seals and gaskets, can develop if a car isn’t driven on a regular basis. This means that a car that hasn’t been driven regularly will often have higher repair costs.
  • A vehicle with a well-documented maintenance history is preferable to one that has no maintenance history or one that has been neglected.
  • Keep in mind that low mileage vehicles often come with a higher price tag at area dealerships and on the private market.

If your goal is to purchase a like-new, low-mileage vehicle then you should consider our Certified Used Vehicle inventory at Acura of Johnston! Acura CPO vehicles come with a variety of benefits that regular used vehicles cannot offer.


Test Drive Used Cars at Acura of Johnston

There’s more to consider than just used car mileage when shopping for a new vehicle. Visit our Johnston showroom to see each of our used vehicles and find the right model for your daily commute. Make sure to browse our pre-owned vehicle specials and apply for financing to get behind the wheel of a low-mileage used vehicle at Acura of Johnston today!

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