whats a good amount of miles for a used car

[McLevi]

A good used car mileage is typically around 12,000 miles per year of the vehicle's age. For a 5-year-old car, that's roughly 60,000 miles. However, mileage is just one part of the story. A well-maintained car with 80,000 miles can be a much better buy than a neglected one with 40,000 miles. The key is to prioritize service history and overall condition over the odometer reading alone. Modern engines are built to last well over 200,000 miles with proper care.

Average Annual Mileage and Depreciation The U.S. Department of Transportation cites an average annual mileage of around 13,500 miles. This benchmark helps you quickly assess if a car has been driven excessively. The steepest part of a car's depreciation curve happens in the first three years, making 3-5 year-old cars with average mileage a "sweet spot" for value.

Mileage Benchmark	Vehicle Age (Est.)	Considerations
Under 12,000 miles/year	Varies	Excellent if service records are complete.
12,000 - 15,000 miles/year	Average	Expect standard wear; check for maintenance.
Over 15,000 miles/year	High	Likely highway miles; inspect interior and suspension.
Under 30,000 miles	2-3 years old	Nearly new, but you pay a premium.
60,000 - 80,000 miles	5-6 years old	Good value; timing belt/transmission service may be due.
100,000+ miles	8+ years old	Budget-friendly; requires thorough inspection of major components.

Focus on the vehicle's specific history. A one-owner car with a stack of maintenance receipts is often a safer bet than a lower-mileage car with multiple owners and no records. Have any used car inspected by an independent mechanic before purchase to check for hidden issues.

[VonDallas]

I don't get hung up on a specific number. I look for cars around five years old because that's when the biggest price drop happens. I just make sure the mileage is under 70,000 or so. After that, I'm way more interested in the CarFax report. No accidents, regular oil changes—that stuff tells me more about how the car was treated than the number on the dash ever could.

[MakaylaRose]

Look, it's simple math. The average driver puts on about 13,500 miles a year. So, for a 2020 model, you'd expect to see around 54,000 miles on it now in 2024. If it's way above that, maybe it was a commuter car. If it's way below, ask why—was it sitting unused for long periods? That can cause problems too. I aim for something within 10,000 miles of that average.

[BeauRose]

I always tell my friends to think about what happens at certain mileage milestones. A car hitting 60,000 or 100,000 miles often needs bigger services, like a new timing belt or spark plugs. So, sometimes buying a car with 58,000 miles means you're about to foot a big bill the previous owner didn't want. A car with 62,000 miles might have already had that work done. It pays to ask what major services have been completed.

[MacAllison]

For me, "good miles" depends entirely on the brand. I'd be comfortable with a Toyota or Honda pushing 120,000 miles if the maintenance records are perfect. But for some other brands, I'd be nervous at half that. Research the model's reputation for reliability and known issues. A high-mileage car from a dependable manufacturer is often a smarter financial decision than a low-mileage car from a brand known for expensive repairs.