
How Many Miles Should You Buy a Used Car With?

Buying a used car can be a smart way to save money and get a reliable vehicle. But how many miles should you look for when shopping for a used car? Is there a magic number that indicates a good deal or a bad one?
The answer is not so simple. There are many factors that affect the condition and value of a used car, such as the age, maintenance history, driving habits, and type of vehicle. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should be looking at around 12,000 miles or less per year of ownership. This means that a five-year-old car should have no more than 60,000 miles on the odometer, and a ten-year-old car should have no more than 120,000 miles.
Of course, this is not a science, and there are exceptions to this rule. Some cars are built to last longer than others, and some owners take better care of their vehicles than others. A car with high mileage but regular service records and no major issues may be a better buy than a low-mileage car that has been neglected or abused. A car that has been driven mostly on highways may have less wear and tear than a car that has been driven mostly in stop-and-go traffic or on rough roads.
Therefore, when buying a used car, you should not rely solely on the mileage as an indicator of quality. You should also inspect the vehicle carefully, check the vehicle history report, and test drive it to see how it runs and feels. You should also compare the price of the car with similar models in your area to see if it is fair and reasonable.
Buying a used car with low mileage can be a good way to get a newer and more reliable vehicle for less money. However, buying a used car with high mileage can also be a good way to get a cheaper and more durable vehicle that still has plenty of life left in it. The key is to do your research and find out as much as you can about the car before you buy it.
Best Tips for Buying a Used Car
Once you have found a used car that meets your criteria and budget, you should follow some tips to make sure you get a good deal and avoid any unpleasant surprises. Here are some of the best tips for buying a used car:
- Check the ratings: Before you buy a used car, you should check its ratings and reviews on reliable sources, such as Consumer Reports, Edmunds, or Kelley Blue Book. These sources can provide you with information about the car’s reliability, performance, safety, and value. You can also compare different models and see how they stack up against each other.
- Check the prices: You should also check the prices of similar cars in your area to see if the seller is asking for a fair price. You can use online tools, such as CARFAX Canada or carsales.com.au, to get an estimate of the market value of the car based on its condition, mileage, features, and location. You can also use these tools to see the price history of the car and how long it has been on the market.
- Check the vehicle history report: A vehicle history report can reveal important information about the car’s past, such as accidents, damage, repairs, recalls, odometer readings, and ownership history. You can get a vehicle history report from sources like CARFAX or AutoCheck by entering the car’s vehicle identification number (VIN). You should avoid buying a car that has a salvage title, a branded title, or a mileage discrepancy.
- Check the title status: You should also check the title status of the car to make sure it is clear and not subject to any liens or loans. A clear title means that the seller has the legal right to sell the car and transfer the ownership to you. A lien or a loan means that someone else has a claim on the car until it is paid off. You should ask the seller to provide proof of title and lien release before you buy the car.
- Test-drive the car: One of the most important steps in buying a used car is to test-drive it to see how it runs and feels. You should test-drive the car on different roads and conditions, such as highways, city streets, hills, and curves. You should also check the brakes, steering, suspension, transmission, engine, lights, windows, locks, air conditioning, heater, radio, and other features. You should pay attention to any noises, vibrations, smells, or leaks that may indicate a problem.
- Have the car inspected: Before you buy a used car, you should have it inspected by a qualified mechanic to check for any hidden issues or defects that may not be obvious during a test drive. A pre-purchase inspection can cost around $100-$200 but can save you from buying a lemon or paying for expensive repairs later. You should ask the seller to provide service records and receipts to show that the car has been properly maintained.
- Negotiate a good deal: Once you have done your research and inspection, you should be ready to negotiate a good deal with the seller. You should have a target price in mind based on your budget and the market value of the car. You should also be prepared to walk away if the seller is not willing to meet your expectations or if you feel uncomfortable with the deal. You should never buy a car under pressure or without seeing it in person.
- Get the paperwork done: After you have agreed on a price and terms with the seller, you should get the paperwork done to finalize the deal and transfer the ownership of the car. The paperwork may vary depending on where you live and where you buy the car from. Some of the common documents include:
- The bill of sale: This is a document that shows the details of the transaction, such as the date, price, names and addresses of both parties, VIN of the car, odometer reading, warranty information (if any), and signatures.
- The title: This is a document that shows who owns the car and if there are any liens or loans on it. The seller should sign over the title to you and provide a lien release (if applicable).
- The registration: This is a document that shows that the car is legally registered in your name and state. You may
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