what is good mileage for a used car: 10 Proven Car Care Tips

Overview

Looking for a used car with “good mileage” is like dating someone based solely on their age—it’s just one factor in a complicated relationship. The article explains that maintenance history often trumps mileage numbers, with well-cared-for vehicles frequently outlasting their lower-mileage counterparts, and provides specific inspection tips, test drive guidance, and advice for evaluating vehicles beyond just odometer readings.

Table of Contents

• Understanding Mileage in Used Cars
• What Is Considered Good Mileage for a Used Car?
• Factors Beyond Mileage to Consider
• 10 Proven Tips for Evaluating a Used Car’s Condition
• The Importance of Maintenance History
• High-Mileage Gems: When More Miles Isn’t a Deal-Breaker
• The Essential Test Drive: What to Look For
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding Mileage in Used Cars

When shopping for a used car, the question of “what is good mileage for a used car” often tops the list of concerns for potential buyers. As a mechanic with over 15 years of experience, I’ve seen pristine high-mileage vehicles and problematic low-mileage ones. The truth is, mileage is just one piece of the puzzle.

Mileage is essentially a car’s odometer reading, indicating how many miles it has traveled since rolling off the assembly line. Traditionally, people have used it as a quick way to gauge a vehicle’s remaining useful life. The logic seems straightforward: fewer miles means less wear and tear.

But here’s what most people don’t realize: modern vehicles are engineered to last much longer than their predecessors. Today’s cars can often cruise past the 150,000-mile mark with minimal issues if they’ve been properly maintained. This is why understanding what constitutes “good mileage” requires a more nuanced approach.

At Knows Your Car, we offer honest guidance through our user-friendly platform that helps demystify car maintenance decisions like these. We believe educated car owners make better decisions about their vehicles, regardless of the mileage reading.

What Is Considered Good Mileage for a Used Car?

So what is good mileage for a used car? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, a general rule of thumb is to look for vehicles with 12,000-15,000 miles per year of use or less. For a five-year-old car, that would mean approximately 60,000-75,000 miles would be considered average to good mileage.

However, context matters enormously here. A well-maintained car with 100,000 miles might be a better purchase than a neglected vehicle with 50,000 miles. According to Consumer Reports, many modern vehicles can exceed 200,000 miles with proper care.

The definition of good mileage also varies by vehicle type:

• For compact and midsize sedans: Under 60,000 miles is excellent, 60,000-100,000 is good, and over 100,000 requires careful inspection but isn’t necessarily problematic.
• For SUVs and trucks: These workhorses are often built for longevity. Under 80,000 miles is excellent, 80,000-120,000 is good, and many continue to perform well beyond 150,000 miles.
• For luxury vehicles: Lower mileage is generally preferred (under 50,000 miles) as repairs can be costly, but a well-maintained luxury vehicle can still provide excellent value at higher mileages.

Remember that highway miles are generally easier on a vehicle than city miles with constant stopping and starting. A car with 80,000 highway miles may actually have less wear than one with 60,000 city miles.

Factors Beyond Mileage to Consider

Looking beyond the odometer reading is crucial when buying a used car. From my years in the garage, I can tell you that these factors often predict reliability better than mileage alone:

Maintenance History

A comprehensive service record is worth its weight in gold. A vehicle that’s received regular oil changes, timing belt replacements, and recommended services on schedule has a much better prognosis regardless of mileage. Ask for maintenance records or check for service stickers under the hood.

Previous Ownership

Cars with a single previous owner often fare better than those that have changed hands multiple times. Single-owner vehicles typically receive more consistent care and attention. Vehicle history reports can show the number of previous owners.

Usage Pattern

How a car was driven matters immensely. A former fleet vehicle might have high mileage but mostly from gentle highway driving. Conversely, a delivery vehicle with lower mileage might have endured countless short trips and constant stop-and-go driving, which causes more wear.

Storage Conditions

Cars regularly parked outside in extreme weather conditions (particularly in coastal or snowy regions where salt is present) tend to deteriorate faster than garage-kept vehicles. Look for signs of weather-related wear on paint, trim, and undercarriage.

Make and Model Reliability

Some vehicles are simply built to last longer. Toyota and Honda, for example, have reputations for producing cars that commonly exceed 200,000 miles. Research reliability ratings for specific models you’re considering through resources like J.D. Power reliability studies.

These factors working together give you a much more accurate picture of a used car’s condition and potential longevity than mileage alone. At Knows Your Car, we’ve created a user-friendly platform that helps buyers understand these critical factors beyond the odometer reading.

10 Proven Tips for Evaluating a Used Car’s Condition

Looking at what is good mileage for a used car is just the starting point. Here are 10 proven tips to help you thoroughly evaluate any used vehicle you’re considering:

1. Check fluid conditions – Engine oil should be amber to light brown (not black or milky). Transmission fluid should be red, not brown or burned-smelling. Coolant should be green, orange, or pink (depending on type) but never rusty.
2. Inspect belts and hoses – These rubber components deteriorate over time. Look for cracks, fraying, or brittleness. Replacing them is relatively inexpensive but indicates attention to maintenance.
3. Test all electronics – From power windows to infotainment systems, electrical issues can be expensive to repair. Make sure everything works as expected.
4. Look for uneven tire wear – This can indicate alignment issues or problems with the suspension. Tires should show even wear patterns across the tread.
5. Check for leaks – After the test drive, look beneath the vehicle for any fluid drips. Clean pavement under a used car is always a good sign.
6. Examine the exhaust smoke – Blue smoke indicates oil burning, black smoke suggests rich fuel mixture, and white smoke (when engine is warm) could mean coolant leaking into cylinders—all potentially serious issues.
7. Listen for unusual noises – Knocking, ticking, or grinding sounds while driving could indicate engine, transmission, or bearing problems. A quiet engine is typically a healthy engine.
8. Check the suspension – Push down on each corner of the car and release. It should bounce once or twice then stop. Continued bouncing suggests worn shock absorbers.
9. Inspect for rust – Look particularly at the undercarriage, wheel wells, and where body panels meet. Surface rust might be cosmetic, but structural rust is a serious concern.
10. Get a pre-purchase inspection – Perhaps most importantly, have an independent mechanic thoroughly inspect any used car before purchasing. The $100-200 cost could save thousands in unexpected repairs.

Following these tips will give you a comprehensive understanding of a vehicle’s condition that goes far beyond what the odometer tells you. Many of my customers at Knows Your Car have found gems with higher mileage by being thorough with these inspections.

The Importance of Maintenance History

In my decades turning wrenches, I’ve seen it time and again: maintenance history trumps mileage. A meticulously maintained vehicle with 120,000 miles will almost always outlast a neglected one with 70,000 miles. But what exactly should you look for in a maintenance history?

First, regular oil changes are the foundation of proper vehicle care. Look for evidence of oil changes every 3,000-7,500 miles (depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations and oil type). This simple maintenance task significantly extends engine life.

Next, check for timing belt replacements if applicable. Many vehicles need this critical component replaced around 90,000-100,000 miles. Skipping this service can lead to catastrophic engine failure in interference engines.

Major services at manufacturer-recommended intervals are another good sign. These typically occur at 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 miles and include comprehensive inspections and replacements of wearing components.

How can you verify maintenance history? Here are some methods:

• Request service records from the seller
• Look for service stickers in the door jamb or under the hood
• Check for digital service records through the manufacturer if the vehicle was serviced at dealerships
• Review CarFax or similar vehicle history reports for service record information
• Inspect components that should have been replaced at certain intervals (like spark plugs) to verify maintenance claims

Remember that maintenance performed at a dealership or reputable independent shop generally provides more assurance than DIY maintenance, though careful home mechanics can certainly maintain vehicles properly. The key is documentation and consistency.

High-Mileage Gems: When More Miles Isn’t a Deal-Breaker

Don’t automatically dismiss a vehicle with high mileage. Some of the best deals in the used car market are well-maintained vehicles with above-average mileage. These cars often come with substantial discounts despite having plenty of life left in them.

Certain vehicle brands and models are particularly known for longevity. Toyota Camrys, Honda Accords, and many full-size trucks from major manufacturers routinely exceed 200,000 miles without major mechanical issues. According to iSeeCars research, many modern vehicles can reach 200,000 miles and beyond with proper care.

When considering a higher-mileage vehicle, pay special attention to:

• Major component replacements – Has the vehicle already had items like the water pump, alternator, or starter replaced? If so, these new components may have many miles of life left.
• Consistent ownership – A single owner who has put 120,000 miles on a car but maintained it meticulously is often preferable to multiple owners with less mileage.
• Highway versus city miles – Highway miles cause significantly less wear than stop-and-go driving. A highway-driven car with higher mileage may have less overall wear.
• Recent major services – If the timing belt, water pump, and other 100,000-mile services have just been performed, you’re essentially getting those components “new” regardless of the odometer reading.

Consider that the steepest depreciation occurs in a vehicle’s first few years. By purchasing a well-maintained higher-mileage vehicle, you avoid the worst depreciation while potentially getting many years of reliable service.

At Knows Your Car, our user-friendly platform can help you understand which high-mileage vehicles represent good values and which ones to avoid. We believe in honest assessments that look beyond just the numbers on the odometer.

The Essential Test Drive: What to Look For

The test drive is your opportunity to evaluate how a used car performs in real-world conditions, regardless of what the odometer says about what is good mileage for a used car. Here’s how to make the most of your test drive:

Before Starting the Engine

Begin with a cold start. Listen carefully for any unusual noises as the engine turns over. A healthy engine should start promptly without excessive cranking. Watch the exhaust – excessive smoke during startup can indicate engine problems.

During the Drive

Test the vehicle under various conditions. Accelerate from stops to feel for hesitation or transmission issues. Drive at highway speeds to check for vibrations or pulling. Test the brakes in a safe area – they should feel firm and stop the vehicle in a straight line without pulling to either side.

Pay attention to how the steering feels. It should be responsive without excessive play or resistance. On a safe, straight road, briefly remove your hands from the wheel to see if the vehicle maintains a straight path or pulls to one side.

Testing Features

During your drive, test all features and systems:

• Climate control (both heating and air conditioning)
• Audio system and speakers
• Power accessories (windows, locks, seats, mirrors)
• Navigation and infotainment systems
• Safety features like blind spot monitoring or backup cameras

Listen Carefully

Turn off the radio and listen for concerning sounds:

• Grinding or whining from the transmission when shifting
• Clunking or rattling from the suspension over bumps
• Engine knocking or ticking under acceleration
• Wind noise that might indicate poor sealing around doors or windows

A thorough test drive often reveals issues that even a mechanical inspection might miss. Take your time and drive in conditions similar to your typical driving patterns. And remember, the seller’s eagerness to shorten the test drive might be a red flag.

Conclusion

When considering what is good mileage for a used car, remember that the odometer reading is just one factor in a complex equation. While generally, lower mileage vehicles (around 12,000-15,000 miles per year or less) might represent better value, a well-maintained higher mileage car often outperforms a neglected low-mileage one.

The key takeaways from this comprehensive guide are:

• Maintenance history often matters more than absolute mileage
• Different vehicle types and brands have different mileage expectations
• A thorough inspection and test drive reveal more than the odometer
• Highway miles are generally less damaging than city miles
• The right high-mileage vehicle can represent an excellent value

At Knows Your Car, our user-friendly platform is designed to help you navigate these complexities with honest, straightforward advice. We believe in empowering car owners with the knowledge they need to make confident decisions about their vehicles, whether they’re shopping for a used car or maintaining their current one.

Remember that the best approach is a balanced one – consider mileage alongside maintenance history, vehicle condition, and your specific needs. With careful evaluation and the tips provided in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to find a reliable used vehicle that will serve you well for years to come, regardless of what the odometer reads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 100,000 miles too much for a used car?

Not necessarily. Many modern vehicles can easily last 200,000+ miles with proper maintenance, making a well-maintained 100,000-mile car potentially halfway through its useful life.

Do highway miles or city miles cause more wear on a vehicle?

City miles typically cause more wear due to frequent stopping, starting, and idling. Highway driving is generally easier on a vehicle’s components.

What’s more important: low mileage or recent model year?

It depends on your priorities. A newer model may have better technology and safety features, while a low-mileage older car might have less wear on mechanical components.

How can I verify the mileage on a used car is accurate?

Check the vehicle history report through services like CarFax or AutoCheck. Also look for consistency between mileage records on service documents, the odometer, and the vehicle’s physical condition.

What’s the average annual mileage I should expect on a used car?

The average driver puts about 12,000-15,000 miles per year on a vehicle. Significantly higher or lower numbers might indicate highway commuting or limited use, respectively.