Buying used cars is a good way to save money while still getting a reliable vehicle. Once you start shopping, you’ll see a lot of information about the age and mileage. These data points are widely regarded as the most important factors in determining value and future performance. Read this guide to understand how these numbers should guide your used car purchase. 

Why Age & Mileage Are Concerns When Buying Used Cars

It’s rare to have complete knowledge of how a pre-owned vehicle was used before it ended up at an auto lot. While where and how a car was driven also matters, knowing the mileage can give buyers a solid idea of whether it’s likely to need repairs soon. Older vehicles are often less expensive, but tend to have more wear and tear and will have lower resale value down the road. 

How to Evaluate Age

Car warranties typically expire after five years. Buying a vehicle just past its warranty could leave you on the hook for expensive upcoming maintenance. Repair needs tend to snowball with age and the older an auto is, the harder it will be to source parts. Balance these factors against the vehicle’s overall condition. A well-maintained older car will cause fewer problems than a new model that’s been driven into the ground.

Safety features have continually improved over the last decade. For instance, electronic stability control, which reduces spin-outs, has been mandated in all vehicles since 2011. It’s estimated that these safety developments help save over 25,000 lives annually. Look for used cars that were manufactured in the past ten years to receive the benefits of these technologies. 

How to Evaluate Mileage

It’s useful to view mileage through the lens of age. The average automobile is driven around 15,000 miles per year. To check this, write down the car’s age and divide the total mileage by that number. If it’s much lower or higher than average, take a closer look at its history. Look to see if maintenance was performed at the manufacturer's recommended mileage points. Modern vehicles that are well-maintained won’t be affected by higher-than-average mileage as quickly as older cars.

Overly low miles are also a cause for concern. Sitting around too much increases the chances that the engine parts will be brittle or rusted. It could indicate that the vehicle was diagnosed with mechanical issues that the previous owner didn’t want to deal with. Ask for a copy of a mechanic’s report and ensure that everything is in order before signing any paperwork.

If you’re searching for high-quality used cars, visit Discount Auto Sales in Mountain Home, AR. They carefully inspect and detail every vehicle on their lot and honestly present their findings so that you can make an informed decision. With their friendly, no-pressure approach they strive to make car shopping a fun and relaxing experience. Call (870) 425-1175 to speak to a member of the sales team, or shop their current inventory online today.