What Mileage is Good for a Used Truck?

Wondering how many miles are too many for a used truck? For gas engines, aim for trucks with less than 100,000 miles, and for diesel engines, under 200,000 miles is ideal. To minimize maintenance issues, seek out trucks with fewer than 60,000 miles. Always evaluate the truck’s overall condition and maintenance history to ensure you’re getting the best value.

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Lower Mileage Is Usually Better

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Whether you’re looking for a work truck or a truck you can use occasionally to haul large items around town, you need to pay close attention to its mileage. Typically, lower mileage is better. It’s indicative that the vehicle does not have as much wear and tear on it. Each component of the truck, from the engine and transmission to the fuel pump and the belts, takes a beating each time you take your car on the road. Higher mileage means that the vehicle is much more likely to require repairs in the near future.

Ideally, a used vehicle should have fewer than 100,000 miles on the odometer, but you can get away with higher mileage if you look at diesel engines. While you can still get plenty of good years out of a used truck with over 100,000 miles, a vehicle with this kind of mileage will likely require more attention and extensive repairs.

A Truck With Higher Mileage Isn’t a Total Loss

Of course, mileage isn’t the only factor you should consider. You must also look at everything, from the engine and muffler to the power windows and brakes. A used truck for sale with a brand-new engine and a new set of tires might be worth your while, even if the odometer has over 100,000 miles. The best way to know what kind of vehicle you’re getting is to have a mechanic check it out ahead of time.

You also want to know the history of the truck. If the truck has been properly serviced over the years, you will get much more use out of the vehicle. You’ll need fewer repairs for a truck, even if it has higher mileage, as long as the previous owners cared for it appropriately.

Mileage Is Only Part of the Equation

When you’re buying a used truck, you already have a lot to consider. Age is a big part of the equation. A truck with 100,000 miles sounds worse if it is five years old instead of 12 years old. A car with that much mileage after just five years indicates more use in a shorter period. At the same time, an older vehicle with the same mileage may have spent a lot of time parked, which can be good news.

You also need to consider the fuel type. Because of their tougher construction, a diesel engine is typically going to last a lot longer than a gas engine. These vehicles are meant to take on more wear and tear. So, if you are looking at a diesel engine, trucks with less than 200,000 miles may be worthwhile.

The vehicle’s maintenance history is also important to consider. You’ll want to know if a licensed mechanic regularly serviced the truck and if the vehicle had repairs before they could cause any more damage. Early repairs prevent wear and tear on a vehicle.

Keep in mind that there are some trucks out there with 300,000 miles on them, and they’re still running. If the previous owners properly cared for the truck, or the vehicle has a new engine, it might be worth buying. At the same time, it’s wise to expect that you may need to repair other components, such as the transmission or fuel pump, more regularly than you would with a newer vehicle.

Is Buying a Used Truck Worth It?

There’s nothing wrong with buying a used truck. In fact, a used truck ensures that you get a worn-in vehicle that isn’t out of date. Many people only use trucks for a couple of years before they find the trade in value truck and swap with a newer model. This means that you can get a great used truck with relatively low mileage and a history of proper service.

It’s not uncommon to visit a dealership and see that many of the trucks on the lot have fewer than 100,000 miles. You may even find some impressive deals on trucks with about 50,000 miles. This is a good goal to set if you are looking for a used truck that is affordable but not yet experiencing the effects of the wear and tear of driving on the road.

How to Find a Truck With Low Mileage

Finding a truck with low mileage isn’t as difficult as you might think. When you shop at a dealership, you will see that many used and certified pre-owned trucks are available with clean records. Always make sure that you check a vehicle’s background. This will help show the vehicle’s maintenance history, including oil changes and other work performed on the truck. If the records are not available, you can ask a mechanic to check out the vehicle for you.

You can also learn more about the specific model you are thinking about buying. For instance, you may have heard that some vehicle makes tend to last longer than others. These are trucks that you might want to consider buying, even if they have over 100,000 miles on the odometer.

The Difference Between Age and Mileage

Shopping for a reliable pre-owned or used truck for your small business can be both exciting and challenging. While selecting the right make, model, and trim level is straightforward, determining the truck’s reliability involves more nuanced considerations than just mileage. At Volkswagen of Marion, we understand the importance of evaluating various factors to ensure you drive off with a dependable vehicle.

Age vs. Mileage

Age: An older truck with fewer miles might seem appealing, but it can indicate periods of disuse, which could lead to hidden issues. Age can affect various components of the truck, even if it hasn’t been driven extensively.

Idle Time: Trucks that have been idle for long periods can develop problems, as regular use is necessary to keep all parts functioning smoothly. Prolonged inactivity can lead to costly repairs.

Budget: While a low-mileage truck might seem like the best option, it can be more expensive than a well-maintained truck with higher mileage. Balancing mileage with price is crucial.

Maintenance History: A truck with a comprehensive maintenance history is often more reliable. Regularly serviced trucks are likely to be in better condition and have fewer unexpected issues.

How to Find the Right Used Truck

Key Indicators for Durability

Location: Consider the climate where the truck was primarily used. Trucks from wetter or colder regions might experience more wear and tear over time due to harsher conditions.

Condition: Have a trusted mechanic inspect the truck. This inspection can help you understand the vehicle’s current state and anticipate future maintenance needs.

Usage: Trucks primarily driven in city traffic may have more wear due to constant stop-and-go driving and poorer air quality compared to those used for highway commutes. Understanding the truck’s previous usage can give you insights into its potential longevity.

Your Reliable Source for Used Trucks

At Volkswagen of Marion, we offer a diverse inventory of used trucks, each carefully inspected to ensure quality and reliability. Our team is committed to helping you find the perfect truck that meets your needs and budget. Visit us today to explore our selection and drive away with confidence.

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