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Good mileage for a used car falls between 12,000-15,000 miles per year of the vehicle’s age. A 5-year-old car should ideally have 60,000-75,000 miles on the odometer[1]. Americans drive an average of 12,182 miles annually according to the Federal Highway Administration[2], making this benchmark reliable for evaluating whether a vehicle has been used normally. But here’s the catch: maintenance history matters far more than mileage alone[3].
The 12,000-Mile Per Year Rule Explained
The 12,000-mile annual benchmark emerged from insurance industry data and remains the most reliable assessment tool for used car shoppers.
| Vehicle Age | Expected Mileage Range | Sweet Spot |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 10,000-15,000 | 12,000 |
| 3 years | 30,000-45,000 | 36,000 |
| 5 years | 50,000-75,000 | 60,000 |
| 7 years | 70,000-105,000 | 84,000 |
| 10 years | 100,000-150,000 | 120,000 |
This figure represents the sweet spot where normal usage meets reasonable wear expectations[1]. Vehicles driven significantly more suggest heavy commuting or road trip use. Vehicles driven significantly less might indicate extended sitting—which creates its own problems.
Why does 12,000 miles work? It indicates regular but not excessive use, suggests proper maintenance intervals were met, and aligns with manufacturer warranty calculations. Most lease agreements cap annual mileage at 10,000-12,000 miles for the same reason[2].
What’s Considered High Mileage?
There’s no absolute threshold, but general categories help frame the decision.
| Category | Mileage Range | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Low mileage | Under 30,000 | Excellent condition expected |
| Average mileage | 30,000-60,000 | Normal wear for 2-5 year old vehicle |
| High mileage | 60,000-100,000 | Requires careful inspection |
| Very high mileage | Over 100,000 | Major maintenance may be due[4] |
That said, a well-maintained Toyota with 150,000 miles can easily outlast a neglected BMW with 50,000 miles. Modern engines and transmissions routinely last 150,000 to 200,000 miles when owners follow manufacturer maintenance schedules[3].
For context on specific problem years, check our guides on Audi A4 years to avoid, Audi Q5 years to avoid, or Honda Accord years to avoid—model year often matters more than mileage.
Which Cars Last 200,000 Miles or More?
Brand reputation matters enormously when evaluating high-mileage vehicles. The 2025 iSeeCars Longest-Lasting Cars study analyzed nearly 400 million vehicles to determine which are most likely to reach 250,000 miles[5].
| Rank | Model | Chance of Reaching 250K Miles |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toyota Sequoia | 39.1%[5] |
| 2 | Toyota 4Runner | 32.9% |
| 3 | Toyota Highlander Hybrid | 31.0% |
| 4 | Toyota Tundra | 30.0% |
| 5 | Lexus IS | 27.5% |
| 6 | Toyota Tacoma | 25.3% |
| 7 | Toyota Avalon | 18.9% |
| 8 | Lexus GX | 18.3% |
| 9 | Honda Ridgeline | 14.7% |
| 10 | Honda Pilot | 13.1% |
The average vehicle has just a 4.8% chance of hitting 250,000 miles[5]. Toyota dominates with 10 models in the top 25, followed by Honda with five. Consumer Reports similarly lists the Toyota Camry, Honda CR-V, Honda Accord, and Toyota Prius as vehicles most likely to exceed 200,000 miles[6].
By brand, Toyota vehicles have a 17.8% predicted chance of reaching 250,000 miles—nearly four times the industry average[5]. Lexus follows at 12.8%, Honda at 10.8%, and Acura at 7.2%.
Age vs. Mileage: Which Matters More?
This is the question every used car shopper wrestles with. A newer car with higher miles or an older car with lower miles?
Maintenance records trump both age and mileage[3]. A decade-old car with 100,000 documented miles may be a better buy than a 5-year-old car with 50,000 miles and no service history. That said, each factor creates different concerns.
Why Mileage Matters
Higher mileage means more wear on mechanical components. Engines, transmissions, brakes, and suspension all experience cumulative stress with each mile driven. Not all miles are equal, though—100,000 highway miles cause less wear than 60,000 city miles full of stop-and-go traffic[3].
Why Age Matters
Time degrades materials regardless of use. Rubber seals, gaskets, and hoses dry out and crack. Fluids lose effectiveness. Batteries weaken. A 15-year-old car with only 40,000 miles may have rot issues that a 7-year-old car with 100,000 miles doesn’t[7].
The verdict? An older vehicle with lower miles typically means more cold starts, more warm-up cycles, and more short trips. A newer vehicle with higher miles generally means fewer engine starts, more highway time, and less brake wear[3]. Neither is automatically better—it depends on how each was maintained.
Red Flags: Too High and Too Low
Both extremes should raise questions.
Suspiciously Low Mileage
A 10-year-old car with 20,000 miles sounds appealing but creates concerns[4]:
- Fluids may have degraded from sitting
- Rubber components dry rot without regular use
- Tires can crack even without wear
- Brakes may seize from inactivity
- Battery life shortens regardless of driving
Extended idle periods cause parts to deteriorate, seals to dry out, and batteries to fail[4]. If the car sat for months or years at a time, prepare for expensive repairs even with low odometer readings.
Extremely High Mileage
Beyond 100,000 miles, major maintenance becomes unavoidable[4]. Timing belts, water pumps, and transmission services typically fall due between 60,000-100,000 miles. If the seller can’t prove these services were completed, assume you’ll pay for them.
Financing also becomes difficult. Major banks typically exclude vehicles with 125,000+ miles from standard auto loans. Smaller banks and credit unions may cap at 100,000 miles[3]. Even if you’re paying cash, consider that high-mileage vehicles are harder to sell later.
How to Evaluate a Used Car’s Mileage
Before buying any used vehicle, follow this assessment process:
- Calculate expected mileage — Multiply the vehicle’s age by 12,000. Compare to the odometer reading
- Request service records — Complete maintenance history matters more than any single number
- Check the Carfax or AutoCheck report — Verify the odometer hasn’t been rolled back and review accident history
- Consider the type of miles — Highway commuting is gentler than city driving with constant braking
- Research the specific model — Some years have known issues that make high mileage riskier
- Get a pre-purchase inspection — Pay $100-150 for a mechanic to evaluate condition
For German luxury vehicles like Audi or BMW, mileage concerns amplify. These cars often require expensive maintenance at regular intervals, and repair costs climb significantly after warranty expiration. Always verify what type of gas your vehicle requires and maintenance costs before committing.
Best Mileage Range for Different Budgets
Your budget determines which mileage tier makes sense.
| Budget | Target Mileage | Target Age | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000-10,000 | 80,000-120,000 | 7-10 years | Lower purchase price offsets higher maintenance risk |
| $10,000-20,000 | 50,000-80,000 | 4-7 years | Balance of depreciation and remaining life |
| $20,000-30,000 | 30,000-50,000 | 2-4 years | Modern features with significant depreciation absorbed |
| $30,000+ | Under 30,000 | 1-3 years | Near-new condition with warranty remaining |
AutoTrader recommends considering 4- to 6-year-old vehicles with around 50,000 miles as a sweet spot[3]. These cars have absorbed initial depreciation but still have substantial life remaining.
Key Takeaways
- Target 12,000-15,000 miles per year of vehicle age as your baseline for evaluating any used car’s odometer reading[1][2]
- Maintenance records matter more than mileage—a well-documented 100,000-mile car beats a neglected 50,000-mile car[3]
- Toyota and Honda vehicles last longest, with Toyota models 3.7x more likely than average to reach 250,000 miles[5]
- Both extremes raise concerns—suspiciously low mileage can indicate sitting damage while very high mileage means major services are due[4]
- Highway miles are gentler than city miles, so consider how the vehicle was used, not just how much[3]
- Financing limits exist—most lenders cap loans at 100,000-125,000 miles regardless of vehicle condition[3]
FAQs
Is 100,000 miles too much for a used car?
Not necessarily. Modern vehicles routinely last 150,000-200,000 miles with proper maintenance[3]. The key is verifying that scheduled services—particularly timing belt replacement, transmission service, and major fluid flushes—have been completed. Toyota and Honda models with 100,000 well-documented miles often have 100,000+ miles of reliable service remaining. German luxury brands require more caution at this threshold due to expensive maintenance requirements[7].
How many miles per year is too many?
Vehicles driven over 15,000 miles annually are considered high-usage[1]. While this isn’t automatically disqualifying, it suggests heavier wear than average. A 3-year-old car with 60,000 miles (20,000/year) has experienced significantly more mechanical stress than one with 36,000 miles. Focus on whether the heavy usage was highway (preferable) or city driving (harder on components)[3].
What mileage is too low for a used car?
Vehicles with under 3,000-5,000 miles per year raise red flags[4]. A 5-year-old car with 10,000 miles likely sat for extended periods. Infrequent driving causes rubber components to dry rot, fluids to degrade, and batteries to fail. These issues can cost more to address than normal wear from regular driving. Always ask why mileage is unusually low and inspect for signs of neglect[4].
Do highway miles count the same as city miles?
No. Highway miles are considerably easier on vehicles than city miles[3]. Stop-and-go city driving stresses brakes, transmissions, and engines through constant speed changes and heating/cooling cycles. Highway cruising at steady speeds minimizes wear on these components. A car with 100,000 highway miles may have less mechanical wear than one with 60,000 city miles[3].
Which brands last longest with high mileage?
Toyota, Lexus, Honda, and Acura consistently rank highest for longevity[5]. The iSeeCars study shows Toyota vehicles have a 17.8% chance of reaching 250,000 miles versus the 4.8% industry average. The Toyota Sequoia leads all models with a 39.1% chance of hitting that milestone[5]. Consumer Reports similarly identifies Toyota Camry, Honda CR-V, Honda Accord, and Toyota Prius as most likely to exceed 200,000 miles[6].
References
- Autvex. (2025). How Many Miles Is Good for a Used Car? Complete Guide. https://autvex.com/how-many-miles-is-good-for-a-used-car/
- Kelley Blue Book. (2025). Average Miles Driven Per Year: Why It Is Important. https://www.kbb.com/car-advice/average-miles-driven-per-year/
- AutoTrader. (2025). What Is More Important When Buying a Used Car: Miles or Age? https://www.autotrader.com/car-shopping/whats-more-important-when-buying-car-miles-or-age-240611
- Rolls Auto. (2024). What Is a Good Mileage for a Used Car? https://www.rollsauto.com/blog/how-many-miles-should-a-used-car-have
- iSeeCars. (2025). The Longest-Lasting Cars, Trucks, SUVs and Hybrids Study. https://www.iseecars.com/longest-lasting-cars-study
- Kelley Blue Book. (2025). Consumer Reports Lists Cars Most Likely To Hit 200K Miles. https://www.kbb.com/car-news/consumer-reports-lists-cars-most-likely-to-hit-200k-miles/
- Policygenius. (2024). Average Miles Driven by State. https://www.policygenius.com/auto-insurance/average-miles-driven-by-state/
I am a senior automotive analyst at Autvex. Expert vehicle evaluations, in-depth reviews, and objective analysis helping readers make informed automotive decisions with years of industry experience.
