Is Mileage Important When Buying a Used Car?
Mileage is a key factor when choosing your next used car. In this article, we’re looking at why mileage matters.
If you look at any used car listing, one of the first things you’ll spot is how many miles it has on the clock. This information, along with the age of the car, helps to give you a good indication of its condition.
But what is good mileage for a used car? Read on to find out more.
What is good mileage on a used car?
While there is no definitive answer on what mileage is good for a used car, there are a few things that can help you to determine a good mileage.
It’s estimated that people drive on average 10,000 to 12,000 miles per year. But even before the COVID pandemic hit in 2020, those numbers were steadily decreasing. In 2019, the average number of miles driven per year was 7,500 miles.
When looking at used cars, you can divide the number of miles by the vehicle’s age to get an indication whether the mileage is high or low.
For example, a five-year-old car with 30,000 miles on the clock – 30,000 / 5 = 6,000 miles per year.
This could be considered low mileage as it’s under the average of 7,500 miles per year.
However, low mileage isn’t necessarily a bad thing. A lower mileage car gives you the feeling of an almost-new car, but you will pay a premium for it.
It’s important to note that an older car with a low mileage could be a red flag. This indicates that it hasn’t been driven much or predominantly on shorter journeys, which can lead to long-term problems.
Does mileage matter when buying or selling a used car?
Mileage plays a key factor when both buying and selling a used car. Along with age, mileage helps to determine a car’s worth. Typically, the higher the mileage, the lower the price.
Used car mileage vs age – which matters more?
What is more important – mileage or age? There’s no straightforward answer. It all comes down to personal preferences.
Age plays a key role in a car's features, technology, and depreciation value. A younger car may have newer driver technology and safety features, whereas an older car will fall short in this area.
However, an older car will have already depreciated in value, unlike a younger car. This means by buying an older car, you could enjoy a better return on your investment. But a younger car hasn’t depreciated as much. This means that it could sell for a lower resale value.
Whereas mileage gives you more of an indication of the condition of the car and any wear and tear.
It’s important to consider both mileage and age when buying a used car and striking the right balance.
Should you buy a car with high mileage?
When deciding whether to buy a car with high mileage, it’s important to take into consideration its age, and the condition the car is in. You should also check tyres, brakes, oil leaks, and service history.
It’s a good idea to check the car’s MOT history, which you can do on the government’s website.
This will shed light on any previous issues and give you an indication of how well the car is running.
The biggest benefit of buying a used car with higher mileage is the cheaper price. But always remember to do your research and try not to get carried away by how cheap the car is.
Used cars at Bristol Street Motors
Whatever age or mileage of used car you are looking for, we can help.
If you are looking for that 'like new' feeling explore our range of approved used cars. By choosing approved used, you get extra peace of mind. All cars undergo additional manufacturer checks to meet the highest standards.
With our used car preperation policy, you can also drive away in confidence when you choose Bristol Street Motors. Our comprehensive checks ensure that all our used cars are in the best possible condition - before reaching our forecourts.
Find your local dealership and book an appointment to start your used car search with us.