Good Mileage for Used Cars
By Motor Match • 27/08/2025
Not sure what counts as good mileage for a used car? Discover average mileage benchmarks, myths about high and low mileage, and what really matters when buying your next car.
Thinking about buying a used car but stuck on the mileage?
You’re not alone, picture this: you’ve spotted a car online that looks perfect. Right colour, right price, but then you notice the mileage, maybe it’s 70,000, or even 100,000. Suddenly, you’re asking yourself: “Is that too much?”
Mileage is often the first thing people check when shopping for a second hand car. And while it’s important, the truth is it’s only one piece of the puzzle. We understand buying a car is a big decision, so let’s take a closer look at what mileage really means, and how you can use it to make a confident choice.
What’s Considered Good Mileage for a Used Car?
As a general rule, most cars in the UK cover around 10,000 - 12,000 miles a year. So, if you’re looking at a five year old car, you’d expect to see somewhere between 50,000 and 60,000 miles on the clock.
That said, there isn’t a magic number that makes a car good or bad. What matters most is how the car’s been looked after, after all a well maintained higher mileage car could easily outlast a low mileage car that’s been neglected.
Mileage Benchmarks at a Glance
Here’s a rough guide to help you put mileage into context:
- Low mileage:Under 8,000 miles per year.
- Average mileage: 10,000 - 12,000 miles per year.
- High mileage: 15,000+ miles per year.
But remember, a three year old car with 45,000 motorway miles might actually be in better condition than one with just 20,000 miles of stop start city driving.
Low Mileage Cars: The Pros and Cons
Low mileage cars are often seen as the ‘safer’ choice, and there are definite advantages:
• Less wear on the engine, suspension and brakes.
• Potentially higher resale value when you come to sell.
• Often feels newer inside and out.
But there are some drawbacks people don’t always consider:
Cars don’t like sitting still - things like tyres, seals, batteries and even brakes can wear faster if the car hasn’t been driven regularly. Very low mileage for its age could mean short, stop start trips only, which can be harder on an engine than longer motorway runs.
While low mileage can be a positive, it’s worth looking deeper than the number alone.
High Mileage Cars: Should You Rule Them Out?
Not at all! High mileage cars can actually be a brilliant option, especially if you’re working with a certain budget.
• They’re usually better value for money.
• Many modern engines are built to last well beyond 100,000 miles.
• A motorway driven car often shows less wear than a city driven one.
Think of it this way: 60,000 miles of motorway driving is often easier on a car than 25,000 miles of constant stop start school runs and speed bumps. It’s not just how much a car has been driven, but how it’s been driven.
Mileage by Car Type
Mileage expectations can also change depending on the type of car you’re looking at:
- Small hatchbacks (Fiesta, Corsa, Polo): These are often used for commuting or short trips, so lower mileage examples are common.
- SUVs and family cars (Qashqai, Tiguan, CR-V): Often rack up higher mileage thanks to family holidays, road trips and school runs.
- Diesels: Typically chosen by high mileage drivers. A 5 year old diesel with 80,000 miles is completely normal.
- Electric cars: Mileage is less of a worry, battery health and charging history are more important. A 60,000 mile EV that’s been well charged could be a fantastic buy.
Common Mileage Myths Busted
Let’s clear up a few common misunderstandings:
- “High mileage cars are unreliable.” This isn’t true if they’ve been well serviced, plenty of cars happily go beyond 150,000 miles.
- “Low mileage always means better.” Not if the car’s only done short journeys, this could clog up filters and wear engines faster.
- “Over 100k miles is a deal-breaker.” Not necessarily, this will depend on the car, the engine and how it’s been looked after.
How Mileage Affects Value and Running Costs
Mileage does play a role in pricing, generally the lower the mileage, the higher the asking price. But that doesn’t always mean it’s the best value.
A slightly higher mileage car can save you thousands up front and if it’s been looked after, it may still have plenty of life left. Plus, higher mileage cars often come with lower insurance costs, which is a bonus for your monthly budget.
What Else Should You Look at Besides Mileage?
When buying a used car, mileage is just one piece of the puzzle, here are some other things to check:
- Service history: Regular servicing is a strong sign of good care.
- MOT history: You can check this online for free, look for patterns in advisories.
- Number of owners: Fewer owners often means a car’s been more consistently maintained.
- Condition: Look at tyres, brakes, upholstery and paintwork.
- Test drive: Always get a feel for how the car drives.
Quick Checklist Before You Buy
Here’s a handy checklist you can run through when viewing a used car:
- Does the mileage line up with its age?
- Is there a stamped or digital service history?
- Have big ticket items (like timing belt or clutch) been replaced?
- How does it drive on different roads?
- Does everything inside work, air con, infotainment, electrics?
Tick these boxes, and mileage becomes just one part of a much bigger, clearer picture.
Finding the right used car for you
The truth is that good mileage depends on what you need from your car, if you do a lot of driving, a higher mileage car that’s well maintained could be perfect. If you only need something for short trips, then a lower mileage car might be the way to go.
At Motor Match, every used car we stock is carefully chosen and checked to make sure it’s in good condition, no matter what the mileage says. That way, you can drive away with confidence knowing you’ve found the right match.
Whether you’re looking for low mileage peace of mind or great value with a higher mileage car, we’ve got something for you. Browse our latest used cars today and see what catches your eye.
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