What Mileage Is Too High on a Used Car?

Mileage is one of the first things buyers look at when browsing used cars, and it is easy to understand why — it gives an immediate sense of how much the car has been used. But mileage alone is a poor indicator of a car's condition, and focusing on it too heavily can lead you to overlook better options.

The average UK driver covers around 7,000 to 8,000 miles per year. A car that is five years old with 40,000 miles on the clock is broadly in line with average use. A car with 80,000 miles at the same age has been driven more heavily — but that does not automatically make it a worse purchase.

What matters far more than the number on the odometer is how those miles were accumulated and how well the car has been maintained. A car that has covered 80,000 miles on motorways, with regular servicing and careful ownership, will often be in better mechanical condition than one with 40,000 miles of hard urban driving and a patchy service history.

Modern engines are built to last. Many manufacturers design their powertrains to comfortably exceed 150,000 miles with proper maintenance. A full service history, with stamps at the correct intervals, is a far more reliable indicator of a car's health than the mileage figure alone.

When assessing a higher-mileage car, look at the service record, check the condition of the interior and tyres, and consider an independent inspection if you are unsure. A well-maintained car with higher mileage can represent outstanding value — and often does.