There's no single "bad" mileage number for a car. A car with 200,000 miles that received consistent maintenance is often a better buy than one with 80,000 miles that was neglected. The critical factor isn't the total miles but the vehicle's overall condition, maintenance history, and how those miles were accumulated. High mileage alone shouldn't be a deal-breaker if the car has been well cared for.
Mileage is best understood as a gauge of wear and tear. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports the average American drives about 13,500 miles per year. You can use this as a baseline to judge if a car's mileage is average, high, or low for its age.
What matters more is the type of mileage. City driving, with its constant stop-and-go traffic, puts more strain on the engine, transmission, and brakes than smooth highway miles. A car with 150,000 mostly highway miles is often in better mechanical shape than a city car with 100,000 miles.
Ultimately, high mileage increases the likelihood of major repairs. Components like the timing belt, transmission, and suspension parts have finite lifespans. A well-maintained high-mileage car will have had these items replaced, which is a positive. A neglected car, regardless of mileage, is a ticking time bomb. Always get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic before buying any used car.
| Mileage Range | General Condition & Considerations | Key Items to Check/Verify |
|---|
| 0 - 60,000 Miles | Essentially new, under factory warranty. Low risk. | Confirm regular oil changes, no accident history. |
| 60,000 - 100,000 Miles | Major maintenance interval. Wear items may need replacement. | Check for timing belt/chain service, transmission fluid change, new brakes/tires. |
| 100,000 - 150,000 Miles | High-mileage threshold. Critical systems are aging. | Verify suspension condition, check for engine/transmission leaks, review extensive service records. |
| 150,000+ Miles | Vehicle longevity depends almost entirely on past care. | Scrutinize maintenance history. Expect potential issues with electronics, exhaust system, and other aging components. |
