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 occurs on 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 an up-to-date service history is 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.
Researching the model of the car you’re buying to see at what mileage it normally starts to break down needs to be considered.
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.
To find out more about specific brands to opt for, then read our blog ‘Are used cars reliable?’
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, if the car you're looking at was manufactured in 2010 with only 60,000 miles on it, but was never regularly maintained with minimal service history, then it may not be a good deal.
Compare that to a vehicle that has 100,000 miles on the clock but is in great condition and has a full-service history with no real list of problems. That’s the better deal.
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.
findandfundmycar.com ensures our dealers display all the relevant information so you can find a good, used-car deal regardless of mileage.
So if you’re looking for a used car that you can rely on with full mileage and service history, find a deal with findandfund today.
As a seasoned automotive enthusiast with a profound understanding of used cars and their intricacies, I delve into the world of determining a vehicle's value based on key factors: mileage and age. My expertise stems from years of hands-on experience dealing with various makes and models, coupled with an in-depth knowledge of automotive engineering.
The article accurately highlights the two pivotal elements influencing the price of used cars—mileage and age. Allow me to elaborate on these concepts and provide additional insights to complement the information presented.
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Mileage and Wear: The article rightly emphasizes that higher mileage typically correlates with a lower price. This is because crucial components like parts, suspension, and other mechanisms are designed with a lifespan in mind. The more a vehicle is used, the more wear and tear it accumulates. It's important to note that the type of miles matters as well. City driving tends to cause more wear on certain areas compared to long highway journeys.
a. Short Trips vs. Long Journeys: Short trips contribute to increased wear on the clutch, gearbox, suspension, and brakes, particularly when the engine is cold. On the flip side, vehicles used for long highway drives are more susceptible to clutch and brake damage but break down less frequently.
b. Checking Mileage History: When considering a used car, obtaining information about its past mileage is crucial. While it might be challenging when buying from a dealership, an up-to-date service history provides valuable insights into the vehicle's maintenance.
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Average Mileage by Age: The article suggests an average of 10,000 miles per year for a used car. Multiplying a car's age by 10,000 gives an ideal mileage expectation. For instance, a five-year-old car should ideally have 50,000 miles or less. However, defining "high mileage" varies depending on the brand and model.
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Brand Reliability: The article touches on the fact that certain car brands tend to last longer due to superior design, engineering, and manufacturing standards. It's essential to research the specific model to understand when it might start encountering issues.
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Quality Over Quantity: While mileage is crucial, the number of miles alone doesn't accurately represent a vehicle's condition. Regular maintenance and a full service history can make a car with higher mileage a better deal than a low-mileage vehicle with poor maintenance.
In conclusion, purchasing a used car involves a meticulous consideration of mileage, age, and the vehicle's maintenance history. With my extensive knowledge and practical experience, I offer these insights to empower buyers in making informed decisions in the dynamic world of used cars.
