Typically, a used car will have 12,000 to 20,000 miles per year under its tires. However, it’s not that simple. Drivers in the Mount Pocono, Scranton, and East Stroudsburg areas often ask us question, such as, “How many miles should a used car have?” When they do, we want to give the most accurate answer possible.
That’s why we put together this used car buying guide for our Tobyhanna and Stroudsburg area customers who want to know how many miles their next used car should have.
While the average American drives approximately 12,000-20,000 miles per year, the mileage number doesn't tell you everything you need to know. It's important to also check the car's age since this can give you a lot of information.
If the car is five years old and has approximately 60,000 miles in it's rearview mirror, it's probably been driven an average amount. If a 5-year-old car has more than 100,000 miles, you may want to check for additional wear and tear from frequent use. Although, if the car was well-cared-for, the car can still be in great shape despite its many miles.
On the other hand, if the same car has less than 60,000 miles on it, then it may have spent a lot of time in a garage. This can mean it was well-cared-for and may have less wear; however, it may be more prone to various symptoms, such as dry rot and an aged or weakened battery. Still, these are quick and simple fixes.
How many miles the used car has can tell you a lot, as can the car's age. However, if you want the full details, ask to see a vehicle history report (VHR) from a source like AutoCheck®. Many dealerships will offer this for free with used cars in their inventory.
This report will give you a full run-down of the car's life, including information like:
By checking out the VHR, you'll know exactly what you're inheriting from the previous owner, if anything. If the car you're looking at has a few extra miles, that might not matter as much if the VHR reports a clean history.
If how many miles a used car has is important to you, then you'll probably benefit from checking out the certified pre-owned (CPO) inventory at the dealership. While the logistics vary between manufacturers, CPO cars are generally five model years or newer and have less than 80,000 miles under their wheels.
These cars have also undergone a rigorous multi-point inspection by a factory-certified technician and are often detailed, as well. Due to this, they tend to look, run, and smell practically like-new and are even guaranteed by a factory-backed warranty.
Shopping CPO is a great way to buy a used car that doesn't have as many miles and has already had its condition inspected.
If you have any other questions about how many miles a used car should have, pay us a visit! We're always happy to help drivers around Mount Pocono, East Stroudsburg, and Scranton find a great used car, so we'll do what we can to help you get behind the wheel of one you love.
Drivers near Tobyhanna, Stroudsburg, and other local areas can contact Ray Price Chevrolet to get started today!
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