Most of the drivers shopping for a used Subaru at Heritage Subaru Catonsville have two primary concerns. When they find a car they like, they often consider the age of the vehicle and the mileage on it before they decide to buy. Is one more important than the other? Which should be the deciding factor?
Well, it's not always that simple. Here's what you need to know about buying a used car and how important both age and mileage can be.
Good Mileage vs Bad Mileage
When you're looking at a used vehicle, you want to keep in mind that there is “good” mileage and “bad” mileage. Good mileage includes mileage racked up while driving at highway speeds. This is generally better for a vehicle and all of its components, which is why it's considered good mileage. Bad mileage usually refers to short trips around town. You're traveling slowly and making lots of stops. This kind of driving simply isn't as good for your vehicle's health.
You want a used car that has more good mileage on it, but how do you tell what that odometer reading really means? On average, drivers travel 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year in their car. A vehicle that sticks to that generally has a lot of good mileage on it.
Age and Mileage: Both Matter
This is where the age of the vehicle needs to be considered too. If a car has 80,000 miles on it and it's between six and seven years old, it's been driven an average amount each year and probably has a lot of good mileage on it. It could be a better choice than a ten-year-old vehicle with 70,000 miles on it because the latter is likely to have more bad mileage.
If you want to learn more about our used car selection, visit our Subaru dealers near Baltimore. We'll answer any questions that you have and we'll help you find the perfect vehicle!