At what mileage is a car considered high-mileage?
Asked by: Kirstin Flatley MD | Last update: June 2, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (52 votes)
How many miles is too high for a used car?
How Many Miles Are Too Many for a Used Car? When it comes to determining how many miles are too many for a used car, there isn't a hard-and-fast rule. 200,000 miles is generally the upper limit for even well-maintained vehicles. However, mileage alone shouldn't be the deciding factor.
What is considered high mileage on a car?
In general, a car is considered to have high mileage once it crosses the 100,000-mile mark. However, it's not just the number that matters but the implications this figure may have on the vehicle's performance, reliability, and longevity.
At what mileage should a car be replaced?
A conventional car can last for 200,000 miles. Some well-maintained car models will reach 300,000 or more miles total. The average passenger car age is currently around 12 years in the United States. Choosing a well-built make and model can help extend your car's longevity.
How much mileage is too high on a car?
So, for an easy way to calculate how many miles on a used car is too much, just multiply its age by 10,000. For example, a five-year-old car would ideally have 50,000 miles or less on its odometer. If a car's mileage is far larger than the average, then you will have to take a deeper look at the car's history.
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At what mileage is a car considered old?
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.
What is the best mileage to buy a used car?
As a general rule, you should assume that the average car owner puts 12,000 miles on a car each year. To determine whether a car has reasonable mileage, you can simply multiply 12,000 by its age. That means good mileage for a car that's 5 years old is 60,000.
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 matters more, mileage or age?
Ultimately, the decision to prioritize age or mileage depends on a variety of factors, including the car's intended use, budget and personal preferences. If reliability and safety are paramount, a newer car with moderate mileage might be the ideal choice.
At what mileage should I get rid of my car?
It's a good idea to sell your car before it hits 60,000 miles if you don't want to spend a lot of money on repairs and replacement parts. During this mileage bracket, your car should be about five years old, meaning it'll still command a substantial amount.
At what mileage do cars start having problems?
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Now, they can last about 100,000 miles before needing replacement. You can also see this in how much carmakers have extended warranties in recent years. Across the industry, 100,000-mile powertrain warranties are fairly standard.
Is it worth fixing a car with 200k miles?
Depending on the car's value, repairing it might be worth the money to keep it going for a few more years. However, most modern gasoline-powered vehicles will start to struggle after the 200,000-mile mark. Electric cars can usually make it up to 300,000 miles before they're considered well used.
What kind of mileage is too high?
Mechanics usually agree on the figure as 'average' car use. More than that is considered high mileage, so a three-year-old car with 40,000 miles, for example, would be in the high mileage range. Still, mechanics typically use the phrase 'high mileage' when a car has 100,000 miles or more on the odometer.
How many miles on a car is a red flag?
If you see a used car that's just two years old and has 40,000 or 50,000 on the odometer already, that's a bit of a red flag, as it shows that the car has been driven far more than other examples in the same year, make and model. That said, the 12,000 figure, while a good rule of thumb, isn't infallible.
Is it worth buying a car with 300k miles?
It all comes down to how well the car has been taken care of and that – more than anything – will determine when buying a high-mileage used automobile is or isn't a fool-hearty idea. A 100,000 hard-driven miles might as well be 300,000 – no matter how good the automobile looks.
What mileage is not worth buying?
For the most part, you want to look for low mileage used cars. There's no rule to how many miles on a used car is too much, but by attempting to stick to the 12,000 miles per year rule is a great place to start.
Is a 7 year old car too old?
Some may also still be covered under the factory warranty. Cars older than eight to 10 years will be a riskier option, depending on the driving and maintenance history, while vehicles over 15 to 20 are usually nearing the end of their service lives.
When should I switch to high mileage?
If your vehicle has more than 75,000 miles on the odometer, you may want to start thinking about switching to high mileage oil, especially if you intend on keeping the vehicle for years to come. High mileage oil could be beneficial if you notice any of the following issues: Increased oil consumption.
At what mileage do most cars break down?
Cars don't have a set mileage where they break down. Today's cars are built to last and can often go over 200,000 miles without trouble if maintained well.
At what mileage should I sell my 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.
When to stop putting money into car repairs?
If the cost of repairs exceeds the car's value, it's probably best to get a new car instead. Sometimes, when a car with high mileage needs a significant repair or if your car is totaled, you might consider replacing it with a new or used vehicle.
Is it better to get an older car with less miles or a newer car with more miles?
“I would lean more toward newer vehicles, even if they have more miles,” says Jennifer Stockburger, director of operations at Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center. “And the reason I say that is because there have been so many advances in terms of safety and fuel economy.
How many miles is acceptable for a used car?
Typically, a vehicle with 75,000 – 100,000 miles on the odometer is a good deal, but with recent advances in vehicle technology, cars with over 100,000 miles can help drivers save and last for many years to come on Toms River roads.
How many miles should a 2008 car have in 2024?
What Is Considered Good Mileage? For 2024 car shoppers, the commonly accepted average is about 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year. Therefore, a five-year-old car with around 60,000 to 75,000 miles is considered average.