How many miles is too many for a used car?

Asked by: Nichole Kozey  |  Last update: August 5, 2023
Score: 4.2/5 (60 votes)

There's no absolute number of miles that is too many for a used car. But consider 200,000 as an upper limit, a threshold where even modern cars begin to succumb to the years of wear and tear.

How many miles is a car considered bad?

As a general rule, most vehicles begin to seriously degrade at around 150,000 miles. It is considered rare, and therefore outstanding longevity, if a car reaches 200,000 miles on the road. That said, there's more to identifying good versus bad mileage on a used car than just the odometer reading.

Is 200000 miles alot for a car?

Typically, putting 12,000 to 15,000 miles on your car per year is viewed as “average.” A car that is driven more than that is considered high-mileage. With proper maintenance, cars can have a life expectancy of about 200,000 miles.

Can a car reach 300 000 miles?

Most Mileage Car FAQ

It is extremely unusual for cars to last over 500,000 miles (804,672 kilometers). It's less unusual for cars to go over 300,000 miles (482,803 kilometers) without encountering major repairs though.

What cars will last 500 000 miles?

While most car pundits claim that a car is reliable if it crosses 200,000 miles, we found cars that went beyond 300,000 miles.
  • 15 Volvo P1800.
  • 14 Porsche 356.
  • 13 Lexus LS 400.
  • 12 Honda Accord.
  • 11 GMC Yukon XL.
  • 10 Toyota Camry.
  • 9 Chevrolet Silverado 1500.
  • 8 Toyota Corolla.

How many miles is too many on your car?

38 related questions found

Is it worth buying a car with over 100K miles?

One of the best reasons to buy a car with 100K miles or more, is that cars have become more and more reliable. It has gotten to the point where it's common to see cars running well past the 200,000-mile mark. That means a car with 100,000 miles on it, would last you more than 6 years if you drive 15,000 miles per year.

What is the most reliable high mileage car?

According to many reputable sources including Carfax, U.S. News, and Consumer Reports, these are some of the most reliable high mileage cars:
  • Subaru Legacy/Outback.
  • Toyota Tacoma.
  • Lexus RX 350.
  • Toyota 4Runner.
  • Ford F-150.
  • Subaru Forester.
  • Honda CR-V.
  • Jeep Cherokee.

Is buying a used car with 100K miles Bad?

A cheap used car with over 100,000 miles will hold its value for much longer than many other vehicles. For example, if you purchase a 10-year-old car with over 100,000 miles for around $8,000, it may only lose $1,000 in value per year—maybe less if well cared for.

Is 175 000 miles on a car bad?

In some cases, you can be fine buying a used car with 150,000 or even 200,000 miles on it, because maintenance helps them last far beyond what many people have come to expect. When considering mileage on a used car, don't take it at face value.

Is it worth buying a used car with high mileage?

Here's the answer: Overall, a car that has been driven enough, has been maintained well, and has high mileage will be a reliable choice. Thanks to modern technology, lifespans have increased. At one point, 100,000 miles were considered to be a long life for a car.

Is 110 000 miles on a car bad?

It can be somewhat risky to buy a vehicle that has racked up more than 100,000 miles. Even if it's well-maintained and has about 100,000 miles left in it, such a car is already past its prime. Generally, vehicles are likely to start experiencing problems after the 100,000-mile mark.

What car brand will last the longest?

Toyota earns the top spot as the best automaker for dependability. Toyota vehicles are known for their longevity, and they are proven to last longer than any other brand. Toyotas are built so well they have below-average maintenance and repair costs, which helps contribute to why they remain on the road for so long.

Is 70k miles too much for a used car?

In most cases, the first service for a used car is usually between 30,000 and 40,000 miles; by the 70,000-mile mark, the service visit is usually more expensive and might require more work, such as changing the timing belt, according to Edmunds.

Is mileage more important than age?

Reliability fades with age

Even when mileage is low, the older a car gets, the less reliable it becomes. Modern cars are much more reliable, even as they age. Five-year-old cars record what is considered a major problem every three years, while 10-year-old cars are more likely to face a problem every 18 to 20 months.

Is 130k miles on a car too much?

Unless you just need a cheap transportation, we recommend avoiding cars with more than 130,000 miles (208,000 km). There are many vehicles that can last much longer, but a lot depends on the mechanical condition. Smaller and turbocharged gasoline engines often have more problems at higher mileage.

What's the most reliable used car?

Most Reliable Used Cars
  • 2017 Lexus ES: Predicted Reliability Score 96.
  • 2017 Lexus ES Hybrid: Predicted Reliability Score 96.
  • 2018 Porsche 911: Predicted Reliability Score 94.
  • 2020 Chevrolet Sonic: Predicted Reliability Score 93.
  • 2019 Genesis G70: Predicted Reliability Score 91.

What's the most reliable car of all time?

What are the Most Reliable Cars of All Time?
  • Honda Civic. Honda's sales today may not compare to the likes of Toyota or Volkswagen, but it is still one of the world's leading automobile and motorcycle manufacturers. ...
  • Honda Accord. ...
  • Honda CR-V. ...
  • Toyota Camry. ...
  • Toyota Corolla. ...
  • Mazda MX-5. ...
  • Mazda 3. ...
  • Lexus LS 400.

What happens when your car reaches 100k miles?

In all likelihood, your transmission fluid, oil, coolant, power steering fluid, and brake fluid will all require to be replaced during your 100,000 mile maintenance appointment.

What car brand has least problems?

1: Lexus - 98.7%

Lexus claims the top spot as the most dependable brand; its cars suffered very few faults and virtually all work was done for free. Its NX SUV is the highest-rated hybrid (pictured), while the smaller UX came fourth in the same category.

What used cars have the least problems?

Here are nine cars for your consideration with the fewest problems.
  • Toyota Corolla (Top-rated compact car) ...
  • Hyundai Sonata (Top-rated midsize car) ...
  • Chevrolet Impala (Top-rated large car) ...
  • Buick Envision (Top-rated compact SUV) ...
  • Hyundai Sante Fe (Top-rated midsize SUV) ...
  • Chevrolet Suburban (Top-rated large SUV)

Is 400 000 miles on a car bad?

THERE is no one secret to getting your car to live to a ripe old odometer reading. Luck could get you there, but it is no surprise that many vehicles that have reached 200,000, 400,000 and even 500,000 miles have received extraordinary care and maintenance, often with the owners doing the routine work themselves.

Is 120 000 miles on a car bad?

Mileage will vary between vehicles, but a decent rule of thumb to follow is that people drive an average of about 12,000 miles a year. Therefore, 120,000 miles would be a good mileage for a used car that's about 10 years old. Determining good mileage for a used car will require a bit of math.