Buying a used car is a balancing act between mileage, price, and long-term reliability. While lower mileage often grabs attention, it’s not the only factor that determines a car’s worth—or its future performance. In this guide, we’ll dissect what “good mileage” really means, expose common myths, and reveal why Simi Valley CDJR’s certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles offer unmatched peace of mind, even at higher odometer readings.
Understanding Mileage: Beyond the Numbers
The average driver puts 12,000–15,000 miles per year on their car. But mileage alone doesn’t tell the full story. Here’s what truly matters:
1. Age vs. Mileage: The Golden Ratio
A car’s age and mileage should align. For example:
- A 3-year-old car with 45,000 miles (15k/year) is typical.
- A 5-year-old car with 30,000 miles (6k/year) might have hidden issues from sitting unused (Car and Driver).
- A 7-year-old car with 105,000 miles (15k/year) is average but demands a thorough maintenance check.
Simi Valley CDJR Insight: Their CPO inventory includes late-model Jeeps, Rams, and Dodges with mileage that aligns perfectly with their age, ensuring no surprises.
The Mileage Myth: Why 100,000 Miles Isn’t a Death Sentence
High mileage can be a red flag—or a green light, depending on the vehicle. Let’s break it down:
1. Highway vs. City Miles
- Highway Miles: Long, steady drives cause less wear on engines and transmissions. A 2019 Ram 1500 with 80,000 highway miles is often a safer bet than a 2020 model with 40,000 city miles (Edmunds).
- City Miles: Stop-and-go traffic strains brakes, engines, and transmissions.
2. Brand Reliability
- Toyota/Honda: Known for longevity, often exceeding 200,000 miles with basic care (Consumer Reports).
- Jeep/Ram: Built for durability, especially models with the legendary 3.6L Pentastar V6 or Cummins diesel engines (J.D. Power).
- Luxury Brands (BMW, Mercedes): Higher repair costs after 100,000 miles make maintenance history critical.
Simi Valley CDJR Edge: Every CPO Jeep, Ram, or Dodge undergoes a 150-point inspection, ensuring engines, transmissions, and critical components meet strict standards, even at higher mileages.
Mileage Benchmarks: What’s “Good” for Every Age
Use this cheat sheet to evaluate used cars:
| Vehicle Age | Ideal Mileage | Red Flags | Simi Valley CDJR CPO Picks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–3 years | 12k–45k miles | Over 50k miles | 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee (28k miles) |
| 4–7 years | 48k–105k miles | Over 120k miles | 2020 Ram 1500 Big Horn (62k highway miles) |
| 8+ years | 96k–150k miles | Over 175k miles | 2018 Dodge Durango GT (88k miles, tow-ready) |
Red Flags That Outweigh Mileage
Even a low-mileage car can be a lemon if these issues are present:
1. Sparse Maintenance Records
- A 2017 Jeep Wrangler with 60k miles and no oil change history is riskier than a 2015 model with 90k miles and full service logs.
2. Rust or Corrosion
- Check undercarriages and door seams. Cars from snowy or coastal regions may hide rot (NHTSA).
3. Odometer Fraud
- The NHTSA reports over 450,000 vehicles yearly have rolled-back odometers. Always verify with a free CARFAX Report, included with every Simi Valley CDJR CPO vehicle.
When High Mileage is a Smart Buy
1. Diesel Trucks
- A 2019 Ram 2500 with a Cummins turbo diesel engine can easily surpass 300,000 miles with proper care (Ram Trucks).
2. Fleet or Rental Vehicles
- Ex-rental Jeep Cherokees often have highway miles and strict maintenance schedules (Hertz Certified).
3. Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Programs
- Simi Valley CDJR’s CPO vehicles include:
- 7-Year/100k-Mile Powertrain Warranty: Covers engine, transmission, and drivetrain (Jeep CPO).
- 150-Point Inspection: Tests brakes, suspension, electronics, and emissions.
- Roadside Assistance: 24/7 support for peace of mind.
Why Simi Valley CDJR’s CPO Program Beats the Competition
- No-Haggle Pricing: Transparent pricing based on reconditioning costs—not guesswork.
- Rigorous Inspections:
- Engine/Transmission: Scanned for codes, tested for leaks, and tuned for performance.
- Frame/Undercarriage: Inspected for rust, damage, or improper repairs.
- Interior/Exterior: Detailed to near-new condition, with stained upholstery replaced.
- Warranty Upgrades: Optional extended coverage for bumper-to-bumper protection.
Hot Inventory Picks:
- 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo: 38k miles, off-road capabilities intact.
- 2020 Ram 1500 Laramie: 55k miles, Hemi V8, and factory tow package.
- 2019 Dodge Charger SXT: 42k miles, sporty performance with a clean CARFAX.
The Simi Valley CDJR Difference: Local Expertise, National Standards
- 50+ Years in Ventura County: Family-owned with a reputation for transparency.
- 4.9/5-Star Google Reviews: Praised for hassle-free CPO experiences.
- Trade-In Specialists: Maximize your current car’s value toward a CPO upgrade.
FAQ: Your Mileage Questions, Answered
Q: Is 80,000 miles too much for a used car?
A: Not if it’s a well-maintained Jeep or Ram. Simi Valley CDJR’s CPO trucks at 80k miles include warranties for confidence.
Q: How much does mileage affect resale value?
A: Roughly $0.12–$0.15 per mile depreciation (Kelley Blue Book). CPO certification offsets this with added value.
Q: Should I avoid cars over 100k miles?
A: Not if they’re certified. A 2017 Jeep Wrangler with 110k CPO miles is a safer bet than a 2019 model with 50k miles and no warranty.
The Bottom Line
“Good mileage” isn’t just a number—it’s a combination of maintenance, brand reliability, and dealer trust. At Simi Valley CDJR, every certified pre-owned vehicle is reconditioned to meet rigorous standards, so you get a car that performs like new, no matter the odometer.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Explore Simi Valley CDJR’s CPO Inventory today. With detailed vehicle histories, unbeatable warranties, and Ventura County’s top-rated service team, you’ll drive off in a used car that feels anything but used.
Why Settle?
- Free CARFAX Reports: No secrets, just facts.
- Low Financing Rates: As low as 4.9% APR for qualified buyers.
- 7-Day Exchange Policy: Love your car or swap it hassle-free.
Don’t let mileage myths steer you wrong. Choose Simi Valley CDJR—where every car is a journey worth taking. 🚗💨
Additional Resources:
- NHTSA Odometer Fraud Prevention
- J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study
- Ram Cummins Diesel Engine Overview
By leveraging trusted sources and Simi Valley CDJR’s expertise, you’ll make a confident, informed decision on your next used car.
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