A good mileage for a used car depends on its age, but generally, aim for around 12,000-15,000 miles per year; so a 5-year-old car with 50,000-75,000 miles is decent, though modern cars can handle over 100,000 miles well if well-maintained, with excellent maintenance records (service history) being more crucial than just low miles, as city driving causes more wear than highway miles.
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.
150k is high mileage to the normal consumer regardless of brand. The way they see it there's a higher risk of needing repairs/down time compared to something that's 90k, or 110k even if it's not true. A 90k car can still break down like a 170k mile car, but the chances are usually lower.
Most experts agree that a car should be driven no more than 12,000 to 15,000 miles in a year. So, good mileage for a used car that is six years old should have no more than 72,000 to 90,000 miles on the odometer. Otherwise, you're looking at a car that has endured a lot of wear and tear in a short amount of time.
The 20/3/8 car rule is a financial guideline for buying a car, suggesting you put down 20% of the price, finance it for no more than 3 years (36 months), and keep your total monthly car expenses (payment, insurance, etc.) to 8% or less of your gross monthly income. This rule helps you avoid being "underwater" on your loan, pay less in interest, and maintain a healthy budget for other financial goals like savings and investments, focusing on affordable, reliable transportation rather than luxury vehicles.
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.
General Guidelines: Average Mileage: For most cars, a mileage range between 100,000 to 150,000 miles is often considered average wear for a vehicle that has been well-maintained. This range typically indicates that the car has had regular maintenance and hasn't been subjected to harsh or abusive conditions.
Low-mileage vehicles usually have less wear on the engine, transmission, suspension, and other components compared to high-mileage vehicles. This often translates to fewer repairs and maintenance issues down the road. Another advantage is that low-mileage used vehicles represent a great value.
Generally, a good credit score for car financing falls between 670 and 739, based on FICO® Score standards — the scoring model most commonly used by lenders. However, it's important to keep in mind that not all lenders follow the exact same criteria.
The average mileage a car accrues per year is 12,000 miles. Given that number, the average 10-year-old car should have roughly 120,000 miles on the odometer. You can use these numbers to determine if the car you're looking to buy is considered to have high mileage or low mileage for the age of the vehicle.
While a high-mile car isn't always bad news, there are times to be cautious:
While a car with 200,000 miles may seem daunting, it can still be a worthwhile purchase if the vehicle has been meticulously maintained. The key is to ensure that the car has a comprehensive maintenance history and has been inspected by a professional.
Let's look at some things to keep under your hat while you explore the lot.
Conduct a Thorough Test Drive
Pay attention to how the car starts up. It should start smoothly without any hesitation or unusual noises. While driving, listen for any strange sounds like clunking, rattling, or squeaking. These noises can indicate problems with the suspension, brakes, or other mechanical components.
The 20/4/10 rule is a car-buying guideline suggesting a 20% down payment, a loan term of 4 years or less, and total monthly transportation costs (payment, gas, insurance, maintenance) that don't exceed 10% of your gross monthly income to prevent financial strain and avoid being "underwater" on the loan. This framework helps ensure affordability by balancing upfront costs, loan length, and ongoing expenses relative to your income.
The best months to buy a used car are typically November, December, January, and February, due to end-of-year and new-year inventory clear-outs, plus dealer quotas, making October through March generally ideal for deals as demand slows and new models arrive. Major holidays like Presidents' Day, Black Friday, and New Year's also present opportunities, while slower weekdays (like Mondays) and the end of the month offer extra leverage.
8 Key Signs Your Car Will Last Longer and Save You Money
What is the best age for a used car to buy? If you want the best balance of cost and dependability, a used car that's 2-5 years old is usually your best bet. Here's why: A car loses most of its value in the first 2-3 years, so buying nearly new avoids the steepest depreciation.
Older cars with lower mileage are more budget-friendly than similar newer cars with age-appropriate mileage. Some may have been lovingly cared for by older drivers or those who work from home—and are in impeccable condition. You may recoup much of the car's cost when you resell it if you also keep the mileage down.