Mileage is a simple, yet effective way of measuring a car’s use. It gives calculated insight on a vehicle’s condition such as when it will need servicing.
There are three main milestones in a car’s life span:
1. The First Few Years
If you’re mileage is in the 30,000 – 40,000 miles range, depending on its care, you can get a great offer whether you sell or trade in. Selling or trading in is ideal around this time because most factory warranties expire around 36,000 miles or 3 years, as the average driver uses approximately 12,000 miles per year. This is also around the time your car will have its first non-routine maintenance visit to the auto shop. Services usually include brakes, tires, and other parts that wear out rather than break. These repairs can easily cost over $350. It’s wise to sell or trade in before the 36,000 mark, especially if it hasn’t had its first major service visit.
2. The Second Visit
By the time your vehicle reaches 60,000 – 70,000 miles, you have either already visited the service station for a second, more expensive reason. If you have not, you will soon. Your vehicle’s tread has significantly worn down by this time, meaning you’ll need new tires, hopefully before a blowout. Tires cost around 50 – 70 dollars per, and most auto shops require you to buy two at a time. Replacing your brakes ranges from $100 to $300 on average. Replacement expenditures vary depending on your vehicle make. You may want to consider selling or trading in before your second servicing visit.
3. The Last Mile
You are in dire need of a new vehicle once you reach 100,000 miles. If not, you’ve probably invested thousands in repairs and replacements, or you will soon. Even though cars are more reliable now, lasting far past 100,000 miles, they still only depreciate. You can start fresh by trading in or selling it yourself, or hold onto it until it’s practically a new vehicle from the insurmountable amount of replacements and repairs you’ve invested in it. The choice is yours, but if you wonder if your car is going to start or not, or you’re worried about breaking down every time you leave the house, it’s time to let your car go.
If you think it may be time to trade in your vehicle, contact D&M Auto Leasing or fill out a form on our New Car Leasing page. We guarantee the best value for your trade-in vehicle.