In the world of used cars, two factors, in particular, will always play a role in the price you pay: mileage and age.
As a rule of thumb, higher mileage usually goes together with a lower price. This is because key features like parts, suspension components and other mechanisms are created to last for a set time. The longer a vehicle is used, the more wear and tear happens to these features.
While a ten-year-old car is almost always less expensive than a three-year-old car, it is important to consider its odometer and the type of miles that have been racked up behind the wheel.
Below, we explain how much mileage is good for a used car and how types of mileage differ.
What type of mileage has the vehicle done?
A vehicle that has done the majority of its miles in a city will likely carry a lot more wear and tear in certain areas compared to one that's mainly been used for motorway driving.
If the car you're interested in has been used for lots of short trips, then its oil may not have been regularly given enough time to warm up before driving to these destinations, ultimately affecting the way it drives over time.
There will also likely be more wear and tear within its clutch, gearbox, suspension and brakes, especially as most engine and gearbox wear takes place when the engine is cold during stopping and starting.
On the other hand, a vehicle that has been frequently used for motorway driving will likely spend the majority of its life in fifth and sixth gear on smooth-surfaced roads. Cars that are used for these types of long-term journeys become more susceptible to clutch and brake damage but breakdown far less frequently.
Try and get an idea of the kind of mileage a car has done in the past as early on in the buying process as possible. This can be difficult when buying used cars from a dealership, as you may not know much about the previous owner, but anup-to-date service historyis always a good start.
The average mileage for a used car, by age
On average, a car should have around 10,000 miles per year. So, for an easy way to calculate how many miles on a used car is too much, just multiply its age by 10,000.
For example, a five-year-old car would ideally have 50,000 miles or less on its odometer.
If a car’s mileage is far larger than the average, then you will have to take a deeper look at the car’s history.
However, calculating what is considered “high mileage” for a used car can be difficult as it differs so much on a case-by-case basis depending on the brand and model.
Do some cars last longer than others?
Broadly speaking, yes. Certain brands will last longer than others due to better design, engineering and manufacturing standards.
So, while a 10-year-old car with just over 100,000 miles may sound like a good deal, if that model starts shutting down at 125,000 miles, it’s likely only to last another 2-3 years.
While some outliers within brands do occur, it is better to err on the side of a good reputation when buying high-mileage cars.
How many miles is too many for a used car?
While mileage is an important factor to consider, the number of miles recorded is never an accurate impression of the vehicle you're looking at.
For example, you need to consider if the vehicle has been regularly maintained and has a clear service history.
As you can see, it's not all about miles on the clock.
Like we touched on before, remember to ask the owner or dealer of the vehicle about its mileage, highlighting whether they have primarily come from city or motorway driving based on any previous owner knowledge.
Get all the information you need when buying
While the importance of mileage may differ on a case-by-case basis, it’s important to get all the information you need before buying. Considering if it is wise to buy a car with high mileage depends on context, research and the prevalence of information.
As much as the information about a potential car is important, so is your ability to understand what you’re presented with. Keep up to date with our blog for the latest motoring tips.
FAQs
When purchasing a pre-owned vehicle, the miles it has traveled are important. However, it's not the only factor to consider. The condition of the car is the most important factor. A vehicle with less than 100,000 miles and a service record with regular maintenance are ideal.
What mileage is too high for a used vehicle? ›
What is considered high mileage on a car? Often, 100,000 miles is considered a cut-off point for used cars because older vehicles often start requiring more expensive and frequent maintenance when mileage exceeds 100,000.
Which is more important, age or mileage? ›
In conclusion, while it's a good idea to consider both the age of a vehicle and the mileage on the odometer, how it was maintained is the key. A 10 year old car with 100,000 miles may have received more maintenance and upkeep then a 5 year-old car with 50,000 miles.
How does mileage affect used car value? ›
Depreciation is the gradual loss of a car's value over time, and mileage plays a significant role in this process. Generally, the higher the mileage, the lower the car's value. This is because high-mileage vehicles are perceived to have experienced more wear, increasing the likelihood of repairs and maintenance needs.
Is 50k miles a lot for a used car? ›
Finding a four-year-old car with 50,000 miles on it can be a great deal, as it means that the driver used it a little less than average, and it could have more life left in it. However, you should be a bit wary of vehicles that are a decade old with only 50,000 miles to show for it.
Is 200 000 miles bad for a used car? ›
In general, most modern cars can cross 200,000 miles without any major issues, provided the vehicle is being well-maintained. Considering that an average person drives 10,000-20,000 miles per year, this will account for roughly 15 years of service.
Why shouldn't you buy a car with high mileage? ›
Vehicles with over 100,000 miles typically face more frequent issues with major components such as the engine, transmission and suspension. The average cost of engine repair or replacement can range from $3,000 to $8,000, while transmission repairs can cost between $1,800 and $3,400.
Is it better to buy a low mileage older car or a higher mileage newer car? ›
If reliability and safety are paramount, a newer car with moderate mileage might be the ideal choice. This ensures access to the latest safety features and improved fuel efficiency while minimizing the risks associated with aging components.
What is the best age to buy a used car? ›
The optimal time to purchase a used car is typically between 2 to 5 years old. Within this age range, the vehicle has already experienced the most significant depreciation, yet remains relatively new and in good condition.
Is a 10 year old car too old? ›
Cars over 10 years old can still be reliable. Most vehicles can last well over a decade with proper care and maintenance. In fact, the average car on U.S. roads is now 12.6 years old, according to a study from S&P Global Mobility. Furthermore, a car doesn't really stop depreciating until it hits that 10-year mark.
When purchasing a pre-owned vehicle, the miles it has traveled are important. However, it's not the only factor to consider. The condition of the car is the most important factor. A vehicle with less than 100,000 miles and a service record with regular maintenance are ideal.
At what mileage should you sell a used car? ›
Somewhere in between the 50,000-mile and 60,000-mile mark seems to be the sweet spot for selling used cars. Once your car reaches 60,000 miles, you might have to start dealing with more major repairs than you had to tackle before. You can avoid them while still making a nice profit when you sell your car at this point.
At what mileage does a car lose the most value? ›
Zero to 30,000 Miles
New vehicles experience their biggest decline in value during their first year of ownership. Subsequently, they continue to depreciate sharply until their manufacturer's warranties expire, which is usually after three years or 36,000 miles.
What is too high mileage for a used car? ›
There's no rule to how many miles on a used car is too much, but by attempting to stick to the 12,000 miles per year rule is a great place to start. Find out how old the car is, multiple the number of years by 12,000, and if the number on the odometer is significantly higher than that, some concern might be warranted.
Is it OK to buy a used car with 60000 miles? ›
So, what is considered high mileage for a used car that is five years old? It should have no more than 60,000 to 75,000 miles on the odometer. If it has more than that, the car has likely gone through a lot of wear and tear in a short amount of time, and may not last much longer without needing serious repairs.
Is it worth fixing a car with 200k miles? ›
Depending on the car's value, repairing it might be worth the money to keep it going for a few more years. However, most modern gasoline-powered vehicles will start to struggle after the 200,000-mile mark. Electric cars can usually make it up to 300,000 miles before they're considered well used.
Is it bad to buy a car with 150K miles? ›
Many modern cars with 100K-150K miles are in great condition and will easily go another 100K. However, if a car has not been maintained properly and has been driven hard or previously wrecked, it can be junk with only 30K miles on the odometer.
At what mileage should a car be replaced? ›
It's possible for some properly maintained, well-built cars to reach 300,000 miles. Typically, a conventional vehicle lasts for 200,000 miles. The average automobile age in the United States has increased over the past several decades.
Is 60,000 miles a lot for a used car? ›
So, what is considered high mileage for a used car that is five years old? It should have no more than 60,000 to 75,000 miles on the odometer. If it has more than that, the car has likely gone through a lot of wear and tear in a short amount of time, and may not last much longer without needing serious repairs.
