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When people think about the pricing of used cars, what strikes their mind are two essential things, the mileage and the age of the vehicle. Maintenance is also another factor, but it comes indirectly with the mileage and age. Certain features of vehicles are installed to last for a limited time. And hence, mileage and age determine the price of the used car.
But does mileage matter while buying used cars as much as the hype is in the market? Well, different people might have other answers to this question. To some, it might, it might not, while a few of them might put conditions along with the mileage.
Here we will discuss whether mileage is an essential factor when buying used cars; if yes, how? Also, we’ll discuss under what circumstances mileage can become a secondary trait to consider for used cars.
Estimate average mileage based on year of manufacturing
The average mileage of a car is around 12,000 miles per year. Any distance more than that is classified as “High Mileage,” and if the distance is less than the average mileage, it is classified as “Low Mileage.” You can find the year of manufacture in the VIN or the details provided to you by the used car dealer in Austin.
Also, mileage is something that might vary with makes and models. Such trucks and SUVs are made with better parts for rigidity and heavy use, so mileage won’t matter much if it’s in good condition. At the same time, lower model vehicles such as the Chevrolet Sonic and Nissan Sentra are some cars that you should avoid with high mileage. They typically have a running lifespan of 100,000 miles, after which they start acting up and have issues such as noises and mostly with their transmission.
How the car was used?
Well, a few other things are more important than just the mileage of a vehicle. The Usage of the Vehicle is one such thing, not to exaggerate, the most crucial feature. If the vehicle were used for heavy tasks, such as towing or farm work, it wouldn’t be a wise purchase even if it has less mileage. On the other hand, a vehicle with average or less weary use might be worth purchasing even with high mileage.
City Miles vs. Highway Miles
The same goes with if mileage is covered by Highways or City Miles. Driving on city roads would require too frequent use of the clutch and the brake paddle, hitting off on bumps, all of which impact the engine and the vehicle’s overall condition. Therefore, even if they have less mileage, such vehicles are not something that should be your choice of purchase. On the other hand, a vehicle even with a mileage of 1, 80,000 or above, if driven on highways, is a great purchase.
You can know how and where the vehicles are used by looking at the exterior body, tires, seats, and pedals. A vehicle that has good seats, unchanged original tires, and brake and clutch pedals that are not worn off was most definitely used decently and mainly ran on highways. These vehicles have an excellent overall condition and require less investment for repairs.
Regularly Scheduled Maintenance
A vehicle that has been used significantly more would require more maintenance. You can tell by the looks of a vehicle how sincere and caring the previous owner(s) were towards the vehicle. A person who loves the vehicle would certainly take care of it and do regular maintenance to keep the vehicle in good condition.
Even if the car you choose to buy seems to be appropriately maintained by its looks, make sure you start the engine and take a test drive. Listen to the engine’s sounds, how the transmission is, how good the brakes are etc. If you don’t know much about the vehicles, make sure you take a professional.
Be Careful with the Odometers that Can Be Manipulated
Mileage is calculated by just looking at the odometer in the vehicle. But it’s not that Odometers are always telling the truth. Odometers can be altered, and the mileage reading can be reduced. So yes, and it is also true for digital odometers. It can be done by removing the vehicle’s circuit board or using rollback equipment that hooks right into its electronic circuit to roll back the digital odometer.
So if you’re buying a used car, you must inspect the used car thoroughly and get to know more about the vehicle’s condition rather than just trusting the readings on the odometer.
Don’t Be Afraid of High Mileage
As we’ve already said, don’t blindly trust the numbers on the odometer. Remember, what’s more important than just the Mileage reading is the model and condition of the used car.
An entry-level low-make vehicle with ‘low mileage,’ rough or heavy usage, covering city miles with frequent on and offs, is in no way a good choice. But the same vehicle, if driven through highways with proper use, would be comparatively a better choice even if it has a ‘high mileage.’
The mileage doesn’t matter much for heavy-duty trucks and SUVs, as they are meant to last longer, even with heavy use. So instead, the thing that matters to them is just the regular and proper maintenance.
Conclusion
So, now you know that buying vehicles by considering mileage by just looking at the odometer might give you a bad deal. No doubt, mileage determines the price of the vehicle. So, the higher the mileage, the lesser the cost of the used car will be.
But mileage comes along with other factors such as the model, maintenance, and vehicle usage. We hope that this article was helpful to you, and the next time you’re considering purchasing a used car from used car dealers Austin, keep these conditions in mind.
FAQs
Does a high mileage reading always indicate a bad purchase?
Not necessarily. High mileage isn’t always a deal-breaker, especially if the vehicle has been well-maintained and primarily driven on highways. It’s crucial to consider the overall condition, how the vehicle was used, and whether regular maintenance was performed.
How can I tell if a car’s odometer reading has been tampered with?
Odometer tampering is possible, even with digital ones. Look for inconsistencies in the wear and tear of the vehicle, such as unusually worn-out seats, pedals, or tires that don’t match the mileage. It’s also a good idea to get a vehicle history report and have a trusted mechanic inspect the car.
Why is the type of mileage (city vs. highway) important when buying a used car?
City driving involves frequent stops, starts, and wear on the engine and brakes, while highway driving is generally smoother and less stressful on the vehicle. A car with high highway mileage may be in better condition than one with lower city mileage.
Are there certain car models that handle high mileage better than others?
Yes, some vehicles, especially heavy-duty trucks and SUVs, are built to last longer even with high mileage. Conversely, some smaller cars may not perform as well after reaching higher mileage thresholds, so it’s important to research the specific model.
What should I look for during a test drive of a used car with high mileage?
Pay attention to the engine’s sound, the smoothness of the transmission, the responsiveness of the brakes, and any unusual noises. Check for vibrations, steering issues, and how well the car accelerates and handles at different speeds.