When buying a used car, two of the biggest factors you’ll come across are mileage and age. Both influence a vehicle’s value, condition and future running costs, but neither should be viewed in isolation.
Many buyers automatically assume that lower mileage means a better car, but that’s not always true. A well-maintained vehicle with higher mileage can often be a safer purchase than a neglected low-mileage example.
If you’re researching what to look for before buying your next vehicle, our valuation guidance hub contains practical advice to help you make an informed decision.
Why Does Mileage Matter?
Mileage gives you an indication of how much a vehicle has been driven throughout its life.
Generally speaking, higher mileage can mean:
- More wear on mechanical components.
- Increased likelihood of maintenance.
- Lower resale value.
- Greater servicing requirements.
However, how those miles were driven is equally important.
A vehicle that has spent most of its life on motorways may actually have experienced less wear than one used exclusively for short urban journeys with constant stopping and starting.
Does Vehicle Age Matter More?
Age also plays an important role.
Even if a car has covered relatively few miles, components naturally deteriorate over time.
Older vehicles may experience:
- Rubber seals drying out.
- Battery deterioration.
- Suspension wear.
- Corrosion.
- Age-related electrical faults.
This means an eight-year-old car with 35,000 miles isn’t automatically in better condition than a five-year-old car with 70,000 miles.
The key is understanding how the vehicle has been maintained.
What Is Average Mileage For A Used Car?
Most cars in the UK cover approximately 7,000–8,000 miles per year.
As a rough guide:
| Vehicle Age | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|
| 3 years | 21,000–24,000 miles |
| 5 years | 35,000–40,000 miles |
| 10 years | 70,000–80,000 miles |
These figures aren’t strict rules, but they provide a useful benchmark when comparing similar vehicles.
What Counts As High Mileage?
There isn’t an official definition of high mileage, but most buyers consider a vehicle to have high mileage if it has travelled significantly more than the UK average for its age.
Many modern vehicles can comfortably exceed 100,000 miles, while well-maintained examples often continue performing reliably beyond 150,000 miles.
The service history often matters more than the number on the odometer.
Should You Avoid High-Mileage Cars?
Not necessarily.
Higher-mileage vehicles often offer excellent value because they’ve already experienced most of their depreciation.
Advantages include:
- Lower purchase price.
- Better value for money.
- Well-established service history.
- Often driven mainly on longer journeys.
Potential drawbacks include:
- Increased maintenance requirements.
- Greater likelihood of replacement components.
- More wear on suspension, clutch and braking systems.
A thorough inspection is always recommended before buying.
Can Low Mileage Be Misleading?
Yes.
Low mileage isn’t always a guarantee of quality.
Vehicles that spend long periods unused can develop issues including:
- Flat batteries.
- Corroded brakes.
- Perished rubber hoses.
- Tyre flat spots.
- Engine problems caused by repeated short journeys.
A complete maintenance record is often more valuable than exceptionally low mileage.
What Should You Check Besides Mileage?
Mileage only tells part of the story.
Also consider:
- Full service history.
- MOT history.
- Previous owners.
- General condition.
- Signs of accident repairs.
- Interior wear.
- Tyre condition.
If you’re interested in Used Car Buying, we looked into exactly what you should inspect before handing over any money.
Mileage vs Age – Which Is More Important?
Neither is more important on its own.
Instead, consider:
- Has the vehicle been serviced regularly?
- Does the condition match the mileage?
- Is the mileage appropriate for its age?
- Has it passed MOTs consistently?
- Has it been well looked after?
Looking at the complete picture will usually help you make a much better buying decision than focusing on mileage alone.
If you’d like a more detailed breakdown of what constitutes good mileage, we looked into whether Mileage Matters When Buying a Used Car?
How Many Miles Can A Modern Car Last?
Thanks to advances in engineering, many modern cars are capable of covering 200,000 miles or more with proper maintenance.
Regular servicing, quality replacement parts and careful driving all contribute to extending a vehicle’s lifespan.
Rather than asking how many miles a car has done, it’s often more useful to ask how well those miles have been maintained.
Final Thoughts
Both mileage and age are important when assessing a used car, but neither should be used in isolation. A higher-mileage vehicle with an excellent maintenance history may offer far better value than a low-mileage car that has been neglected.
The smartest buyers assess the whole vehicle, including its service history, condition and ownership record, before making a decision.
Wanting a Value For Your Car?
Whether your vehicle has covered 30,000 miles or 130,000 miles, Jamjar makes selling your car quick, simple and hassle-free. Compare offers from trusted UK buyers, receive a competitive valuation, and complete the entire process online with no hidden fees and no obligation to sell.
Simply enter your reg number into our free online valuation tool today.