Most cars typically start experiencing issues around 100000 miles. However, this can vary significantly depending on several factors, including:
Beyond this point, even the most reliable cars may start showing indications of usage and deterioration. Consumer reports note that while the typical lifespan of a new vehicle is approximately 8 years or 150,000 miles, well-maintained vehicles can surpass 15 years and overcome 300,000 miles.
It varies but most cars get to 120000 - 130000 before needing much routine replacement repairs. After 150000 or so the repairs usually become a little more numerous but most cars can go to 200000 miles with the repairs still being economically justified.
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.
On average, a car should have around 10,000 miles per year. 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.
Depreciation is the gradual loss of a car's value over time, and mileage plays a significant role in this process. Generally, the higher the mileage, the lower the car's value.
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.
“If you have a car worth $5,000 and you're looking at a repair for $4,000, it's probably time to start looking for a new car,” Degen says. For a car that you still owe a balance on, you may want to look into selling it before you end up upside down on the loan.
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.
On average, cars tend to be around the 14-year mark when they reach the crusher, and that is a figure that tends to remain the same year-on-year.
Henmueller suggested that cars should idle one to two minutes before driving in cold weather. When temperatures drop to freezing, or when it's cold enough that windshields will frost over, the oil needs to warm up before it can move smoothly throughout the car.
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.
While mileage specifics depend on car make and models, you can start thinking about scrapping your car once it's exceeded 100,000 miles for petrol (or up to 150,000 miles for diesel) with proper maintenance. Between 50,000 and 100,000 miles is when you can expect more frequent repairs and replacements.
Standard cars in this day and age are expected to keep running up to 200,000 miles, while cars with electric engines are expected to last for up to 300,000 miles.
Additionally, maintenance costs can quickly add up as cars age. Parts are harder to find, and labor is more time-intensive. If these concerns make you uneasy, avoid cars over 20 years old. This rule of thumb may help ensure your vehicle choice is still safe, reliable, and affordable.
In general, a car is usually not worth fixing if the cost of repairs exceeds 50% of its value, and you may decide that a lower percentage makes more sense for your finances.
Toyota Camry
The Camry has stood apart from the field of midsized sedans for decades. Like the most reliable, well-built cars, Toyotas have an average lifespan of 200,000-250,000 miles. But if you make sure to keep your car with proper care and maintenance, your Camry can be driven over 500,000 miles.
Recommended Maintenance Schedule. Your car's odometer can clue you in on when to perform necessary vehicle maintenance. Many car manufacturers recommend a 30-60-90 schedule, which means that certain items will need to be inspected, changed or replaced at 30,000, 60,000 and 90,000 miles.
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.
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.
"After about the first 40,000 miles, vehicles depreciate at a slow and steady pace. The most dramatic drop-off is actually during the first 20,000 miles," Edmunds Senior Analyst Ivan Drury said. "The 100,000-mile myth is really just a psychological barrier that more and more car buyers are getting past.