how much mileage used car

[LeahLynn]

The ideal mileage for a used car is not a single number but a range, typically between 12,000 and 15,000 miles per year. For a five-year-old car, that translates to roughly 60,000 to 75,000 miles. Lower mileage isn't always better if the car has been poorly maintained. Instead of focusing on the odometer alone, prioritize a well-documented service history and a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.

A vehicle's mileage is a key indicator of wear and tear on components like the engine, transmission, and brakes. However, how those miles were accumulated is equally critical. A car with 80,000 miles of mostly gentle highway commuting may be in better shape than a car with 40,000 miles of harsh, stop-and-start city driving.

To help you gauge what's normal, here's a general guideline based on annual mileage averages in the U.S.:

Vehicle Age (Years)	Excellent Mileage (Miles)	Average Mileage (Miles)	High Mileage (Miles)
3	Under 36,000	36,000 - 45,000	Over 45,000
5	Under 60,000	60,000 - 75,000	Over 75,000
7	Under 84,000	84,000 - 105,000	Over 105,000
10	Under 120,000	120,000 - 150,000	Over 150,000

Context is everything. A 10-year-old Toyota or Honda with 120,000 miles and a stack of maintenance records can be a much smarter buy than a 5-year-old luxury sedan with 70,000 miles and an unknown history. High-mileage cars from reliable brands often have most major wear items already replaced. The most important step is always to get an independent inspection to uncover issues the odometer can't tell you.

[ManuelLee]

I always tell people to look for a car that's been driven the national average: about 12,000 to 15,000 miles a year. But honestly, I care more about the car's story than the number. Was it a commuter on the open highway or a delivery vehicle constantly stopping and starting? A higher-mileage car with a perfect service history is a safer bet than a low-mileage car that's been neglected. Get it checked by a mechanic—that's the real test.

[MirandaMarie]

Forget finding a "low-mileage" gem; focus on value. Cars depreciate fastest in their first few years. A three-year-old car with 45,000 miles is often a fantastic deal because it's taken the biggest hit but has plenty of life left. I'd rather have a well-maintained car with 80,000 miles than a questionable one with 40,000. Check the Carfax, look for consistent oil change records, and don't be scared off by a number if everything else checks out. It’s all about the overall condition.

[AddysonFitz]

As someone who appreciates how things work, I look at mileage as a data point, not the final verdict. I'm more interested in how the mileage was achieved. A car with 70,000 miles of smooth highway driving has less strain on its engine, suspension, and brakes than a car with 30,000 miles of city potholes and short trips. I also check for specific services tied to mileage milestones, like a timing belt replacement at 90,000 miles. That tells me more about the car's future reliability than the odometer reading alone.

[MacKingston]

My main concern is what that mileage means for my wallet down the road. A car with 100,000 miles might be cheap upfront, but you're getting close to major service intervals—things like transmission fluid, spark plugs, and suspension components. I budget for those potential costs. I look for a car in the 60,000-80,000 mile range where the first owner likely handled the initial major services, but the really expensive stuff might still be a few years away. It’s a balance between purchase price and predictable future maintenance.