What is Good Mileage on a Used Car?

When choosing a used car, many Dallas car buyers rely on mileage to determine the best value. But just what is “good” mileage on a used car? If the vehicle has been well maintained, you can easily justify buying a used car with over 100,000 miles — especially if it’s a used Toyota vehicle, especially used pickup trucks (like the Tacoma).

However, mileage isn’t the only factor to consider, and the lowest mileage doesn’t always equal the best-used car value for your money.

How to Choose a Used Vehicle Around Dallas

While low-mileage vehicles can often be a smarter buy, there’s no one number to look for when it comes to good mileage for used cars. Instead, “good” mileage will vary depending on several factors:

• Used Vehicle’s Driving History — In terms of vehicle wear, stop-and-go traffic has a greater impact compared to steady highway cruising. As a result, a vehicle that drove 75,000 miles in the city will experience more wear and tear than one that drove 75,000 miles of highway commutes. Be sure to find out all you can about the previous owner’s driving habits.
• Used Vehicle’s Previous Location — What kind of weather did a used vehicle experience most often? You won’t find heavy snows around here, but you should ask where your next used car has been — and whether it was kept on the street or in a garage.
• Used Vehicle’s Condition — Before finalizing your purchase, a thorough inspection by a certified mechanic is crucial, no matter the number on the odometer. Expert mechanics at our Irving service center ensure each of our used cars is in top shape.
• Used Vehicle’s Maintenance History — All vehicles have a recommended routine maintenance schedule that should be followed to prevent small problems from turning into costly repairs. Be sure to inspect your vehicle’s maintenance history. Contact our service team to learn more about maintenance schedules.

Mileage vs. Age: Which Matters More?

Once again, a lower-mileage car is not necessarily your best option when it comes to mileage vs. age.

A low-mileage older car that has sat for several years in a garage may actually have more problems than a newer car that’s driven significantly more miles and is well-maintained. That’s because disuse causes mechanical problems that could be just as costly.

The best indication of a used car’s reliability is well-documented and timely maintenance history. You’ll also save money because lower-mileage models typically come with a higher price tag.

High Mileage Concerns? Choose a CPO Vehicle

If you expect to put a lot of miles on your vehicle, a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle may be the right choice. CPO vehicles cannot have mileage above a certain limit and must pass a rigorous inspection process (CPO Toyota models have a 160-point inspection).

If you’re looking for an affordable, nearly-new vehicle and mileage is a top concern, you should look at your certified pre-owned vehicle options.

Test Drive a Used Toyota in Irving!

We hope you find these tips helpful as you shop for your next used Toyota near Fort WorthGrapevine, and don’t hesitate to contact us with any further questions about our used inventory, our used trucks for sale, getting a lease vs. buying, or the difference between used vs. CPO.