Good mileage for a used car typically falls between 12,000-15,000 miles per year of the vehicle's age[1]. A five-year-old car should ideally have 60,000-75,000 miles on the odometer[2]. However, maintenance history often matters more than mileage alone—a well-maintained vehicle with 150,000 miles can outlast a neglected car with 50,000 miles[3].
The 12,000-mile annual benchmark emerged from insurance industry data and remains the most reliable assessment tool for used car buyers[1]. The Federal Highway Administration confirms Americans drove an average of 13,500 miles per year, making this figure a practical baseline[4].
This benchmark works because it indicates:
Modern vehicles routinely exceed 200,000 miles with proper maintenance, making traditional mileage concerns less critical than they once were[1]. The key lies in understanding how mileage relates to overall vehicle condition rather than treating it as an absolute limit.
For buyers financing a used car purchase, understanding credit requirements and insurance requirements for financed vehicles is equally important.
The following table provides practical targets based on the 12,000-15,000 mile annual average:
| Vehicle Age | Excellent | Good | Average | High Mileage Alert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 years | Under 20,000 | 20,000-30,000 | 30,000-35,000 | Over 40,000[1] |
| 3 years | Under 30,000 | 30,000-45,000 | 45,000-50,000 | Over 60,000[1] |
| 5 years | Under 50,000 | 50,000-75,000 | 75,000-85,000 | Over 100,000[1] |
| 7 years | Under 70,000 | 70,000-105,000 | 105,000-120,000 | Over 140,000[1] |
| 10 years | Under 100,000 | 100,000-150,000 | 130,000-150,000 | Over 180,000[5] |
Vehicles aged four to six years represent the sweet spot for used car value[1]. Target 12,000-15,000 miles per year for these vehicles, which places them at 48,000-90,000 total miles. This range offers:
Older vehicles with 15,000-18,000 miles per year can still represent good value[1]. Higher mileage becomes more acceptable in this age range because:
Consumer Reports notes that a well-maintained vehicle with 100,000 miles can be a better choice than a poorly maintained car with less mileage[5]. When evaluating any used car, prioritize:
Service Records
Major Service Milestones
Cars lacking service documentation present higher risk regardless of displayed mileage. Dealership service departments maintain computerized records that can be printed upon request[3].
For more guidance on evaluating used vehicle condition, see our article on what happens when your car is totaled but still drivable.
| Mileage Range | Typical Condition | Best Candidates | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 75,000-100,000 | Well-maintained, prime years | Most brands | Verify major services completed[1] |
| 100,000-150,000 | Good with proper care | Japanese brands | Timing belt/chain status critical[1] |
| 150,000-200,000 | Selective purchasing | Diesel trucks, proven models | Professional inspection mandatory[1] |
| 200,000+ | Enthusiast territory | Legendary reliability models | DIY maintenance skills beneficial[1] |
Certain manufacturers build vehicles that routinely exceed high mileage thresholds[6]:
Forum owners consistently recommend Toyota and Honda for high-mileage purchases because they keep going even if maintenance was inconsistent[7].
A pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic is worth every dollar[8]. The inspection should include:
For comprehensive vehicle history, services like Carfax provide accident reports and ownership history that complement physical inspection[9].
Both factors influence vehicle condition, but they affect different components:
Mileage primarily affects:
Age primarily affects:
A low-mileage vehicle that sat unused for years may have degraded seals, cracked hoses, and a dead battery. Conversely, a higher-mileage vehicle driven regularly may have well-lubricated components in better working order[10].
The ideal balance is a vehicle driven regularly (avoiding prolonged storage) with average annual mileage and documented maintenance.
For buyers evaluating how long different makes last, see our guides on Audi longevity and Honda Accord years to avoid.
Consumer Reports experts generally advise against purchasing extended warranties on used cars[3]. Most people are better served by setting money aside for eventual repairs, as extended warranties tend to cost more than they pay out in repair coverage[3].
Instead of warranty costs, budget for:
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