What is Good Mileage for a Used Car?

There’s no simple way to determine what counts as good mileage for a used car, but many St Paul-area drivers prefer used cars with fewer than 60,000 miles. In the real world, things aren’t always so cut and dry. A used car with 100,000 miles can be a good choice if it’s been maintained well. On the other hand, even a car with 30,000 miles can be dangerous if it’s been neglected. Not sure of how to weigh your options? Motorwerks BMW can help.

What is Considered High Mileage on a Used Car?

If a used car has more than 100,000 miles on the odometer, it could be accurately described as a high-mileage used car. However, your choice of a used car will require you to weigh multiple different factors. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

• Mileage vs. Cost: Low-mileage used cars for sale are some of the most desirable options around–and those who sell them know it. If you want to avoid paying a premium, choosing a model with higher mileage might be a better decision in the long run.
• Age vs. Mileage: The average driver travels around 12,000 miles per year. Divide the car’s mileage by its age to find out if it’s been driven more than similar models. In general, more miles in less time leads to greater amounts of wear and tear.
• Mileage vs. Maintenance: Maintenance plays a decisive role in determining how a vehicle will age. All other things being equal, choose the model with the best-documented maintenance history. (In fact, this holds true even if it has slightly higher mileage than other options.)

Shopping for a Used Car: Other Factors

Let’s say you know what is considered high mileage for a used car, and you’ve narrowed down your search to a few competing options. Here’s what you should ask yourself while making a final decision:

• How has the vehicle been used? – All other things being equal, cars that are driven in stop-and-go city traffic tend to accumulate more wear than those that have only really been driven on the highway. By the same token, vehicles that have been used for towing or off-roading might be more worn down than other options.
• Where was the previous owner located? – If your choice is between a car that was driven in a hot, humid climate, and a model that was driven in cooler, temperate zones, choose the latter. Excessive heat and excessive cold can both be harder on a vehicle’s components.
• Has the vehicle experienced structural damage? – Even a perfect-looking used car can be a bad choice if it has been in a major accident. Damage to the vehicle’s frame or basic structure can cause it to wear down much more quickly.

Before you move forward with one of the low-mileage used cars for sale in Minneapolis or Richfield, bring it into a trustworthy mechanic and ask about its condition. A thorough inspection can reveal issues, so you can look elsewhere or negotiate a lower price.

What Are the Best Low-Mileage Used Cars for Sale?

If you’re looking for a low-mileage used car with like-new components and an excellent maintenance history, a certified pre-owned BMW is bound to feel like a perfect fit. These models all have fewer than 60,000 miles, and what’s more, each has undergone an extensive inspection. You’ll even receive warranty coverage with your purchase! Learn more about the BMW CPO program to decide if it’s right for you.

Start Your Used Car Search at Motorwerks BMW

Unlike private sellers, Motorwerks BMW inspects all used cars to ensure that they live up to our high standards for quality. You can even shop for low-mileage used cars online, through our virtual showroom! Make an appointment to find out what sets us apart today.