At what mileage does a car lose the most value?
Asked by: Sandrine Hermann | Last update: June 25, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (52 votes)
At what mileage is it best to sell a car?
60,000-70,000 miles: Most manufacturers' powertrain warranties expire in that range, and the second major maintenance is scheduled to occur. Selling before reaching those benchmarks will get you a better price for your car than selling afterward.
Does car value drop after 100k miles?
Vehicles stop depreciating at various times depending on many factors. Car depreciation rates usually slow down after a vehicle's odometer hits 100,000 miles. Of course, there are exceptions.
At what mileage does a car start to lose value?
Each mileage milestone you pass can dramatically reduce the value of your car. The first one is 30,000 to 40,000 miles, which is when the first routine services are usually scheduled, according to Edmunds. The next milestone is 60,000 to 70,000 miles, when more expensive car components tend to start failing.
What is the best mileage to trade in a car?
The best mileage range to trade in a car is often between 30-40,000 miles or between two and three years old, before your new car warranties expire. You're more likely to receive a higher trade-in appraisal when it has fewer miles on it and more of its warranty left .
Why Cars Lose Their Value So Fast
What mileage is too high when buying a used car?
Traditional wisdom used to warn car buyers to keep away from vehicles with over 100,000 miles. Put simply, though, the 100,000 mile-marker is no longer a good indicator for buying used. If a vehicle has been properly maintained, it can last several hundred thousand miles.
When not to trade in your car?
When Not to Trade In a Car. Although there are exceptions to this rule — as there are for most rules — don't trade in a car that is worth less than what you owe. In other words, if you get less when trading it in than the loan payoff, don't do it.
At what mileage is a car not worth fixing?
Based on this figure, a 10-year-old car would have approximately 135,000 miles on the odometer. At this mileage, major components like the engine, transmission, and suspension system may be nearing the end of their lifespan, increasing the risk of costly repairs.
What is the best mileage to get rid of a car?
60,000 to 100,000 Miles
If you want to squeeze the most value out of your vehicle, this mileage bracket is probably the best time to sell. While your car may need a couple of expensive repairs to run properly, it shouldn't entirely give up on you if it has been well-maintained.
What brings down car value?
Several factors can affect the resale value of your car. These include mileage, age, condition, location, color, make and model. You can retain your car's value by regularly maintaining it and avoiding modifications that could decrease its appeal to buyers.
What affects car value the most?
Many factors figure into the value of a used car, but mileage and condition are the most important. After that, options, location, and color are influencing factors.
Is it a good idea to buy a car with over 100 000 miles?
What is considered high mileage on a car? Often, 100,000 miles is considered a cut-off point for used cars because older vehicles often start requiring more expensive and frequent maintenance when mileage exceeds 100,000.
How much does 3000 miles devalue a car?
For the first three thousand miles or so, cars usually drop about $5,000-$10,000, so it averages out to around $1.50 to $3 per mile. After that, the price drop is lower, and can go from around $. 25 to $. 5 per mile.
Do dealerships buy cars with high mileage?
These days, some dealerships will take high-mileage vehicles with upwards of 150,000 miles driven. Also, many manufacturers started certifying pre-owned cars with higher mileage. Tighter-than-usual inventory means cars once bound for auctions and buy here, pay here lots now land in the franchised dealership lot.
How long should I keep a car for?
How long should you keep a car? A typical car is expected to last 200,000 miles or more, with electric or hybrid vehicles going up to 300,000 miles. If you drive the average number of miles for an American, a typical car should last you about 14 years and an electric car will last about 21 years.
Does high mileage devalue a car?
Generally, the higher the mileage, the lower the car's value. This is because high-mileage vehicles are perceived to have experienced more wear, increasing the likelihood of repairs and maintenance needs.
What mileage is not worth buying?
That said, based on the 12,000 miles per year rule, you can get a general idea of what type of mileage to expect on a used vehicle. If a car has accumulated far more than 12,000 miles per year, you may want to consider a different vehicle.
What is the best number of years to keep a car?
In conclusion, the optimal time to keep a car for the best value typically falls between three to five years after purchase. Understanding depreciation, market trends, and personal circumstances can help you make informed decisions about when to sell.
Is it worth keeping a car with 200k miles?
Yes, it can be a fair idea to buy a car with 200,000 miles, provided that the vehicle has been well-maintained. While high mileage might be a concern for some buyers, a car's condition and the care it's received throughout its life are far more important indicators of its potential longevity.
At what mileage should I sell my car?
Somewhere in between the 50,000-mile and 60,000-mile mark seems to be the sweet spot for selling used cars. Once your car reaches 60,000 miles, you might have to start dealing with more major repairs than you had to tackle before. You can avoid them while still making a nice profit when you sell your car at this point.
At what mileage do cars become unreliable?
Much comes down to keeping your car well maintained. If you follow the manufacturer's service intervals, a modern car from a brand known for reliability should be capable of 200,000 miles or more.
Is it worth putting money into an old car?
Investing in repairs for an old vehicle may not always be the best move for your finances. Repairing an old vehicle can help you avoid high new and used car prices — and high interest rates. If you're facing expensive repairs on an older vehicle, buying a new vehicle may save you money over the long run.
What should you not say when trading in a car?
Telling a salesperson upfront that you have a trade-in adds another ingredient to the car-buying stew they'll cook up for you. The more numbers you have in the game, the more chances they have to manipulate the final price or monthly payment.
At what mileage should I get a new car?
Newer vehicles equipped with timing belts can go up to 100,000 miles before requiring replacement. Older vehicles, on the contrary, should be replaced sooner, around 60,000 miles. Thankfully, modern cars now mostly use timing chains, which last longer.
Do new tires add value to a car?
Older tires may decrease the value of the car, while newer tires can add value. Tires wear over time, which can cause cracks or bulges. If you notice these signs on the vehicle's tires, you can often negotiate a lower price because you'll have to replace the vehicle's tires soon.