Buying a used car is often a great way to save money while getting something dependable for work or school. As you shop for used or repossessed cars, you may be wondering how many miles are too many. Generally speaking, the higher the number of miles, the lower the value of the car.
The problem is that not all miles are created equal. For example, a car with 100,000 highway miles is probably in better shape than a car with 50,000 city miles. As you consider your options for a used vehicle, here are some considerations when it comes to miles driven.
How Do I Know if a Car Has Too Many Miles?
When you look at two used or repo cars, one of the first things you’ll compare is the miles. If one car has 50,000 miles and the other has 100,000 miles, it’s easy to assume the vehicle with less miles is more desirable. However, it’s not quite that simple.
Highway miles are actually easier on a car than city miles. You’re traveling long distances at high speeds, but this is good for the alternator and battery because it let’s them charge properly. It’s also better for fuel efficiency because you’re traveling at constant speeds.
City miles, on the other hand, involve a lot of stop-and-go traffic. This type of driving is much harder on the vehicle because of the braking and accelerating, which is bad for your engine, transmission and brakes. Stop-and-go driving also hurts your fuel efficiency.
The Age of the Car Matters
Another thing to consider is how old the repo vehicle is. 15,000 miles a year is considered to be the industry average, so it’s not unreasonable for a 10-year-old vehicle to have 100,000-150,000 miles on it. If the repo car that you’re interested in has far more or less miles, it’s worth asking why.
Some cars might have less miles than they should, which looks attractive at first glance. However, if the car hasn’t been driven in a while, you may need to replace the oil, change out the oil filter and replace the transmission fluid. If the car has more miles than what is reasonable, it may need a lot of maintenance.
How Long Do Cars Last?
In terms of mileage, cars have an average life expectancy of 200,000 miles. Today’s vehicles are built stronger than ever, allowing many to be pushed over the 200,000 mark, regardless of whether it was reached in two years or ten. In fact, high-mileage cars are a good indication that the engine is running smoothly and has lots of life left.
Find a Used Car with the Right Mileage at RepoFinder
RepoFinder.com has a full database of repo vehicles sold by banks and credit unions across the U.S. To find a reliable used vehicle for a fraction of the price, contact us today. You can browse our database and find local repossessed cars, trucks and SUVs that work for you.