Do Miles Matter in Buying a Used Car?

Whether it's your first time buying a car or you're a seasoned car owner, it's likely to be an exciting time. You're probably collecting as much information that you can find on your various prospects. This brings us to the question: Do miles matter when buying a used car?

Our experts here at Scott Lot Pre-Owned have done their best to answer that question. We've compiled the following information that covers a few important factors to keep in mind while you're shopping around for your next used car. If you're an Allentown, Bethlehem, or Emmaus driver in the market for your next used car, take a quick second to find out how we can help.

Why Miles Matter

The number of miles that a vehicle has accumulated matters because, the more miles it has traveled generally means the more wear and tear it's accrued as well. This is because the various aspects of a car's operation like engine components, the suspension, and the transmission can only go so long.

City Miles vs Highway Miles

After finding out how many miles a prospective purchase has acquired, it's important to find out whether these were city miles or highway miles. A car that has spent most of its time regularly stopping and starting as it makes its way through busy city streets will tend to require more attention than one that's more accustomed to the relative constant flow of the highway.

Regular Maintenance   

While a car's mileage is certainly an important factor to keep in mind, it certainly isn't the only one. A vehicle that has a lot of miles could be well-maintained, and one with a relatively low number of miles on the odometer could be lacking in the upkeep department. Just as wear and tear can take their toll on a car that has seen a lot of miles, a car that has spent years in a garage or a driveway with little use will see its parts begin to age due to neglect.  

The Vehicle History Report

 One valuable tool you have at your disposal to help you determine whether the vehicle you're interested in has been maintained properly is its Vehicle History Report. It will provide you with an accurate summary of the car's overall condition.

Whether you're working with a private seller or a dealership, you should be able to get the Vehicle History Report quite easily. If, for whatever reason, you're having trouble, CARFAX® and Autocheck are excellent resources. All you'll need is the Vehicle Identification Number on the dashboard.

Schedule Your Test Drive Today

Now that you know the important factors to keep in mind when considering which used car is the right one for you, you're ready to begin your car-buying process. If you're in Allentown, Bethlehem, or Emmaus, feel free to come check out the diverse inventory of used cars we have to offer. Simply stop by or contact our Scott Lot Pre-Owned team and schedule a test drive to get started.