Low Mileage vs. High Mileage: Key Considerations for Used-Car Buyers

Posted Monday, Feb 24, 2025

If you’re looking to invest in a car on a budget, opting for a pre-owned car is a smart choice. Used cars not only help you cut costs, but they also allow you the luxury of having your vehicle that is free from depreciation hits.

However, before you put your hard-earned money into a used car, there are certain factors you should keep in mind. One of those factors is the car’s mileage.

Mileage refers to the number of miles a vehicle has covered to the current point in time. It is crucial to know that the lower the mileage, the better the condition of the car in terms of its engine and components, leading to a hassle-free drive.

Why Is Buying a Low-Mileage Car Important?

Buying a low-mileage used car is one of the most important factors when you’re investing in used cars. This is because low mileage typically indicates less wear and tear, which leads to fewer repairs and a longer lifespan for your vehicle.

A car with lower mileage has less strain on the engine and other critical components, which would save you money on maintenance costs. Additionally, low-mileage cars often retain more value over time, making them a smart investment for anyone looking for a reliable vehicle without the overly high new car price tag.

Reasons Why Considering a Low-Mileage Car Is a Smartest Choice

· Better Vehicle Condition

Since mileage indicates how much a car has been used, less mileage means less strain on its components, like engine and suspension. This increases the reliability and lifespan of your vehicle while reducing the repairing costs for its components in the future.

· Enhanced Fuel Efficiency

Apart from the reduced repair costs, a low-mileage car offers numerous other benefits, like better fuel efficiency. Since a car with high mileage undergoes potential wear and tear, over time, carbon builds up in its engine, and the spark plugs become worn down, which causes the vehicle to consume more fuel.

On the other hand, the engine and other essential components of a low-mileage car maintain optimal performance, ensuring fuel is utilized more efficiently, leading to fewer commutes to the gas station.

· Lower Depreciation Rate

Another key advantage of buying a less-used car is that it offers a slower rate of depreciation. Depreciation is the gradual decrease in the value of an asset over time. Since cars lose their value rapidly during the initial years of their use, buying a low-mileage car helps you retain their value in the long run. This way, a buyer can get most of the money back at the time of selling it to another potential buyer. This makes purchasing a low-mileage car a smart financial decision, providing better long-term value and resale potential.

· Good Resale Value

Unlike a car with high mileage, a car that is not driven much has a higher resale value as it has experienced less wear and tear. Thus, if you decide to sell the car a few months after buying it, you can get a pretty good price for it.

Furthermore, a low-mileage car is cost-friendly both in terms of repair expenditures and insurance. Since it isn’t driven much, its components still function better and don’t require much fixing. Moreover, many insurance companies provide more comprehensive coverage for low-mileage cars.

Most used cars with fewer miles covered are often within their company-offered warranty periods, which should be a big “Yes” moment for you.

Thus, it is a good way to enjoy your dream car at an affordable rate without going over your budget. The best part is that your vehicle will retain most of its value, so it is a great investment as well!

· Increased Reliability

The less a used car is driven, the more reliable it is to buy since low mileage increases its lifespan. This means your vehicle will easily last quite a long time without much clanking and whirring! Also, if you want to spend on a vehicle that will accompany you for a longer period of time, then buying a used car with low mileage is a good option. Just make sure you look at the manufacturer, model, and vehicle history, too.

A Point to Ponder: How Much Mileage is Considerable for a Used Car?

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the average car mileage per year is 13,500 miles. However, it varies depending on various factors, like your age, location, and gender.

Considering this statistic as a benchmark, if you’re buying a 3-year-old car, it shouldn’t have a mileage of more than 40,500. It would be even better if you could find the same car with a mileage of 35,000.

Key Takeaway

To conclude, buying a pre-owned car not only offers affordability but also brings you several perks in terms of decreased repair costs, a higher resale value, and, if well-maintained, better reliability and a longer lifespan for seamless driving.

Do you have a car in mind that you wish to buy at an affordable rate and with high durability? Visit Gesner Auto Inc. to gain access to a large variety of used car models to choose from.