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What is Good Mileage on a Used Car?

odometer displaying higher mileage on used car
 

Roslyn drivers looking for a used car know that mileage matters, but what is considered high mileage? How many miles on a used car is too much? And for that matter, what is good mileage for a used car? It can be tricky to decide how many miles are too many miles, and low mileage on a used car isn’t the only consideration when determining condition. In the past, any car with more than 100,000 miles was considered to have too many miles, but that’s not the case anymore. With a brand like BMW, your next used BMW X3 or X5 may just be more valuable than you think. Discover how condition, location, and usage can influence your next used car buying experience with Rallye BMW! Then, if you have further questions, or you’d like to test our pre-owned vehicle specials, call our Long Island showroom at (516) 226-7651! We are located just a few miles west of Queens in Westbury!

Find Out What Good Mileage for a Used Car Is

If you’re considering a used BMW, you’ll want to consider the following factors when determining the condition of any low-mileage used cars you’re considering:

  • Use: What is considered high mileage? Anything over 75,000 miles falls under this category. However, 75,000 miles of stop-and-go traffic wears more quickly than 75,000 highway miles. Ask for the previous owner’s driving history before you buy. Also, bear in mind that newer vehicles can last over 200,000 miles, whereas older miles may only last 100,000 miles.
  • Location: If a vehicle is coming from a dry, warm climate, it’s under less stress than a car that’s coming from a cold, wet climate.
  • Condition: If you’re shopping with a private seller, have a certified mechanic check the vehicle for upcoming repair issues like rust or engine problems, and figure this amount into your budget. If you’re shopping at a dealership, ask them for the vehicle history report.
  • Maintenance: Make sure the vehicle has been serviced in accordance with its recommended maintenance schedule. You can determine this by reviewing the car’s vehicle history report. If the service history looks infrequent, the vehicle is likely more worn down than some of the other options you’re considering, regardless of mileage.

Translating Mileage to Lifespan

You can’t use mileage alone to determine the condition of a vehicle. That said, it is helpful to know how to translate mileage into years. That way, you can come up with an estimate of how long a used vehicle may last you. The average commuter drives 12,000 thousand miles a year and the average car lasts around 200,000 miles. Subtract the current mileage of a vehicle you’re interested in from 200,000 and divide that number by 12,000 to get an estimate of how many more years said vehicle may have left. The answer is by no means a guarantee—there are many variables in play. However, when you consider that figure in reference to the other considerations we mentioned, it can be helpful!

Mileage vs. Age

While most people think that a low-mileage car is better than a high-mileage vehicle, that’s not always the case. You’ll want to take other variables into account:

  • Cars that haven’t been driven regularly can have higher repair costs. Not driving a car can cause drivetrain issues or cracking in rubber seals.
  • A car with a well-documented maintenance history should take preference over one that hasn’t been taken care of.
  • Cars with low mileage sometimes have a premium associated with them.

If you’re considering a car that’s newer but has higher mileage than an older car with lower miles, it’s not necessarily a bad value. Be sure to take other factors into account when buying. Looking for the best of both worlds on mileage and age? A certified pre-owned model may be your best option.

The Certified Pre-owned BMW Program

A certified pre-owned BMW model is a BMW that has less than 60,000 miles on the odometer, has an up-to-date maintenance history, and has passed a rigorous inspection by BMW-certified mechanics to ensure like-new quality. If a contending model fails from any angle, it’s refurbished with genuine OEM BMW parts until it passes. What’s more, certified pre-owned BMW models offer a host of additional perks, including:

  • 6 Years of 24/7 Roadside Assistance
  • 1-year/Unlimited Mile Warranty
  • Free Vehicle History Report
  • And more!

Find Low Mileage Used Cars Near Jericho Today

When you’re shopping for a used car, it pays to consider mileage along with other vehicle qualities. If you have any more questions about what good mileage for a used car is or what is considered high mileage, don’t hesitate to contact Rallye BMW. Stop by our showroom near Syosset to compare our models such as the BMW X1 vs. X3, see our used car selection in person, or get ready for BMW ownership by learning what the BMW warning lights mean!

 

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