How much mileage is too much on a used car?
Last updated: 19 June 2026
Mileage matters, but how the car was used and maintained matters more. Here's how to judge whether a car's mileage is a problem.
Mileage is only part of the story
A well-maintained, high-mileage car can be a better buy than a neglected low-mileage one. Cars are designed to run; how they were used and serviced matters more than a single number.
The rough yardstick
Cars average around 10,000–15,000 km (about 6,000–9,000 miles) a year. Compare the odometer with the age to see whether the car has done more or less than average.
Why low mileage isn't always good
A car that sat unused can suffer from perished seals, flat-spotted tyres, corroded brakes and a tired battery. Lots of short, cold trips are also harder on an engine than steady motorway miles.
Why high mileage isn't always bad
Mostly-motorway miles with a full service history and the major jobs (timing belt, clutch) already done can mean a reliable, well-understood car at a lower price.
What to check beyond the number
Service history, the condition of wear items (tyres, brakes, clutch), evidence the timing belt/chain was serviced on schedule, and whether wear inside the car matches the mileage.
Match mileage to your needs
For long daily commutes, a slightly higher-mileage car with great history can be smart. For occasional use, you may prefer lower mileage — just confirm it was driven and maintained, not left to rot.
Whatever the mileage, a CarGuard AI inspection and a history check confirm the car's real condition matches the figure on the dash.