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What Is Good Mileage On A Used Car?

Choosing the perfect pre-owned vehicle is almost never easy, but when you know what to look for in a model, the whole process becomes much more straightforward. So, when you’re shopping near Chicago or Orland Park, what is good mileage on a used car?

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In past decades, drivers were told not to purchase a pre-owned vehicle with more than 100,000 miles on the odometer. Thankfully, vehicles today last a lot longer than they used to. You’re probably safe to choose a model with 150,000 miles or more, as long as it was made within the last decade. However, mileage certainly isn’t the only factor that you should consider!

Good Mileage for a Used Car: Competing Factors

When you’re trying to decide if a used car has good mileage, considering a few of these other important factors will help you determine how much is too much:

  • How was it driven? – Highway driving is gentler on most engines than city driving. If a vehicle did a lot of heavy towing or off-roading, it might be more worn out than its mileage suggests.
  • Where was it owned? – Vehicles tend to do best in warm, dry climates. Extreme heat, cold, or precipitation will cause vehicles to wear out more quickly.
  • Do the mechanics check out? – Have a mechanic take a look at the car before you buy. If the vehicle has suffered structural damage or if it’s developed rust, it’s probably not a good purchase–even if the mileage is low.

Mileage vs. Age

Ultimately, the most important to ask when you’re searching for a used vehicle just might be, “How has this vehicle been cared for?” Here are a few things to consider when you’re weighing mileage vs. age:

  • An older model with a lot of miles might still be a good buy if it’s received all of its regular maintenance appointments and oil changes.
  • Conversely, an older car without many miles might be a liability. If it hasn’t been driven very often, it almost certainly hasn’t been maintained. Mechanical issues can develop over time, even if a vehicle is just sitting around.
  • A vehicle with a well-documented history is almost always a better choice than a more mysterious rival, even if the latter looks better on paper.

Searching for low-mileage used cars for sale in Oak Lawn? Check out our certified pre-owned inventory today.

Find Your Next Used Vehicle at Volkswagen of Oak Lawn!

Now that you’ve seen what factors to consider when you’re choosing a used vehicle near Countryside, why don’t you take a look at our extensive used vehicle inventory. We host a wide variety of pre-owned Volkswagen, of course, but we also offer a selection of models from other popular makes!

Apply for financing or contact us to get started–and don’t forget to check out our pre-owned special offers, too!