Used-Car Considerations

Though mileage is an important aspect to consider when picking out a used car, age and condition are equally significant. Taking all three into account will better position you to find used car that will suit you well into the future.

Over the past decade, more and more manufacturers have started building vehicles to last well over 100,000 miles. According to Consumer Reports, at least 10 different models on the market can even perform with over 200,000 miles on their odometers if they are properly maintained.

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What Makes a Good Used Car?

When shopping for a used car, you’ll want to ask some questions to get a better sense of the vehicle’s condition. A few of these questions include:

• Was it properly maintained?
• Was it sitting in storage, unused for an extended period?
• Did it receive service at key milestones listed in the owner’s manual?
• What service milestones are recommended for its current mileage?
• When was the car last serviced by a factory-certified technician?

Another thing to note is where the used car was driven in the past. Different climates can impact the overall condition of a vehicle. If the car comes from a colder climate, it’s a good idea to find out whether it was kept in a garage when parked.

Similarly, knowing whether the previous owner primarily drove it in the city or the country will provide additional insights. Depending on how the car was used, different components may be in need of repairs or replacements.

Questions to Ask When Buying a Used Car