How Long Used Cars Should Last After Buying One
When perusing our inventory of used cars for sale on our lot in Springfield, MO, you want to find that perfect one that gives you many years of service at a great price. Thanks to modern technology, better engineering, and better materials in engines, used cars, trucks, and SUVs built in the past 10 years can last well past 200,000 miles when you service and maintain them properly.
Keep reading to learn more details about how long a used car should last after you buy one from Thompson Sales.
Actual Mileage vs. Yearly Mileage
Drivers may still consider 100,000 miles to be the standard between high and low mileage. But cumulative miles only give you a partial view of the engine’s condition. You should compare both cumulative mileage and average miles per year.
Cumulative mileage shows the total wear on the engine, transmission, pistons, and other components. However, examining miles per year can provide a clearer picture of how a car was driven by previous owners. A car driven fewer miles per year has likely endured less stress on its mechanical systems, making it a better long-term option if you plan on owning the used vehicle for as long as possible.
Low miles per year often indicate careful, moderate driving, which translates to less wear on the engine. For instance, a ten-year-old car with 60,000 miles reflects an average of 6,000 miles per year. The national average is 12,000 to 15,000 miles. This lighter usage may suggest that the car’s parts haven’t worn down as quickly, making it a more appealing choice for buyers who value longevity.
Another thing to look at is the miles per year. This figure gives insights into the type of driving the car likely had with previous owners. Lower annual mileage often signals regular short commutes or leisurely trips, while high miles per year point to possible highway usage.
How to Research the Reliability and Longevity of Used Vehicles
Start researching the reliability and longevity of used cars for sale by consulting reputable sources for data and reviews. Consumer Reports, industry publications like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds, and online car forums provide a great place to find impartial third-party reviews.
These resources offer detailed information on a wide range of models, highlighting common issues and average lifespans. You’ll find ways to identify vehicles with solid track records and fewer mechanical concerns and problems. RepairPal offers another way to search for your possible repair costs.
Repair and maintenance records, like those found on CARFAX history reports, also play a key role in assessing a used car’s reliability. Some websites compile information on the average costs and frequency of repairs for specific makes and models. These impartial third parties can help you gauge the likelihood of encountering costly repairs, revealing which vehicles stay reliable over time.
Finding user reviews, some of which are found on these same third-party automotive sites, and owner testimonials can help you read about real-world experiences. You could gain valuable insights into a car’s daily reliability and long-term performance that data alone or professional reviews might overlook.
Used Vehicles for Sale With Longer Lifespans
Some automotive brands are known for their reliability and longevity, like Toyota and Honda. When you search our used vehicle inventory, look for these models rated as the vehicles that have the highest chances of reaching 250,000 miles, as rated by iSeeCars:
- Toyota Tundra
- Toyota Sequoia
- Toyota 4Runner
- Toyota Tacoma
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid
- Honda Ridgeline
- Chevrolet Suburban
- Toyota Avalon
- Lexus GX
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- GMC Yukon XL
- Chevrolet Tahoe
- Honda Pilot
- Honda Accord
- GMC Sierra 1500
- Ford F-150
- Toyota Highlander
- Nissan Titan
- GMC Yukon
- Honda CR-V
There is one important thing to remember, though. Cars that last a long time must be maintained properly. Our service center has four GM World-Class technicians, far more than any other dealership in Southwest Missouri. Our team can keep your vehicle in great shape for as long as you own it.
How to Check for Vehicle Maintenance Records
Thompson Sales is a Lifetime CARFAX Dealer, meaning we have full access to all of the products from CARFAX. It’s the best way to check for a vehicle’s maintenance history.
You’ll see details like:
- Date of service
- Mileage at the time of service
- What services performed
There are two keys to seeing these records on CARFAX. First, the repair shop or dealership must report that service to CARFAX. Second, the details of the service must be recorded properly. Sometimes, a record will just say that a vehicle was serviced.
Our team can help you look over a CARFAX history report as you shop for a used vehicle. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
How Many Owners Has the Vehicle Had?
Finding a quality used vehicle for sale usually means a car, truck, or SUV with just one owner. Having a single owner typically means the same driving habits over the course of that person’s time owning the vehicle. Vehicles with fewer owners typically show more consistent upkeep, more complete service records, and fewer unknowns about their maintenance history.
Ownership changes are not bad in and of themselves. But each ownership change can lead to new driving habits, maintenance routines, and levels of care, all of which can impact the car’s overall condition. Frequent ownership changes may suggest possible issues that previous owners sought to avoid, though this doesn’t always indicate a problem.
A comprehensive vehicle history report can show you if the car has experienced accidents or significant repairs. You can also see if each owner cared for the vehicle versus focusing on the number of previous owners. For example, a well-documented service history across two or three responsible owners may prove more valuable than a single-owner car with limited records.
Has the Vehicle Been in Any Accidents?
Even minor accidents can cause damage to essential components, including the frame, suspension, and electrical systems. A CARFAX vehicle history report has details on previous accidents and whether the car has undergone any repairs that might impact its performance or longevity. The report will show you where the damage occurred on the vehicle when the accident happened, and maybe even what was replaced.
High-quality repairs from certified body shops, like the one at Thompson Sales, often restore a vehicle to a safe, reliable condition that can last a long time. Poorly performed repairs can lead to issues over time. This is where a professional inspection from a certified mechanic offers valuable insights into the car’s current condition. A skilled mechanic can detect signs of previous accident repairs, such as frame realignment or part replacements, which may not show up in a history report.
All of our used vehicles for sale undergo a thorough inspection by our service team before we put a price tag on them. Rest assured, you’re getting a quality car, truck, or SUV from us.
Consider a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle
As a certified GM dealer, we are authorized to recondition GM vehicles with OEM parts while bringing them up to like-new condition. Certified pre-owned (CPO) models have factory-backed warranties attached to them. They’re great when you want to purchase a safe vehicle without paying new vehicle prices, such as when you need a second car, truck, or SUV for a teenage driver.
See the CPO standards that GM adheres to:
- Chevy, GMC, Buick, Hummer, or Cadillac models
- Less than 6 model years old
- Less than 75,000 miles
- Clean vehicle title
- Free vehicle history report
- Passed a 172-point inspection
- Reconditioned with OEM parts
- Factory-backed 6-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty
- Factory-backed 12-month, 12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty
Test-Drive a Used Vehicle for Sale in Springfield, MO
The Thompson team is confident that you’ll love the used vehicles for sale on our lot. Contact us or call (417) 763-6811 to schedule a test drive with our team. We’re happy to help in any way we can.
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