150 , 000 km 1 5 0 , 0 0 0 k m is generally considered high mileage, marking a point where a car requires more frequent maintenance and is susceptible to repairs, but it is not "too much" if the car has a solid service history and is a reliable brand. Modern cars can often last well beyond 200 , 000 km 2 0 0 , 0 0 0 k m with proper care. It is a reasonable, often well-priced, option for a 7–10-year-old vehicle.
The usual rule of thumb for getting a good deal on a used car is to aim for 15,000km per year. This means if you're looking at a 10-year-old car, you should aim for around 150,000km.
Used Car Mileage – Defining Good Mileage on a Used Car
A 5-year-old car with 75,000 to 100,000 km is considered average. If a car of the same age has less than 60,000 km, it can be categorised as a low-mileage car. On the other hand, a car exceeding 120,000 km might be considered high mileage for its age.
Ultimately, car age and mileage both matter when buying a used car. They both affect the vehicle's depreciation rate and they are both interlinked – mileage is taken as being high or low based on a car's age and the older the car, the more miles it's likely to have driven.
150,000 to 200,000 Miles
This is when your car may need more significant repairs, such as the replacement of leaking engine oil seals, a transmission rebuild or replacement, a new exhaust system, or possibly a head gasket replacement. “The potential for big repairs goes up after 150,000 miles,” Ibbotson says.
Generally, vehicles with more than 250,000 kilometers on the odometer may have experienced significant wear and tear. While many cars can last well beyond this, you'll want to carefully consider the vehicle's service history and current condition if it has higher mileage.
The average American car is now around 12 years old and reaches about 156,470 miles before it goes to the junkyard. Many well-maintained vehicles hit 200,000 or even 300,000 miles — a stark contrast to expectations from a generation ago.
“High mileage” often refers to cars over 100,000-150,000 miles, but it's not a red flag on its own. Thanks to better engineering and durable parts, many modern vehicles can go 200,000 miles (or more!) with the right care.
While 160,000 km is generally considered high mileage, that number alone doesn't tell the full story. It's just as important to look at how and where the car was driven. A vehicle with higher mileage that's been well cared for can be a better buy than a lower-mileage car that's been driven hard.
The average for all vehicles reaching over 200,000 miles is just one percent. Toyota dominated as the top brand in all categories, including pickups. The study found Toyotas and full-size sports utility vehicles are the longest-lasting vehicles that are most likely to reach 200,000 miles or more.
But the truth is, no car lasts forever, and ignoring early warning signs can turn a minor issue into a major breakdown at the worst possible moment. Strange noises, sluggish acceleration, difficulty starting, or dashboard warning lights are just a few of the red flags that your car is on its last legs.
The age of the vehicle plays a crucial role in this decision. For older vehicles with high mileage, replacing the transmission may provide a longer-term solution and potentially add years to the vehicle's life. On the other hand, if the vehicle is relatively new or still under warranty, repair may be a viable option.
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.
Well, it depends. You should understand that maintenance records are often a better predictor of long-term reliability for a used car, regardless of how old it is or how many miles it has. A well-maintained older car with high mileage can be a better option than a low-mileage younger car with no service history.
A good car is 15,000 km a year, so if you can find a 10 year old car that has done 150,000 kilometres, that's a good car. On average, though, it's more likely to be 250,000 km.
Globally, the average car lifespan varies, but most vehicles are expected to last between 200,000 to 300,000 kilometres. Here's a closer look at the numbers: Sedans: Standard sedans, like the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, typically last around 250,000 to 300,000 kilometres with proper maintenance.
The average mileage for a vehicle is around 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year, so a car with 200,000 miles could still be considered reasonable if it's been well-maintained. We should also take a look at the vehicle's maintenance records.