Buying a vehicle is one of the biggest decisions most people make. Whether you’re looking at a brand-new Chevrolet or a dependable used car, you want to feel confident that your purchase is the right one for your lifestyle, budget, and driving habits.
At Burns Chevrolet of Gaffney, we know that many drivers in Gaffney, Spartanburg, Shelby, Forest City, Chesnee, Blacksburg, and Kings Mountain are considering used cars because they want value, affordability, and peace of mind.
In our last used car post, we covered the basics of how to know you’re getting a fair price on a used car.
This guide is designed to help you answer a key question: How do I know I’m getting a good used car? We’ll walk you through what to look for when buying a car, how to judge what is good mileage for a used car, and which good used car brands have earned their reputation. By the end, you’ll feel equipped to shop smarter, ask better questions, and drive away with confidence.
Understanding the Used Car Market
Why Many Drivers Choose Used
For many shoppers, a used car offers a balance of quality and affordability. You may find that a pre-owned Chevrolet Equinox, Silverado, or Malibu gives you everything you need — at a lower monthly payment than a new model. Used cars can also expand your choices, giving you access to trims, features, or models that may no longer be available brand-new.
Today’s Reliability
Thanks to advances in engineering, vehicles are lasting longer than ever before. Many used models, when properly maintained, can easily run for 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more. That means buying used today doesn’t mean compromising reliability — especially when you shop at a dealership that inspects and stands behind its inventory.
Why Some Still Prefer New
Of course, there are strong reasons to consider a new vehicle as well. Buying new means you’re the very first owner, you’ll enjoy the latest technology and safety innovations, and you’ll have the peace of mind of a factory warranty.
What to Look For When Buying a Car
When people ask us “What should I look for when buying a car?”, here’s what we recommend:
1. Ask to See the Inspection
At our dealership in Gaffney, every used car goes through a careful 99-point inspection before it’s placed on our lot. This multi-point check covers brakes, tires, lights, suspension, safety features, and engine health. Always ask to see the inspection — it proves that the dealership stands behind the vehicle.
Here is an example of what one page of our multi-point inspection looks like:
2. Look Under the Hood
Don’t be shy — you’re allowed to check things out yourself. Look for:
- Leaks: Oil, coolant, or transmission fluid leaks should be investigated.
- Belts and hoses: Cracks, fraying, or dryness can mean upcoming repairs.
- Battery: Corrosion around the terminals can indicate it’s nearing replacement.
3. Review the Carfax or AutoCheck
A vehicle history report is essential. It will tell you if the car has ever had:
- Title issues (e.g. salvage, rebuilt, flood).
- Odometer discrepancies or “true miles unknown.”
- Major accidents – minor accidents aren’t always dealbreakers, but major ones require closer inspection.
4. Understand Mileage
A simple rule of thumb is that most vehicles average about 15,000–20,000 miles per year. That means a five-year-old vehicle with around 75,000 miles is right in line with expectations. If you see a car with mileage that’s significantly above or below that range, it isn’t necessarily a bad thing — but it is worth asking questions.
If a vehicle has fewer miles than average, that usually means it wasn’t driven much. This can be a good sign, as long as the car has a clean history and no accidents. On the other hand, if there are multiple accident reports, low mileage could raise questions about why the car spent so much time off the road.
For cars with higher mileage than average, the key is to look for context. For example, if the first owner was a rental company like Enterprise, the car may have been driven heavily during the early years before leveling out with a second owner. High mileage alone isn’t a dealbreaker — what matters most is whether the vehicle received regular maintenance. A well-serviced vehicle with higher miles can often be a smarter buy than a low-mileage car that was neglected.
Here is an easy list of year vs. mileage to look for:
Good mileage for used car 1 year old – 15,000-20,000 miles
Good mileage for used car 2 years old – 30,000-40,000 miles
Good mileage for used car 3 years old – 45,000-60,000 miles
Good mileage for used car 4 years old – 60,000-80,000 miles
Good mileage for used car 5 years old – 75,000-100,000 miles
Good mileage for used car 6 years old – 90,000-120,000 miles
Good mileage for used car 7 years old – 105,000-140,000 miles
Good mileage for used car 8 years old – 120,000-160,000 miles
Good mileage for used car 9 years old – 135,000-180,000 miles
Good mileage for used car 10 years old – 150,000-200,000 miles
What Is Good Mileage for a Used Car?
Mileage is one of the biggest questions buyers have — and for good reason.
Mileage Ranges
- Used Cars Under 50,000 miles: Great for those who want a nearly-new vehicle.
- Used Cars 50,000–100,000 miles: Often the best value range, balancing price and reliability.
- Used Cars Over 100,000 miles: Still worth considering if it has strong service records.
Different Vehicle Types
Used trucks and SUVs are generally built to handle higher mileage than smaller cars. Manufacturers design them not only for everyday drivers but also for fleets and work purposes, which means they’re engineered with durability in mind. Trucks in particular are made to last through heavy use, often well past the mileage you’d expect from a sedan.
Maintenance Over Mileage
Regular maintenance is key for every vehicle type. While trucks and SUVs are usually the best candidates for racking up miles, staying on top of service records is what truly keeps any vehicle dependable. Always prioritize service history over raw numbers. A 90,000-mile Chevrolet with consistent oil changes may be a smarter buy than a 40,000-mile car with no records.
5. Red Flags to Watch Out For
- A seller who won’t provide an inspection report – Trust is at the heart of buying a used car, and transparency is key to creating that trust.
- Inconsistent paint or panel gaps – While slight variations can sometimes come from the factory, they’re often signs of prior body work. Minor repairs usually aren’t a problem, but bigger inconsistencies may point to a more serious accident. If the car was in a major collision, it’s worth asking whether it was put back together properly and whether the damage could affect long-term performance and reliability.
- High-pressure sales tactics – If a seller has confidence in the vehicle they’re selling, they won’t need to browbeat you into buying it.
The Test Drive – Your Best Tool
Never buy a used car without taking it for a test drive first. The test drive is your chance to make sure the car feels right for you.
What to Pay Attention To
- Starting up: Does it start smoothly?
- Ride quality: Does it feel steady and comfortable?
- Transmission: Are shifts smooth?
- Steering & brakes: Does it respond well?
- Noises: Listen for rattling, knocking, or grinding.
If you hear or feel something that doesn’t seem right, speak up immediately. At Burns Chevrolet, we’d rather have our service team re-check a vehicle than let you leave with doubts about your used vehicle purchase.
Good Used Car Brands
When thinking about good used car brands, these stand out:
Chevrolet
Whether you’re looking for a used Silverado, Malibu, or Suburban, these Chevrolets are all known for their strength and dependability.
Toyota & Honda
Long recognized for reliability, models like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord often run well past 200,000 miles.
Ford
Trucks like the F-150 are extremely popular in the Gaffney and Spartanburg areas thanks to their durability.
Lexus & Acura
Luxury brands like Lexus and Acura combine comfort with long-term dependability, though repair costs may be higher than domestic brands.
Beyond the Basics – Smart Buyer Tips
Financing Options
Before purchasing a vehicle, you can compare financing with local banks and credit unions in Gaffney, Shelby, and Spartanburg to see what rate you would be qualified for. Our finance team can also help you secure competitive rates through trusted lenders. For customers with no credit or bad credit, we also offer an in-house financing Buy Here Pay Here program.
Warranties & Insurance
Ask about remaining manufacturer warranties or dealer-provided coverage. Check with your insurance provider to confirm premiums before finalizing.
Local Expertise Matters
Burns Chevrolet of Gaffney is a locally owned new and used car dealership. Our family has been in the car business for over 100 years, something that has only been possible through the trust we’ve built with our customers. We’ve built our reputation in Gaffney, Chesnee, Blacksburg, and Kings Mountain by standing behind every car we sell and by showing genuine care in helping our customers find the best car for their families and budgets.
What Sets Burns Chevrolet Apart
- Every vehicle gets a 99-point inspection by our certified service department.
- We provide free Carfax vehicle history reports up front.
- Our sales team is non-commission based. They are paid the same regardless of a car’s price, so they are genuinely motivated to help you find the right vehicle for your unique needs and preferences.
Checklist Before You Buy a Used Car
Here’s a quick, repeatable checklist to guide your decision:
- Ask for the inspection report.
- Look under the hood.
- Review the Carfax/AutoCheck.
- Compare mileage to vehicle age.
- Take a thorough test drive.
- Ask about anything unusual.
- Review financing, warranty, and insurance options.
Conclusion
So, how do you know if you’re getting a good used car? The answer comes down to preparation, inspection, and working with a dealership you can trust.
At Burns Chevrolet of Gaffney, we’ve helped countless drivers from Gaffney to Spartanburg, Shelby to Forest City, Chesnee to Blacksburg, and Kings Mountain find used cars they can rely on. We believe in transparency, thorough inspections, and customer-first service.Whether you’re in the market for a brand-new Chevrolet with all the latest features or a quality used vehicle that fits your budget perfectly, our team is here to help you every step of the way. Visit us today, take a test drive, and see why so many of your neighbors trust Burns Chevrolet for their next vehicle.
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