What is Good Mileage On a Pre-Owned Car?

When drivers come to Mercedes-Benz of Chantilly on the hunt for pre-owned cars with good mileage, they’re almost always seeking something with 50,000 miles or fewer. However, the truth is that pre-owned cars are lasting longer than ever, so even a model with 100,000 miles can be a good investment for the next five years or so! The average driver puts on around 10,000 to 12,000 miles per year, and most pre-owned cars can be expected to last for 200,000 miles or more.

So, what is good mileage for a pre-owned car, really? It depends on a multitude of factors–and we’ll explore them all below!

The Smart Way to Shop for a Pre-Owned Car

Mileage is just one of many factors you should consider. Even if a given model has good mileage for a pre-owned car, it may not live up to your expectations if it fails one of the following tests:

• How was the vehicle maintained? Since regular care plays a critical role in determining how a vehicle ages, the best-maintained model is usually the best pick for your South Riding and Centerville drives.
• How has the vehicle been pre-owned? Heavy towing and hauling jobs are harder on a vehicle’s components than other types of driving. Additionally, highways miles generally produce less stress than miles acquired in stop-and-go city traffic.
• Where was the vehicle driven? Temperate, semi-dry climates allow vehicles to age under the best conditions. Wet, hot, and icy-cold climates cause wear and tear to accelerate, so you should be careful when you’re making a selection.
• Has the vehicle been in any collisions? Structural damage can be repaired, but a vehicle that’s been in a major collision will rarely be as reliable as a model with no such history. Visit a mechanic before you sign on the dotted line.

Choosing a Pre-Owned Car Based on Mileage

So, with all this in mind, what is good mileage on a pre-owned car? If there’s nothing else working against the vehicle, even a model with 100,000 miles can be a safe bet. However, if the model’s usage or maintenance history seem less than ideal, it’s probably best to stay away. One of these vehicles can still be a good investment, but only if it has roughly 50,000 miles.

Comparing Mileage vs. Age

As we noted above, the average Ashburn-area driver puts on around 10,000 to 12,000 miles per year. Here’s what you should keep in mind when weighing the importance of mileage vs. age:

• An older pre-owned car with a few thousand miles might look like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But since seals, gaskets, and other components can break down over time, even if a model isn’t being driven, you might be facing hefty repair costs after you bring it home.
• If a model is only a few years old, but it already has many more miles than you’d expect given its age, it’s probably best to stay away. Acquiring more than 15,000 miles per year will place an additional strain on the engine.

Certified pre-owned vehicles must fall within strict age and mileage limits in order to qualify, so they’re almost always good investments.

Shop for Pre-Owned Cars for Sale at Mercedes-Benz of Chantilly

Drivers from all over the greater South Riding area come to Mercedes-Benz of Chantilly to shop for pre-owned vehicles, and it isn’t hard to see why. We offer plenty of CPO special offers and recently retired loaner vehicles, and our commitment to customer service is second to none!