Mileage is one of the first things buyers look at when shopping for a used vehicle - but it's also one of the most misunderstood. While mileage matters, it's only one part of the story. A well-maintained vehicle with higher miles can often be a better choice than a low-mileage vehicle with a questionable history. Here's how to think about mileage when buying a used car.
Why Mileage Matters - But Isn't Everything
Mileage gives you a general idea of how much a vehicle has been driven, but it doesn't tell you:
* How well it was maintained
* How it was driven
* Whether it was serviced on schedule
Two vehicles with the same mileage can be in very different condition.
General Mileage Guidelines (Not Hard Rules)
As a rough reference:
* Under 60,000 miles
Typically considered low mileage for a used vehicle
* 60,000-100,000 miles
Very common range for reliable, well-maintained vehicles
* 100,000+ miles
Not automatically a deal-breaker - condition and maintenance become more important than the number itself. Modern vehicles are built to last much longer than they were decades ago, especially when properly serviced.
What Matters More Than the Number
When evaluating a used vehicle, focus on:
* Service history
Regular oil changes and maintenance matter more than mileage alone
* Vehicle inspection
A thorough inspection can reveal the true condition of the vehicle
* Ownership history
Highway-driven vehicles often experience less wear than short, stop-and-go trips
* Overall condition
Interior wear, engine performance, and ride quality tell a bigger story
How Sunday Drive Evaluates Mileage
Every vehicle at Sunday Drive goes through a thorough inspection by our certified Service Center. We look beyond mileage to ensure each vehicle meets our standards for reliability and value. Many of our vehicles also remain under factory warranty or qualify for extended service contracts, offering additional peace of mind.
Should You Avoid High-Mileage Vehicles?
Not necessarily.
A higher-mileage vehicle that's been properly maintained can:
* Offer excellent value
* Cost less upfront
* Provide years of dependable use
The key is transparency, inspection, and understanding what you're buying.
Have questions about a specific vehicle or its mileage?
Our team is happy to walk you through the details so you can buy with confidence.
Why Mileage Matters - But Isn't Everything
Mileage gives you a general idea of how much a vehicle has been driven, but it doesn't tell you:
* How well it was maintained
* How it was driven
* Whether it was serviced on schedule
Two vehicles with the same mileage can be in very different condition.
General Mileage Guidelines (Not Hard Rules)
As a rough reference:
* Under 60,000 miles
Typically considered low mileage for a used vehicle
* 60,000-100,000 miles
Very common range for reliable, well-maintained vehicles
* 100,000+ miles
Not automatically a deal-breaker - condition and maintenance become more important than the number itself. Modern vehicles are built to last much longer than they were decades ago, especially when properly serviced.
What Matters More Than the Number
When evaluating a used vehicle, focus on:
* Service history
Regular oil changes and maintenance matter more than mileage alone
* Vehicle inspection
A thorough inspection can reveal the true condition of the vehicle
* Ownership history
Highway-driven vehicles often experience less wear than short, stop-and-go trips
* Overall condition
Interior wear, engine performance, and ride quality tell a bigger story
How Sunday Drive Evaluates Mileage
Every vehicle at Sunday Drive goes through a thorough inspection by our certified Service Center. We look beyond mileage to ensure each vehicle meets our standards for reliability and value. Many of our vehicles also remain under factory warranty or qualify for extended service contracts, offering additional peace of mind.
Should You Avoid High-Mileage Vehicles?
Not necessarily.
A higher-mileage vehicle that's been properly maintained can:
* Offer excellent value
* Cost less upfront
* Provide years of dependable use
The key is transparency, inspection, and understanding what you're buying.
Have questions about a specific vehicle or its mileage?
Our team is happy to walk you through the details so you can buy with confidence.
