Buying a used car takes a lot more research than buying a new one. The vehicle’s history, condition, and mileage are all major factors to consider. On top of that, unlike new cars, you can’t pick and choose what added features you want. While it takes more work, buying a used car can be a very rewarding experience. There is a lot of debate about how much high mileage matters when buying a used car. Let’s take a look at this important question.

Condition or Miles: What’s More Important?

There is a lot of debate about whether the miles or the overall vehicle condition is more important. There is no simple answer to this question, so make sure to weigh all considerations carefully when deciding what’s most important to you.

Vehicle Condition

The vehicle condition refers to the overall state of the vehicle in relation to its age and use. This includes:

• Engine
• Lines
• Electrical system
• Circuits
• Interior
• Suspension
• Tires
• Etc,.

In most cases, a vehicle which is in good condition has been well maintained and has had regular mechanic visits to address any issues along the way. Minor issues have not been allowed to become larger or long-standing problems.

For example, a car in a northern state may be exposed to corrosive salts during winter months. An owner who maintains the vehicle regularly will wash the bottom of the vehicle often to prevent salt from corroding the undercarriage. If parts do begin to rust and wear out from exposure, this owner will replace them before excess strain is put on the engine or surrounding machinery.

Meanwhile, an owner who does not maintain the vehicle will not keep the bottom of the vehicle clean, and instead allows it to rust and corrode. Instead of replacing problem parts, they will ignore them until the parts break. Depending on the parts affected, excess strain could be put on the engine, leading to potential long-term problems.

Caring for a vehicle throughout its use life means that, unless it is a “lemon” – another issue entirely – it will take care of its owner in the long run.

Vehicle Mileage

In more recent years, it has been argued that 100,000 is the new 200,000. Some cars seem to last forever, and more and more are appearing on used car lots with the odometer reading well over 90,000 miles.

One point that often comes up in debate is that cars are designed to be driven regularly, and engines are generally in better condition with frequent use. To complicate this point, there are several nuances to consider.

City cars experience a lot of stopping, starting, and idling. Highway driving cars are generally run at a more regular pace and do not have the added strain of frequent revving and stopping.

Newer cars with higher mileage might have a lot of miles due to highway driving. Older cars with higher mileage might have a lot of miles due to city driving. And, you’ll certainly see some cars which have features of both. Sometimes, it can be almost impossible to tell how a car was used without talking to the original owner!

It may be a good idea to be cautious when you come across a vehicle which has very low miles for its age. It is possible that this vehicle has been sitting in a garage unused for a long time, and engine parts may be brittle from a lack of use.

You can see why a vehicle’s mileage is a tricky factor to consider. In general, the average mileage per year is 14,000. To calculate approximately how many miles per year that a car has been driven, divide the mileage by the vehicle’s age.

When in Doubt, Call a Mechanic

Buying a used car is a great way to save some money while still finding the best fit for your needs. The experience can be very rewarding if you’re willing to do some extra legwork and have the patience to hold out for the right fit.

At T3 Atlanta, we recommend bringing having a 3^rd party vehicle inspection before you buy. That way, we can help you identify potential problems and save you a lot of hassle in the long run. We inspect Lexus, Nissan, Infiniti, and Toyota cars of any year. Buying a used car? Give us a call today to set up a vehicle inspection!