For a 10-year-old car, the average mileage is typically around 120,000 miles (approx. 193,000 km), based on the common estimate of 12,000 miles (19,000 km) driven per year, though figures can range from 120,000 to 200,000 km or more depending on the country and usage patterns. A car with mileage below this average might be a good find, but very low mileage can also signal prolonged inactivity, while higher mileage isn't necessarily bad if the car was mainly highway-driven and well-maintained.
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. Usually, the fewer miles that a car has been driven, the better.
If you're asking, 'how many kms is too many for a used car', let's cut to the chase. Generally, vehicles over 200,000 kms could be ripe for costly repairs, but the true picture is nuanced by factors we'll unpack.
Some experts will say 7,500 miles is a good average for a year while others will put the figure at 12,000. We think about 9,000 miles a year is a fair gauge. So a five year old car might have 45,000 showing, an eight year old example around 72,000 and a 12 year old roughly 108,000 miles.
Treat any car >200k km as a repair-prone purchase. Pay for a mechanic's inspection and reduce purchase price to cover plausible repairs. If you're mechanically handy or have a trusted repair budget and the model has longevity reputation, the car can be a strong value.
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.
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.
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.
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.
60,000 to 100,000 Miles
If you want to squeeze the most value out of your vehicle, this mileage bracket is probably the best time to sell. While your car may need a couple of expensive repairs to run properly, it shouldn't entirely give up on you if it has been well-maintained.
Quick answer – this really depends on the price and the service history of a car. Some cars may be at the end of their useful life due to poor servicing and questionable build quality at 160,000kms – others might still be going strong at 300,000kms.
Signs of Wear and Tear to Watch For
Acceptable mileage on a used car
Reasonable mileage ranges from 15,000 to 20,000km per year. Anything beyond that is considered high mileage. So, a 5-year-old car with normal usage would typically have between 75,000 and 100,000km on the clock.
Potential Repairs: As cars age, the likelihood of needing repairs increases. Buyers should be prepared for the possibility of replacing worn-out components, such as brakes, tires, or the battery. A thorough inspection by a qualified mechanic before purchase can identify any existing or potential issues.
Engines in high-mileage vehicles experience gradual wear over time. Piston rings, valve seals, and gaskets can deteriorate, leading to increased oil consumption. If you notice that your car is burning oil between changes or that the oil level drops without visible leaks, it may be a sign of worn internal components.
That depends largely on the car's age. 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.
The 20/3/8 rule is a financial guideline for buying a car, suggesting you put 20% down, finance for 3 years or less, and keep total car expenses (payment, insurance, etc.) to 8% or less of your gross monthly income, aiming for reliable transport without overspending, and prioritizing investing over luxury car debt. It helps avoid being "upside-down" on a loan for a depreciating asset, promoting financial health over luxury.
Many auto professionals point to 30,000-70,000 miles as the sweet spot for reliability and value. Vehicles within this range have already taken a big depreciation hit, but they should still have plenty of miles ahead of them. Some may still even have factory warranty coverage.
Most cars start showing significant wear and tear after the 8- to 10-year mark. If your car is relatively new, with low mileage, repairing it is usually the better choice. On the other hand, if you're driving a car that's pushing 15 years old and has high mileage, repairs may only be a temporary fix.
Typically, no more than 12,000 to 15,000 miles should be put on a car in a year's time. If it has more than that, the vehicle may have incurred too much wear and tear. That means, then, that a used car that is four years old should ideally have no more than 48,000 to 60,000 miles on it.
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.
How many kilometres does the average car last? With proper care, cars can last between 200,000 and 300,000 km. The make and model of your vehicle can also be a factor. Here are the top vehicles are known to last over 200,000 km.
Anything above the 160,000 km mark is generally considered a high-mileage vehicle. However, once a vehicle exceeds 120,000 kilometers, it may become more prone to issues, as this is when many parts often require replacement or may start to fail.
Ultimately, the decision to prioritize age or mileage depends on a variety of factors, including the car's intended use, budget and personal preferences. If reliability and safety are paramount, a newer car with moderate mileage might be the ideal choice.
12L/100km is generally considered average to poor fuel economy, being on the higher end for most passenger cars but acceptable for larger SUVs, trucks, or during heavy city driving, with better efficiency being under 9L/100km and worse often exceeding 12L/100km. It depends heavily on the vehicle type (SUV vs. hatchback), driving conditions (city vs. highway), and engine size.