If you’re in the market for a pre-owned car, you may have noticed that a newer model doesn't necessarily have fewer miles on the odometer. Therefore, it's natural to wonder which is more important when narrowing down your choices: mileage or age. Here's a closer look at each factor and how it tends to impact the vehicle's value.

How Does Mileage Affect a Car?

There is no hard and fast rule on how many miles a car should have on it, but a common average is 13,000 miles for each year of use. Mileage is indicative of the vehicle’s sustained wear and tear, so the bigger the number on the odometer, the more worn out its components likely are. Suspension, transmission, and braking systems normally exhibit signs of strain with longer distances traveled. 

However, lower mileage doesn’t automatically mean the vehicle is in good shape. While it's possible that a car frequently driven in stop-and-go traffic over long distances could have considerably more wear and tear than one that's been used to run short errands in a low-traffic neighborhood, it's wise to be wary of older cars with very low mileage. Such vehicles often go unused for a long time, developing rust and corrosion around essential components that could be costly to repair. In both of these examples, regular maintenance is key to give you peace of mind about the vehicle's past.

What Impact Does Age Have?

Vehicles lose approximately 60% of their value within five years of their initial purchase. By this time, they're starting to lose their warranty as well. As such, it's generally best to buy a vehicle that's less than five years old with reasonable mileage to maximize value.

A pre-owned car’s age may also reveal something about its condition. Wear and tear naturally occur as the years pass, so it’s not surprising that some moving components break down over time. Chemical wear, corrosion, and dirt buildup are unavoidable and contribute to a car’s reduced efficiency and performance.

Additionally, an older used vehicle won’t have the latest safety features and technological advancements, making it less reliable. It will often be less fuel-efficient than its successors.

When buying a pre-owned car, the key is to find the happy medium between age and mileage. For quality used and certified cars, visit Calderon Automotive, a trusted car dealership in Asheboro, NC. They carry an impressive selection of cars, SUVs, and trucks, all of which are backed by a standard warranty. Check out their available inventory online or call (336) 628-3034 to speak to a team member today.