The Used Car Price Comparison calculator evaluates the value difference between two used cars based on their mileage, price and mileage life expectancy.
INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:
- ($A) Price of Car A
- (MA) Miles on Car A
- (xA) Mileage Life Expectancy of Car A
- ($B) Price of Car B
- (MB) Miles on Car B
- (xB) Mileage Life Expectancy of Car B
Used Car Price Comparison (UCPC): The calculator returns the cost per mile to reach the mileage life expectancy.
The Math / Science
The Used Car Price Comparison equation allows you to compare and level out the selling prices of two cars by determining the cost per mile until the vehicle would reach your final mileage.
You've settled on a particular used car, but how can you compare the prices and mileages of the same model offered at different dealers that have different prices and mileages?
Let's say you plan to keep the vehicle until 200,000 miles. Which is the better deal, a car with 120,000 miles selling for $8999 or the same car with 95,000 miles selling somewhere else for $10,899?
(Of course there are many considerations to make when selecting a vehicle, so this equation makes many assumptions; for example, neither vehicle was in an accident or has other diminished value, they were maintained similarly, same trim package, etc.)
NOTE: This formula DOES NOT take into account:
- CONDITION OF THE VEHICLES
- WARANTEE STATUS
- QUALITY OF THE VEHICLE MAINTENANCES
- MILES PER GALLON OF THE VEHICLES
- RESALE VALUE
It's meant for an apples to apples comparison of comparable vehicles with differing mileage and prices.
Vehicle Life Expectancy
ChatGPT provided the following guidance when asked, "What 50 vehicle have the longest life expectancy in mileage?"
Here are some of the vehicles with the longest life expectancy in mileage:
- Toyota Sequoia - 296,509 miles
- Toyota Land Cruiser - 280,236 miles
- Chevrolet Suburban - 265,732 miles
- Toyota Tundra - 256,022 miles
- GMC Yukon XL - 252,360 miles
- Toyota Prius - 250,601 miles
- Chevrolet Tahoe - 250,338 miles
- Honda Ridgeline - 248,669 miles
- Toyota Avalon - 245,710 miles
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid - 244,994 miles
- Ford Expedition - 244,682 miles
- Toyota 4Runner - 244,665 miles
- Toyota Sienna - 239,607 miles
- GMC Yukon - 238,956 miles
- Honda Pilot - 236,807 miles
- Honda Odyssey - 235,852 miles
- Toyota Tacoma - 235,070 miles
- Nissan Titan - 233,295 miles
- Ford F-150 - 232,650 miles
- Toyota Camry Hybrid - 230,547 miles
Other vehicles frequently mentioned for their longevity include:
- Toyota Corolla
- Honda Accord
- Toyota Camry
- Subaru Legacy
- Volkswagen Golf
These vehicles have been recognized for their ability to reach and often exceed 250,000 miles with proper maintenance and care (Autoblog) (iSeeCars) (Autoblog) (Motor Illustrated).
Vehicle Calculators
- Approach (Departure) Angle: Computes the maximum angle of a ramp onto which a vehicle can climb without scraping.
- Degree to Percent Grade: Converts a grade to a degree angle.
- Camber angle - Wheel camber (tilt) calculation of angle
- Camber offset - Wheel camber (tilt) calculation of offset
- Breakover Angle: Compute maximum angle that a vehicle can drive over without the ground touching the vehicle's undercarriage.
- Time to Overtake: Computes the time for one object to overtake another.
- Distance to Overtake: Computes distance traveled to overtake another.
- Speed to Overtake: Computes the average velocity to overtake another.
- Distance Traveled: Computes the distance traveled over a period of time.
- Speed from Skid Marks: Estimates the speed of a vehicle based on length of skid marks.
- Braking Distance: Estimates distance to stop a vehicle based on initial velocity and braking coefficient.
- Total Stopping Distance: Computes the distance to stop a vehicle based on the initial velocity, reaction time and a braking coefficient.
- Speed from the Braking Distance: Estimates the initial speed based on the distance to stop a vehicle and the a braking coefficient.
- Used Car Price Comparison: Estimates the better value between two vehicles based on their mileage, cost and expected lifespan (miles).