Snagging the Best Used Car for Your Road Trip
Choosing the right used car for your upcoming adventure isn’t just about looks or price. Mileage plays a crucial role. Understanding what qualifies as “good mileage” and how it varies among different car types can help you avoid problems down the line.
Mileage: The Important Numbers
When considering used cars, mileage is a significant factor. Generally, a car should accumulate about 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year. So, a five-year-old car would typically have around 60,000 to 75,000 miles. However, it’s essential to also consider the car’s maintenance history, how it was driven, and its overall condition.
Here’s a quick reference for ideal mileage:
| Car Age | Ideal Mileage (miles) |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 12,000 – 15,000 |
| 2 years | 24,000 – 30,000 |
| 3 years | 36,000 – 45,000 |
| 4 years | 48,000 – 60,000 |
| 5 years | 60,000 – 75,000 |
Mileage by Car Type
Different types of vehicles have different expectations when it comes to mileage:
- Sedans: Commonly used for daily commuting and can accumulate miles quickly. A well-maintained used sedan with between 60,000 and 100,000 miles can still be a reliable option.
- SUVs and Trucks: Built for durability and can handle higher mileage better than smaller cars. A well-cared-for SUV or truck with up to 150,000 miles can still offer good performance.
- Luxury Cars: Often have lower mileage because they are used less frequently and may have higher maintenance costs. Look for luxury cars with under 80,000 miles; they are often well-maintained and can provide a good balance of performance and longevity.
The Sweet Spot
A car’s value tends to drop significantly after reaching 100,000 miles, making vehicles with mileage between 100,000 and 150,000 miles more affordable. By considering these mileage ranges, you can find a used car that fits your needs and budget.
For more info, check out our articles on best used cars under 20000 and best used cars for families.
What Affects Used Car Value?
If you’re searching for the best used car for a road trip, it’s important to understand factors that influence a car’s value. Two major considerations are depreciation and mileage.
Depreciation: How Value Decreases Over Time
Depreciation refers to the reduction in a car’s value over time. New cars can lose more than 20% of their value in the first year and about 10% each year for the next four years. Luxury cars may depreciate even faster, sometimes losing 40-50% of their value in the first five years.
You don’t have to worry about depreciation too much if you’re planning on keepin the vehicle for many years.
| Vehicle Type | Depreciation in First Year | Depreciation Over Next Four Years |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Cars | 20% | 10% annually |
| Luxury Cars | 40-50% | 10% annually |
Understanding depreciation can help you find a used car that offers good value for money.
Mileage: Its Impact on Value
Mileage affects a car’s value, but it’s not the only factor. A high-mileage car that’s been well-maintained may be a better choice than a low-mileage car that’s been neglected.
| Mileage Range | Impact on Value |
|---|---|
| Low (0-50,000 miles) | Higher Value |
| Medium (50,000-100,000 miles) | Moderate Value |
| High (100,000+ miles) | Lower Value |
A car with a lot of miles but good maintenance might be a better pick than a low-mileage car that’s been treated poorly. Also, highway miles are easier on a car than city miles.
Always check the car’s maintenance records and have your favorite mechanic check it out before you buy it. Check out our section on ensuring quality in a used car.
By understanding depreciation and mileage, you can make a smart choice for your next road trip car.
Related: good used cars for under 10000 and best used cars under 25k.
Best Used Cars for Road Trips
Planning a road trip? Here are some top used cars known for reliability and comfort:
2016 Toyota Camry
Renowned for its reliability and spacious interior, the 2016 Toyota Camry with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine offers a smooth ride.
- Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder
- Horsepower: 178 hp
- Price Range: $12,500 – $17,880
Want more budget-friendly rides? Check out good used cars under 15000.
2009 Hyundai Sonata
The 2009 Hyundai Sonata is a dependable choice with its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and 175 horsepower.
- Engine: 2.4-liter four-cylinder
- Horsepower: 175 hp
- Price Range: $4,999 – $6,995
Looking for more affordable options? Explore best cheap used cars.
2015 Honda Accord
Known for its reliability and practicality, the 2015 Honda Accord features a 2.4-liter inline-four engine with 185 horsepower.
- Engine: 2.4-liter inline-four
- Horsepower: 185 hp
- Price Range: $13,788 – $18,998
Check out more reliable rides in our top 10 used cars for reliability.
2018 Kia Sedona
With its V6 engine and ample cargo space, the 2018 Kia Sedona is a great choice for families.
- Engine: V6
- Cargo Space: Spacious
- Price Range: $17,498 – $29,999
For more family-friendly rides, see best used cars for large families.
2016 Chevrolet Impala
The 2016 Chevrolet Impala offers a comfortable and quiet ride with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
- Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder
- Price Range: $14,350 – $17,999
For more family-oriented choices, check out best used cars for young families.
Picking the right used car for your road trip can make all the difference. For more tips on finding the best ride for your needs, explore our articles on best used cars under 20k and best used cars for commuting.
Key Features to Look For
When choosing a used car for a road trip, consider the following features:
Safety Features
Ensure the car is equipped with essential safety features such as anti-lock brakes, airbags, electronic stability control, and, in newer models, a rearview camera.
Must-Have Safety Features:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Airbags (front, side, and curtain)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Rearview Camera
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Fuel Economy
Good fuel economy will save you money on long trips. Check the car’s MPG ratings to ensure it’s fuel-efficient.
| Vehicle Model | City MPG | Highway MPG |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 Toyota Camry | 25 | 35 |
| 2009 Hyundai Sonata | 22 | 32 |
| 2015 Honda Accord | 27 | 36 |
| 2018 Kia Sedona | 18 | 24 |
| 2016 Chevrolet Impala | 19 | 29 |
Figures courtesy of Mint Automotive
Infotainment System
An infotainment system can make long drives more enjoyable. Features to look for include a touchscreen display, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), Bluetooth connectivity, and a navigation system.
These gadgets might not keep your car running longer, but they sure make the ride more fun. Check out our guide on best used cars for families.
Also see our article on best used cars recommended by mechanics.
Making Sure Your Used Car is a Good Choice
Before purchasing, have the car inspected by a qualified mechanic. They can identify any potential issues that may not be apparent during a test drive.
Inspecting the Exterior and Interior
Examine the car’s exterior for signs of damage or poor repairs. Inside, check for wear and tear on the seats, dashboard, and electronics.
Checking Out the Outside and Inside
The way a car looks can tell you a lot about how it was treated. Mileage matters, but there’s more to it.
- Outside: Look for scratches, dents, and rust. A car with good bodywork was probably well taken care of. Check the tires and lights too.
- Inside: Look at the seats for rips and stains. A clean dashboard and working electronics are good signs. But don’t let a shiny interior fool you—always check the mechanical stuff too.
Also, see our guide on good used cars for under 10000.
Check out our resources on best used cars for families and good used cars for gas mileage.
Top Used Car Brands
Looking for a reliable ride for your next road trip? Here are some reliable used car brands to consider:
Toyota: Known for durability and strong resale value. Models to consider include the Camry and Corolla.
Honda: Offers fuel efficiency and low maintenance costs. Models to consider include the Accord and Civic.
Chevrolet: Provides spacious interiors and advanced safety features. Models to consider include the Malibu and Impala.
Ford: Known for versatility and strong resale values. Models to consider include the Fusion and Escape. For more choices, visit our page on the best used cars under 30k.
Nissan: Offers innovative features and fuel efficiency. Models to consider include the Altima and Rogue.
Subaru: Renowned for reliability and all-wheel-drive capability. Models to consider include the Outback and Forester.Discover the best used cars for the snow.
Hyundai: Provides excellent warranties and affordability. Models to consider include the Sonata and Elantra. Explore more good used cars for city driving.
Kia: Known for strong warranties and advanced technology. Models to consider include the Optima and Sorento.Check out our picks for the best used cars for large families.
Volkswagen: Offers performance and build quality. Models to consider include the Jetta and Passat.
Mazda: Celebrated for sporty performance and reliability. Models to consider include the Mazda3 and CX-5.
By focusing on these aspects, you’ll be better prepared to find a used car that meets your needs for your next road trip.
Check out our article on good used cars under 15000 and the best used cars for commuting.
