Mileage is key when buying a used car. Our guide explains what qualifies as good mileage.
Used car buyers must consider colour, body style, fuel type, and transmission. But one of the most important things is how high mileage a car gets.
For those who are not sure about the pros and cons of getting a high-mileage car or what "good mileage" really means for a used car, this guide gives you clear and helpful answers to help you make a smart choice.
Why Mileage Still Matters When Buying a Used Car?
Yes, mileage matters when buying a used car. It shows the vehicle's use, which affects its condition, market value, and longevity. Doing a check of the details of the car before committing to a deal will help you understand if the mileage aligns with its service records.
High mileage wears crucial components, increasing maintenance risk and diminishing vehicle dependability. Once the car exceeds the mileage restriction, many warranties may no longer cover it.
However, customers relate low mileage with reliability and less mechanical wear; therefore, cars with lower mileage sell for more.
What Is the Average Mileage for a Used Car?
The UK Department for Transport says that the average car drives between 5,000 and 8,000 miles a year. This amount is based on how old, well-kept, and frequently used the car is.
Petrol cars with under 10,000 miles per year are considered low. Diesel cars, which are more fuel-efficient for longer trips, have fewer low-mileage standards. If your mileage goes over these limits, it might be considered high.
To find out a used car's mileage, multiply its age by 10,000. Around 50,000 km are often on cars that are five years old. Run the car age check, service history, and MOT, if the mileage is high to ensure proper upkeep.
Remember that "high mileage" depends on the vehicle's brand, model, and condition.
What's High Mileage vs Low Mileage in Today's Market?
Divide a used car's total mileage by its years of usage to find its usual range. The UK yearly mileage averages 7,400 miles.
If the car reaches 7,500 miles per year, it may be excessive mileage. The average below this number is considered low mileage.
A three-year-old car with 30,000 miles averages 10,000 miles per year, which is over the national average and considered high mileage. In comparison, a five-year-old car with 30,000 miles averages 6,000 miles per year, which is low for its age.
How Mileage Affects Used Car Value and Resale Price?
Buyers and sellers evaluate mileage when determining a used vehicle's worth and longevity. High mileage decreases market value and may indicate a shorter lifetime than comparable models.
How well a car gets good mileage relies on its make, model, and history of maintenance. Most of the time, petrol and diesel cars that drive less than 12,000 km or 10,000 km per year are fine.
Keeping up with these standards is easy for many well-kept cars. Knowing what makes excellent mileage for your car might help you buy or sell and optimise your return on investment.
How many miles can a car do before it dies?
Vehicles above 100,000 miles might be psychologically alarming. Traditional advice to avoid cars with six-figure mileage is becoming obsolete.
Many cars may easily surpass 100,000 miles, especially when properly maintained. Drivers often traverse over 250,000 miles in the US, particularly in long-distance travel areas.
Should you purchase a high-mileage car? There is no standard answer. Vehicle maintenance history is essential. Regularly serviced and maintained cars may last over 100,000 kilometres. Durable manufacturers like Toyota and Honda make reliable, high-mileage cars. Luxury and performance cars may need more regular and expensive maintenance.
Additionally, frequently driven cars work better. A 10-year-old car with 150,000 miles and proper maintenance may be in better mechanical shape than one with 30,000 km and long inactivity. If you do not use your car for a while, flat spots on the tires, dry seals and gaskets, clogged fuel injectors, and stretched timing chains can all affect how well it works and how reliable it is.
When buying a car with high mileage, the service history, condition, and reputation of the manufacturer are more significant than the mileage.
Mileage vs Age: Which Matters More?
Older Cars with Low Mileage
Even though low mileage may seem appealing, older cars that do not get much use can come with their own problems:
Potential Maintenance and Mechanical Issues
Long periods of inactivity can cause problems with vehicles, such as dried-out seals, rusted parts, and worn-out rubber parts. These faults can lead to costly and unnecessary repairs, even though the car does not have high mileage.
Outdated Technology
Newer cars include more safety features, gas-saving technologies, and internet connectivity than previous ones. Inconvenience for users and reselling value can both go down.
Expired or Limited Warranty Coverage
Older vehicles may have no guarantee; thus, sellers are responsible for anything mechanical that arises from regular wear and use.
Depreciation Concerns
Even if they do not get driven much, older cars still lose value. The rate of depreciation can go up if the car is old or fixes cost a lot of money.
Newer Cars with High Mileage
There are some high mileages that do not come with getting older. Long-distance travellers and company drivers who utilise new automobiles quickly rack up miles.
Increased Wear and Tear
Newer automobiles with a lot of kilometres wear down their engines, transmissions, and suspensions faster, requiring more expensive repairs.
Ongoing Maintenance Expenses
Even if a new car is cheaper, it may need immediate service to fix wear-and-tear issues. This could cancel out the savings from the lower price.
Uncertain Longevity
Even though problems linked to getting older are less likely, a car with high mileage will still last less long and may not be as reliable.
Unverified Usage History
It might be hard to figure out how the car was used or maintained without full service records. A car could have a high mileage if it was used a lot, was not taken care of, or was used for work.
Reduced Resale Value
When compared to similar models with fewer miles, cars with a hie mileage tend to lose value faster and have lower selling prices.
Excessively Low Mileage: A Hidden Red Flag
Also, a car with very little mileage may need more attention because it could mean there are problems underneath:
Mileage Discrepancies
The odometer number should match the V5C logbook and service history of the car. SORN check and car mileage check help prevent differences from odometer manipulation or incorrect records.
Possible Neglect or Improper Storage
Long periods of inactivity can cause worn tires, brake pads, and suspension parts due to poor storage and use.
Interior and Environmental Damage
If you do not drive your car for a while, it might get musty smells, mould, or wear on the inside from too much wetness and not enough air flow.
So, when buying a used car, you can make a better choice if you carefully look at the car's mileage, how often it has been used, and its maintenance history.
Are Low Mileage Cars Always Better? The Red Flags to Watch For
Cars with little mileage could look excellent, but they might have problems that are not obvious. Infrequent or long-distance diesel drivers may have problems with the diesel particulate filter (DPF), which needs sustained driving to self-clean.
Infrequently driven cars can develop flat patches, dried-out seals, and other damage from inaction.
The Impact of Service History on a Car's Reliability
A detailed service history indicates a car has been well-maintained. These records become more important with distance. Check the service history for consistency and major gaps or missing papers, which may signal maintenance difficulties.
Signs of Good Maintenance: Frequent Inspections Explained
A qualified mechanic must inspect a car regardless of age or mileage. A comprehensive check might reveal structural deterioration, rust, and internal engine difficulties. This review ensures that the car's condition matches its reported history and usage, giving buyers peace of mind.
Is a Newer Car with High Mileage a Bad Deal?
A new UK car with a lot of miles on it is a good investment, but you should do a lot of study first. Modern high-mileage vehicles have the latest technology and safety features, but they may require more maintenance. Driving on the highway consistently causes less wear than doing short drives around the city often. The vehicle's maintenance history is the most important thing to look at. It is essential to carefully go over its service records and MOT history. Low-mileage cars with poor upkeep are less reliable and valuable.
Can Older Cars with Low Mileage Be a Smart Buy?
A low-mileage older car may be cheaper to buy and wear less on critical components. However, there are risks. Long-term inactivity can damage rubber components like hoses, seals, and gaskets, as well as cause maintenance concerns.
Low mileage, owing to limited yet consistent use or extensive inactivity, determines vehicle condition. Regular maintenance is necessary to maintain a car's mechanical integrity, regardless of mileage.
Before buying, get the car properly inspected and review its maintenance records. This finds problems and makes sure the car is cheap.
Mileage Considerations When Financing a Used Car
Mileage is also taken into account in vehicle financing arrangements. Most dealerships and lenders anticipate you to drive between 8,000 and 10,000 miles a year.
If you lease or loan your car or van, exceeding the mileage restriction may result in extra charges. Higher usage causes more wear and tear and faster depreciation, hence these fees compensate. To avoid surprises, read your contract and track your mileage.
What the Market Really Thinks About Mileage Today
Due to their perceived better condition and longer lifespan, low-mileage cars sell for more. While high-mileage cars are cheaper, they may need more frequent maintenance.
However, mileage does not determine automotive reliability. A well-maintained high-mileage vehicle can run well and last longer. But a poorly maintained low-mileage automobile may hide mechanical problems and make buying it more expensive. When determining a vehicle's worth, mileage and maintenance history are crucial.
FAQs
What is the best mileage to buy a second hand car?
An average of 10,000 to 12,000 miles (16,000 to 19,000 kilometres) per year is considered reasonable mileage for a used car in the UK. However, vehicle age, service history, and condition affect optimal mileage. Together, these characteristics better assess the car's worth and reliability.
How many miles should be on a good used car?
A used car with fewer than 60,000 km is considered "excellent" in the UK. Properly maintained vehicles can have fewer than 100,000 miles. The quality and durability of a used car depend on more than just its mileage. Age, make, model, and service history are also important.
What is a good mileage for a used car in KM?
A used car with 12,000 miles per year, or 19,312 kilometres, is regarded as decent in the UK. This is a good starting point, but the vehicle's age, maintenance history, and regular usage, highway or city driving, can all affect its condition and worth.
How many miles should a 12 year old car have done?
Based on an average yearly mileage of 5,000 to 10,000 miles, a 12-year-old UK car should have 60,000 to 120,000 miles. The ideal mileage depends on how the vehicle was operated and maintained over its lifetime.
