Why do miles matter

For example, a vehicle manufactured in with , kilometers on it in is considered good mileage. The answer here is dependant on how the vehicle was driven. If a vehicle manufactured in only has 60, kilometers on it but was never cared for or regularly maintained by the owner, you should avoid purchasing it. On the other hand, if that vehicle instead had , kilometers on it but is in great condition, it might be worth bringing it to a mechanic and considering the purchase.

If the vehicle has spent more of its driving life on the highway, its mechanics will most likely be in better condition. If it was a city vehicle, the brakes and other mechanic parts may be more worn out. In general, a used car with low mileage is usually a good decision, even when mileage seems unusually low.

By reviewing the vehicle history report, you typically get a good idea of whether it is correct. For example, if you see on the vehicle history report that the car, at 5 years old, had just 5, miles, there is a strong likelihood that the odometer reading is accurate.

If you believe the odometer reading is accurate, you should have the car inspected by a professional mechanic. A used car technician or mechanic typically has a checklist of what they need to evaluate on a used vehicle.

They will also evaluate the condition of the engine, brakes, and tires and scan the control system, as well as take the vehicle on a test drive to evaluate its overall performance. While many people avoid purchasing cars with high mileage because there is a perception that they are riskier and more prone to problems, cars today are designed to last far longer. When you buy a car that already has high mileage, the depreciation curve has already flattened, and it will not decrease in value rapidly the way a new car does.

Additionally, because cars are meant to be driven, vehicles that have high mileage tend to be well-lubricated and burn carbon buildup, both of which help the engine to last longer.

The average car in the U. For example, if a car has , miles, you can drive it approximately four more years before you will reach the average mileage. Though the 12, miles-per-year rule is beneficial for estimating whether a vehicle has an average number of miles based on its age, mileage alone should not be the only determinant when deciding whether to purchase a vehicle.

You should always have it evaluated by a used car technician, as well, who can help you identify any possible unforeseen problems with the vehicle. A modern vehicle may be able to travel up to , miles. Therefore, a car with more than 50, miles is likely to have up to , miles left. There are several factors that can affect the number of miles left on a vehicle, such as maintenance and driving environment. If a vehicle has mainly been used in a sparsely populated area, it should have more life left in it.

This is because it has led an easier and more relaxed life than a similar car that has gone through the daily grind of low-speed, stop-and-go traffic in the city. It would be ideal if the car appears relatively new and shows little wear and tear. For example, if the vehicle you're considering has fewer miles but is older, then it was probably used for quick commutes in stop-and-go traffic.

Typically, these cars have more wear and tear under the hood and may experience more performance issues. On the other hand, a newer used car with more miles can mean it was used more for highway driving. A vehicle with more highway miles tends to have less damage in some of its performance parts because cruising down the freeway takes less of a toll on parts.

Therefore, these vehicles may provide a longer-lasting performance. While drivers should consider mileage when shopping for a used car, it shouldn't be the deciding factor. Understanding the type of miles on the odometer and how it was taken care of can help you find the reliable pre-owned car you need. You can always depend on boardwalk Honda for dependable courteous service. They are the best! Continue to Payment Calculator.

Value Your Trade. Enter contact information:. Value My Trade. Quick Price Quote. Enter contact info:. Request More Information.

Contact Us. Contact Us Enter contact info:. Pricing Details. Test Drive Now. Schedule Test Drive Enter contact info:.