How Many Miles Is Good For a Used Car?
Mileage, maintenance facts, and buying tips that matter.
The short answer: A good rule of thumb is 12,000 miles per year. So a 5-year-old used car with 60,000 miles or less is generally considered good mileage. But the real story depends on the car’s age, condition, and how those miles were driven.
When you’re shopping for a used car, mileage matters, but it’s not the only thing that matters. A well-maintained higher-mileage car can be a much better buy than a neglected low-mileage one. Here’s everything you need to know to make the right choice:
TL;DR
- Average mileage: 12,000 miles per year is typical
- Low mileage: Under 10,000 miles per year is great (but check why it’s so low)
- High mileage: Over 15,000 miles per year isn’t necessarily bad if the car was well-maintained
- Sweet spot: 60,000-80,000 miles on a 5-7 year old car often gives you the best value
What’s considered good mileage for a used car?
Most automotive experts agree that the average car gets driven about 12,000 miles per year. This number helps you quickly assess whether a used vehicle has good mileage for its age.
Here’s the math:
- 1-year-old car: 12,000 miles or less = good
- 3-year-old car: 36,000 miles or less = good
- 5-year-old car: 60,000 miles or less = good
- 10-year-old car: 120,000 miles or less = good
But don’t stop at the odometer reading. A pre-owned vehicle with slightly higher mileage that’s been properly maintained often beats a lower-mileage car that’s been ignored.
Low mileage vs. high mileage: what’s the deal?
Low mileage cars (under 10,000 miles per year) can be great finds, but ask yourself why the mileage is so low. Was it a weekend car? Great. Did it sit unused for months at a time? That could mean issues from lack of use, seals dry out, fluids break down, and parts can seize up.
High-mileage cars (over 15,000 miles per year) aren’t automatically bad news. Highway driving actually causes less wear and tear than city miles full of stop-and-go traffic. The key is understanding how those miles happened. Highway driving is easier on engines, brakes, and transmissions than constant city driving with lots of stops and starts.
What matters more than mileage
Here’s what smart used car buyers focus on beyond the odometer:
Maintenance history
A higher mileage car with regular oil changes, tune-ups, and documented service beats a lower-mileage car with no maintenance records every time. Ask for maintenance records and look for consistent upkeep.
Overall condition
Take a good look at the car’s condition inside and out. Check for excessive wear and tear on the seats, pedals, and steering wheel. These can tell you more about how the car was treated than the odometer reading alone.
Vehicle history report
Get a report to check for accidents, flood damage, or other red flags. A clean history matters more than perfect mileage numbers.
Previous owner habits
One careful previous owner who did regular maintenance is worth more than three owners who barely kept up with oil changes.
Age vs. mileage: which matters more?
Both matter, but in different ways. A 2-year-old car with 50,000 miles (high mileage) might still have most of its warranty left and modern reliability features. A 10-year-old car with 80,000 miles (good mileage) has more potential age-related issues like worn seals, aging rubber, and outdated tech.
Generally, if you’re choosing between two similar cars, pick the newer one with higher mileage over the older one with lower mileage.
Sweet spots for different budgets
Here’s where to focus your search based on what you want to spend.
Best overall value: 3-5 years old, 40,000-70,000 miles
You avoid the steepest depreciation while getting a relatively modern car with good reliability.
Budget-conscious: 6-8 years old, 80,000-110,000 miles
These cars have taken their biggest depreciation hit but often have years of life left, especially from reliable brands like Toyota and Honda.
Premium choice: 1-3 years old, under 30,000 miles
You’ll pay more, but you get near-new condition with most of the warranty intact.
Red flags to watch for
Keep an eye out for these signs that might signal potential issues.
- Unusually low mileage on older cars (could indicate problems or odometer issues)
- Extremely high mileage in a short time (possible rental or fleet vehicle)
- Inconsistent maintenance records or no records at all
- Wear patterns that don’t match the odometer reading
Shopping tips for different mileage ranges
These strategies will help you find the best deal regardless of your mileage preferences.
Certified pre-owned vehicles
These typically have lower mileage and come with extended warranties. You’ll pay more, but you get extra peace of mind and often better financing options.
Test drive thoroughly
Take the car on highways and city streets. Listen for unusual noises, check how it handles, and make sure everything works properly. A good test drive tells you more than the odometer ever will.
Consider the brand
Some brands handle high mileage better than others. Toyota and Honda vehicles often run well past 200,000 miles with proper care. Luxury brands might need more expensive maintenance as they age.
Factor in future costs
A lower-priced, higher-mileage car might need more repairs sooner. Budget for maintenance, especially if you’re buying something with over 100,000 miles.
Don’t forget: insuring your used car
Once you’ve found the right used car, you’ll need to get it insured before driving it home. Age and mileage affect your car insurance rates too. Newer cars with advanced safety features might qualify for discounts, while older high-mileage cars are typically cheaper to insure since they’re worth less.
Get quotes before you buy so you know the total cost of ownership. Some cars cost significantly more to insure due to repair costs, theft rates, or safety ratings, so it’s smart to factor insurance into your decision.
Before we go…
Good mileage on a used car isn’t just about the number on the odometer. It’s about finding the right balance of age, mileage, condition, and maintenance history for your needs and budget.
Here’s the thing though: No matter what used car you choose, you’ll need insurance coverage before you can drive it off from the dealership. The good news? Getting a car insurance quote is quick and easy. You can see what coverage will cost before you even make your final decision on which car to buy.
Used car mileage FAQs
What's considered high mileage for a used car?
Generally, over 15,000 miles per year is considered high mileage. So a 5-year-old car with more than 75,000 miles would be high-mileage. But high mileage isn’t automatically bad if the car has good maintenance records and the miles were mostly highway driving.
Is 100,000 miles on a used car too much?
Not necessarily. Many modern cars easily run well past 200,000 miles with proper care. The key is the car’s age and maintenance history. An 8-year-old car with 100,000 miles (average mileage) from a reliable brand like Toyota or Honda can still have many good years left.
Should I buy a 10-year-old car with low mileage?
It depends on why the mileage is so low. If it was well-maintained but driven infrequently, it could be a great deal. But cars that sit unused can develop problems from seals drying out and fluids breaking down. Get a thorough inspection and check the maintenance records.
What's better: newer cars with high mileage or older cars with low mileage?
Usually the newer car with higher mileage, assuming both have good maintenance records. Newer cars have better safety features, more remaining warranty coverage, and fewer age-related issues like worn seals and aging components.
How can I tell if a used car's mileage is accurate?
Look for wear patterns that match the odometer reading. Check the pedals, steering wheel, gear shifter, and seats for wear. Get a vehicle history report to see if the mileage is consistent with previous records. If something seems off, have a mechanic inspect the car before buying.
A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states.
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