What is a Good Mileage for a Used Car?

When buying a used car in Topeka, many things need to be taken into consideration. Many questions need to be asked to ensure that you make the right decision when you finally go to the dealership and make the purchase. What kind of car do I want? Do I want a specific make of car? Or how about the model of the car? Also, is high mileage a factor? Mileage on a used car is often a hotly debated item.

When talking about mileage in relation to purchasing a used car, you really have to consider the year it was made. For instance, older cars with quite high mileage might be in great shape. A newer car with the same mileage as one that is five years older might not be such a good deal. It really all depends on how well the car was taken care of. It matters how well the previous owner maintained the engine in that particular car.

As a general rule to get you started, 12,000 miles per year is considered the average.

Care and Attention Is More Important Than Mileage

If an owner of a vehicle neglects to perform proper maintenance on a regular basis, the likelihood that the miles on the car will have a negative impact on performance is high. Making sure that oil is changed regularly and the right type of oil for the engine is used every time is vital in the maintenance of an engine.

In addition, making sure that spark plugs and belts were replaced as needed ensures that the engine was taken care of the way it was supposed to be. If an engine was extremely well maintained and serviced on a regular basis, the odometer reading high miles is not really that much of a problem to be concerned with.

How Has the Car Been Driven?

How the car is driven also plays a factor. One has to consider the type of miles that were put on the car. Cruising at a consistent speed and racking up the odometer on the highway does less wear and tear overall to the engine than driving consistently in a city setting.

In a city, the constant stopping and starting at red lights, the acceleration and braking many times, and the use of more gas than highway driving will all take a toll on the engine and performance. Highway driving is much easier on an engine than city driving. The type of driving done with the vehicle really does matter in the long run when the odometer reading starts to really get high.

Another point to discuss is the type of driver and the stress put on the engine from the driver. We as humans are all unique. Therefore, our driving techniques and abilities are different. Some of us drive with a heavy foot, while others never go over the speed limit.

If the used car had been previously used as a taxi or hire car, it could have taken a bigger amount of punishment than most.

Young teenagers who are out with their friends might enjoy speeding down the highway and then slamming on the brakes. This will cause damage in the long run to the engine. An older couple that drives a car and never goes above the speed limit does not put as much stress on their car.

Which Vehicle Would you Buy?

Consider you are looking for a used car with a low down payment in Topeka. There are multiple used cars for sale on the Buy Here Pay Here car lots and all with different mileage. You must consider how the cars were driven and maintained.

A freshly licensed driver just got his first car and is excited to take it out for a joy ride. He picks up his friends and they head to a local hangout for the night. They are in a large parking lot with a few others who brought their cars along. They are standing and discussing their vehicles as they look them over. One of the boys decides it would be fun to drag race down the length of the large parking lot to see who is the fastest. Of course, they all jump on the chance to get into the competition. They floor the gas pedals and take off down the parking lot. When they reach the end, they slam on the brakes so hard they can’t push the pedal down any further. The squeal of tires is heard as they come to a halt just in time to avoid hitting the fence in front of them.

The teens had a fun adrenaline rush, but the cars the teens are driving took a beating. This type of mileage on an engine greatly affects its performance in the long run.

The older couple who has had the same car for years now decides that it would be fun to enjoy the nice day and take a Sunday drive to their favorite restaurant. They go to church in the morning and then begin the country drive to their favorite diner. They take their time and make sure to never spike the gas or brake too hard. They carefully follow all the rules in regards to the speed limit and always stop well before coming close to the car in front of them.

Even though the couple’s car is much older than the teens, it is in better shape. The mileage that continues to add to the couple’s car does less damage and puts less stress on the engine.

Mileage Is a Rough Gauge, but Consider the Other Factors

All in all, it is important to consider the type of car but also the driver. Many factors need to be taken into consideration on top of just what is being read on the odometer. It is a good number to look at but cannot be taken at face value. The type of driving that made those miles is much more important than the number itself. Ultimately, the overall condition of the used car in Topeka should be taken into consideration before the odometer reading.