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 in 2025, mileage is still one of the first things we check. It helps us understand how much wear the car has been through—and gives clues about how much life it might still have. But what’s considered good car mileage these days?
A good benchmark is around 7,400 miles per year for petrol cars and a little lower for diesel. If a car’s mileage is higher, that’s not always a red flag—it depends on how well it’s been looked after. Some high-mileage cars are in better shape than low-mileage ones.
Before you decide, use our car mileage check to check the mileage history and spot any warning signs. It’s a quick way to feel more confident about the car you’re about to buy. After all, it’s not just the number—it’s how the car got there.
Why Mileage Still Matters When Buying a Used Car?
Mileage still matters, even in 2025. It tells you how much a car has been driven, which helps you work out its overall health. More miles means more wear on the engine, brakes and suspension. That means more repairs—and more money out of your pocket.
When looking for good mileage for used car, remember: less miles means better condition.
Lower mileage vehicles tend to survive longer, require fewer repairs, and retain their value better when it comes time to sell. They may still be under warranty, which could save you money if something goes wrong.
Mileage also helps tell the story of how a car was driven. Highway miles are often easier on a vehicle than city driving, which wears out parts more quickly. Don't forget about maintenance—cars that follow service schedules tend to be more reliable.
So, while mileage isn't everything, it is one of the most obvious indicators of a secondhand car's condition.
What Is the Average Mileage for a Used Car?
When buying a used car, one of the first things to check is the mileage. It helps you figure out how much the car has been used—and if it matches up with its age. In the UK, the average car mileage per year is usually between 5,000 to 8,000 miles. That number has gone down in recent years, especially after Covid-19 changed how many of us travel.
A simple way to check if a car has average mileage is to multiply its age by 10,000. For example, a five-year-old car should have around 50,000 miles. If it’s way over, it might be worth looking into its service records and MOT history.
Mileage is just one piece of the puzzle, but it’s a useful one when making a smart choice.
What’s High Mileage vs Low Mileage in Today’s Market?
Understanding the difference between high and low mileage in today’s market is simpler than it sounds. You just need to look at the mileage on a car compared to its age. In the UK, the average yearly mileage is about 7,400 miles.
If a car drives more than 7,500 miles a year, it’s usually called high mileage. If it’s less, it’s low mileage. For example, a three-year-old car with 30,000 miles has an average of 10,000 miles per year—higher than usual. But a five-year-old car with the same 30,000 miles has only 6,000 miles per year, so it’s low mileage.
Checking the used car mileage like this helps you understand how much the car has really been driven—and what that means for its condition.
How Mileage Affects Used Car Value and Resale Price?
Mileage plays a big role in how much a used car is worth. Generally, every extra 20,000 miles can lower the car’s value by about 20%. That’s because higher mileage on a used car usually means more wear and tear.
This effect is stronger on older cars with lots of miles, which can lose value faster. So, when you’re buying or selling, keeping an eye on mileage helps you understand the price better—and avoid surprises.
How many miles can a car do before it dies?
There’s a big myth about cars dying at 100,000 miles. Many people think once a car hits six figures on the odometer, it’s time to walk away. But that’s not always true. In fact, many cars—especially in places like the US—routinely go well beyond 250,000 miles if they’re looked after properly.
The key is maintenance. A car with a full-service history can last much longer, no matter how many miles it has. Brands like Toyota and Honda are known for their long life, while some luxury or performance cars might need more care to keep going.
Also, a car that’s used regularly tends to do better than one that just sits unused. A 10-year-old car with 150,000 miles might be healthier than one with only 30,000 miles but hasn’t been driven much. If you want to check a car’s history before buying, using a car reg checker and knowing the average miles per year on a car can help you make a smart choice.
Are Low-Mileage Cars Always Better? The Red Flags to Watch For
Low-mileage cars often look great, but they aren’t always better. Sometimes, cars that haven’t been driven enough can develop problems. For example, diesel cars might have issues with their filters not cleaning properly. Tires can get flat spots, and seals may dry out if the car sits too long.
Another red flag is when the mileage doesn’t match the car’s paperwork. This could mean someone tampered with the odometer. Also, cars with very low miles might have been stored poorly, leading to hidden damage like musty smells or worn parts.
So, while a low number sounds good, it’s important to check the car’s history and condition, not just the average mileage for a car. Sometimes, a well-used car is actually a safer bet.
The Impact of Service History on a Car’s Reliability
A full-service history shows a car has been cared for over time. The more miles it has, the more important those records become. Missing or irregular service documents can be a warning sign. Checking the service history helps you know if the car was maintained properly, which is key to its reliability and future performance.
Signs of Good Maintenance: Frequent Inspections Explained
Regular inspections by a mechanic are key to spotting hidden problems like rust, frame damage, or engine troubles. No matter how old or low mileage a car is, a thorough check makes sure its condition matches the story on paper. This helps you avoid surprises and gives you confidence in the car’s true health before you buy.
Is a Newer Car with High Mileage a Bad Deal?
A newer car with high mileage isn’t always a bad deal, but it does come with risks. Sometimes, a car gets a lot of miles in a short time—maybe from long commutes or heavy use. This fast wear-and-tear can mean important parts like the engine or suspension wear out sooner, and fixing those can be expensive.
Even though the car is newer, it might need more maintenance sooner than you expect. This can add up and reduce the money you save by buying a newer vehicle. High mileage also raises questions about how long the car will last compared to others its age with fewer miles.
Also, consider the car’s history. High mileage means rough driving or missed maintenance. Without a service record, you’re taking a chance on hidden problems. Plus, high-mileage cars depreciate faster, so you’ll get less when you want to sell.
In short, weigh the condition and history carefully—sometimes a lower mileage older car is the smarter buy.
Can Low-Mileage Older Cars Be a Smart Buy?
Low-mileage older cars look like a great deal, but there are some things to watch out for. Sometimes, these cars have been sitting unused for a long time, which can cause problems like dried-out seals, rust or worn-out rubber parts. These can lead to expensive repairs even if the mileage is low.
Also, older cars don’t have the modern safety features, better fuel efficiency and tech that newer cars have. That makes them less appealing and lowers their resale value.
Another thing to consider is warranty coverage. Older cars have limited or no warranty, so you’ll end up paying for repairs yourself.
Even with low mileage, an older car still depreciates over time. Weigh these factors before deciding if a low-mileage older car is the right choice for you.
Mileage Considerations When Financing a Used Car?
Mileage matters when you’re financing a used car. Lenders and dealers usually expect you to drive between 8,000 and 10,000 miles a year. They set up contracts based on that assumption.
If you’re leasing or have a finance agreement, going over the agreed mileage can cost you extra. These excess mileage charges cover the extra wear and tear—and the faster drop in your car’s value.
So, it’s a good idea to know your expected mileage before signing to avoid surprises later on.
What the Market Really Thinks About Mileage Today?
Today’s market often values cars with lower mileage more because people expect them to be in better shape and last longer. These cars usually sell for more money. On the other hand, higher mileage cars tend to be cheaper but might need more repairs down the line.
Still, mileage isn’t everything. A well-maintained car with lots of miles can be reliable, while a low-mileage car that wasn’t cared for might cause trouble. So, it’s important to look beyond the numbers and consider how the car was treated over time.
FAQs
What is the best mileage to buy a second hand car?
The best mileage depends on the car’s age, but a good rule is around 7,000 to 10,000 miles per year for petrol cars and a bit less for diesel. Lower mileage usually means less wear, but a well-maintained car with higher miles can still be a great choice.
How many miles should be on a good used car?
A good used car typically has mileage close to the average yearly amount—about 7,000 to 10,000 miles per year. For example, a five-year-old car with 40,000 to 50,000 miles is generally in good shape. Always check the car’s maintenance and history for a clearer picture.
What is a good mileage for a used car in KM?
A good mileage in kilometers is usually around 11,000 to 16,000 km per year for petrol cars, and a bit less for diesel vehicles. Lower mileage often means the car has less wear, but how well the car was cared for matters just as much.
How many miles should a 12-year-old car have done?
For a 12-year-old car, a typical mileage should be a maximum of 120,000 miles, assuming around 10,000 miles per year. If it’s much higher, check its service history carefully. A well-maintained car with higher miles can still be a solid buy.
