What mileage is good for a used car?

Mileage is key when buying a used car. Our guide explains what qualifies as good mileage.

When buying a used car, there’s lots to consider: from body style and fuel type to colour and gearbox. But perhaps one of the most important factors is the car’s mileage.

If you’re unsure about the risks and benefits of buying a high-mileage car, or want to know what constitutes ‘good mileage’ for a used car, this guide has the answers.

Does mileage matter on a car?

Yes, mileage matters. It gives you a good indication of how much a car has been used and impacts its condition, value, and longevity. Higher mileage usually means more wear on key components, leading to potential repairs and shorter lifespan.

Mileage also affects warranty coverage – many have mileage limits, and higher miles could mean the car is no longer covered. Meanwhile, lower-mileage cars typically have higher resale values as buyers often associate lower mileage with better reliability.

What is the average mileage of a car?

The typical car in the UK drives between 5,000 to 8,000 miles per year, according to the Department of Transport. This average varies based on factors such as the car’s age, the type of driving it’s used for, and maintenance.

For petrol cars, what’s classed as low mileage is usually under 10,000 miles annually, while diesel vehicles, with better fuel economy on long drives, often have a slightly lower threshold. Anything above these figures could be considered high mileage.

To assess a used car’s mileage, multiply its age by 10,000. For example, a five-year-old car should have no more than 50,000 miles. If it’s significantly higher than this, investigate the car’s service and MoT history. Keep in mind that “high mileage” can vary depending on the car’s make, model, and condition.

What is considered high and low mileage for a used car?

To get a good idea of what is considered a ‘normal’ mileage for a used car, divide the quoted mileage by the number of years on the road. In the UK, the average annual mileage is around 7,400 miles.

If the result is above 7,500 miles per year, the car may be considered high mileage; if it’s below, it’s considered low mileage.

For example, a three-year-old car with 30,000 miles has averaged 10,000 miles per year, which is higher than typical for its age. However, a five-year-old car with 30,000 miles has averaged 6,000 miles per year, which would be considered low mileage.

How many miles can a car do before it dies?

There’s a psychological barrier that exists at 100,000 miles. Traditionally the advice has been to avoid cars that have hit six figures, but this isn’t necessarily true.

The reality is that cars can happily travel well beyond 100,000 miles – simply look at the American market, where people travelling long distances between cities regularly rack up more than 250,000 miles.

So, should you buy a high mileage car? Again, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Cars will happily go well beyond 100,000 miles when maintained correctly, so a well-documented service history should put your mind at ease when considering a car that has travelled far and wide. Brands like Toyota and Honda are often noted for their longevity, while luxury or performance cars may need more frequent maintenance.

It’s also fair to say that cars run best when they are used. A fastidiously maintained 10-year-old car with 150,000 miles could be a far better prospect than a car of the same age that has only done 30,000 miles, but has sat for long periods of time getting flat spots on its tires, dried-up seals, rings and gaskets, gunged-up injectors, a stretched timing chain, and more potential defects besides.

What else is important when considering a used car’s age?

When considering a used car’s age, several factors are more important than just mileage:

Motorway miles

Many fleet-friendly models will likely have racked up their miles on the motorway, where the engine has had time to get up to temperature and the consistent speeds are not too taxing. Here, 100,000 miles should be of little concern, assuming that the car has been well looked after.

Low mileage red flags

Low-mileage cars may seem appealing, but they can have their own issues. Diesel vehicles that haven’t been driven long enough may have problems with the diesel particulate filter (DPF) not self-cleaning properly. Likewise, any car driven infrequently might have issues like flat spots on tires or dried seals due to lack of regular use.

Frequent inspections

Always have the car inspected by a mechanic to check for hidden issues such as frame damage, rust, or internal engine problems, regardless of its age or mileage. This thorough check ensures the car’s condition matches its reported history and usage.

Service history

A comprehensive service history is a sure sign that a car has been looked after throughout its life. The more miles on the clock, the more important these documents become. Be sure to check service records for consistency and any large gaps.

What mileage is good for a used car?

As a basic guide, the typical car will travel roughly around 7,500 miles per year. So you can multiply a car’s age by 7,500 to find a vague target mileage. There are other factors such as service history and the type of vehicle and driving that has taken place though, so don’t be too rigid when looking at mileage.

Good mileage for a used car FAQs

Which brand of car lasts the longest?

For overall longevity and reliability, Toyota and Honda consistently rank among the top car brands, with Toyota vehicles known for their durability and low maintenance costs. According to a study by iSeeCars.com, a Toyota Tundra is the most likely to last 250,000+ miles.

What is the best mileage to sell a used car?

There’s no definitive answer, as it depends on the car’s make, model, and maintenance history. However, generally speaking, selling your car before it reaches 60,000 miles can help you avoid the steepest depreciation.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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