What is Good Mileage on a Used Car?

When shopping for a used vehicle for sale in Guam or Palau, there’s one question that’s sure to be on your mind: what is good mileage on a used car? The answer isn’t as clear-cut as a single number. Good mileage for a used car is important, but it should be considered along with other factors—like the car’s physical and mechanical condition. While all cars were once considered past their prime when they hit 100,000 miles, now it’s not uncommon to find cars with 200,000 miles or more on the Guam roads! Learn more with our used car buying guide today, and find your next car in our used inventory.

What Should I Look For in a Used Car?

It’s good to look at the big picture when shopping for your used car, which involves weighing the following factors:

• Usage – How did the previous owners drive the car in Palau? Stop-and-go traffic is hard on a vehicle’s engine and braking system, so 50,000 miles in city traffic has a bigger impact than 50,000 miles on the highway.
• Location – The more extreme the climate, the more stress on the car. A car from a mild, warm climate will probably be in better shape than a car from an extremely cold, hot, or humid climate.
• Condition – If possible, consult a certified technician to inspect the vehicle. They can catch things that you might miss—like mechanical problems or rust—that might be costly in the long term. Be sure to factor the cost of these repairs into your budget.
• Maintenance – How well was the car maintained? Incomplete maintenance history is one of the biggest red flags when shopping for a used car, since there’s no telling what problems may be lurking under the surface.

Choosing a Used Car Based on Mileage

If you’re looking for a used car that you’ll be taking on long trips, then it makes sense to buy based on mileage. What is good mileage on a used car if you’ll be adding lots of miles to the odometer yourself? What is “high” mileage on a used car, exactly? 

There’s no one right answer because every car is a little different. Instead, we encourage you to think about how many miles of driving are left on the car. A well-maintained car with 50,000 miles might have years and years of Palau travels left. And if you’re on a budget, a car with 100,000 miles can be a steal if it has been perfectly maintained. Keep in mind that most drivers log around 12,000 miles per year on average.

Mileage vs. Age 

Another factor to consider is mileage vs. age. You might be surprised that sometimes, low mileage can actually be a red flag. Why?

• A car with unusually low mileage for its age is often not as mechanically sound as a vehicle that has been driven regularly.
• If a car isn’t driven often, it can develop issues with cracking or leaking seals and gaskets. This can create major issues down the road.
• Low-mileage vehicles are often much more expensive than those with higher mileage, which means you might end up paying more than you need to.
• No matter the mileage, well-documented maintenance history is the best indicator of a smart buy.

Find Used Cars Near Guam Today

We’ve explored good mileage for a used car and the other factors that matter the most when shopping in Federated States of Micronesia, so why not put your new knowledge to the test? Visit Triple J Guam to find your next car, or contact us to learn more about your options!