The importance of mileage in preowned cars cannot be overemphasized. In fact, it is one of the first things buyers are advised to scrutinize when buying a used car. This is because the mileage of a used car gives an overview of the vehicle’s previous usage and insight into how well it would serve its new owner. If you’re still unfamiliar with mileage, read our blog post on what mileage is in vehicles here.
These are some of the things the mileage of a preowned car tells you about it:
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Wear and Tear
Mileage is often a good indicator of how much wear and tear a car has experienced. Higher mileage generally means the vehicle has been driven more, which can lead to more mechanical and cosmetic wear over time.
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Maintenance and Repairs
Cars with lower mileage tend to have fewer maintenance and repair issues because they haven’t been subjected to as much stress and strain on their components. High-mileage vehicles may require more frequent maintenance and potentially costly repairs.
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Resale Value
Lower mileage cars generally have higher resale values because they are perceived as being in better condition. If you plan to resell the vehicle in the future, this can be an important consideration.
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Warranty Coverage
Many new cars come with warranties that are based on time and mileage. If you buy a used car with low mileage, you may still have some remaining warranty coverage, which can provide peace of mind and potential cost savings on repairs.
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Fuel Efficiency
Cars with lower mileage often have better fuel efficiency because their engines and other components are in better condition. This can save you money on fuel costs over the life of the vehicle.
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Depreciation
Cars tend to depreciate in value as they accumulate more miles. While all cars depreciate over time, those with lower mileage tend to hold their value better.
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Potential Hidden Issues
Extremely low mileage on a used car can sometimes be a red flag. If a car has been driven very little, it may have spent a lot of time sitting unused, which can lead to issues like deteriorated rubber seals, dry-rotted tires, and other problems.
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Usage Patterns
Knowing the importance of mileage in preowned cars will give you insight into how the car was used. For example, a car with 60,000 miles accumulated primarily through highway driving may be in better condition than a car with 40,000 miles that was mostly driven in stop-and-go city traffic.
It’s important to note that while mileage is a crucial factor, it is not the sole consideration when buying a used car. The overall condition of the vehicle, maintenance history, accident history, and other factors determine the value of a used car. Get a trusted mechanic to inspect any used car you want to buy.
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