How Many Miles Is Good on a Car?

For most modern cars, “good” mileage is roughly 12,000–15,000 miles per year of age; a well-maintained vehicle with 60,000–100,000 miles is generally a solid bet, and many models reliably reach 200,000 miles or more with proper care. What matters as much as the odometer is maintenance history, driving conditions, and model reliability—high, well-documented highway miles can beat low, neglected city miles.

What “Good Mileage” Means Today

Automotive longevity has improved. In the U.S., the average vehicle age climbed to about 12.6 years in 2024 (S&P Global Mobility), reflecting better durability and maintenance practices. That means mileage alone is no longer a hard cutoff for quality. Generally, aim for mileage that aligns with typical use—about 12,000–15,000 miles per year—and prioritize vehicles with comprehensive service records and clean inspections. With routine care, many gas and hybrid cars can surpass 200,000 miles; EVs age differently, with battery health more critical than total miles.

Quick Mileage Benchmarks

These ranges offer a practical framework when scanning listings, but always interpret them alongside maintenance records, ownership history, and inspection results.

• Under 40,000 miles: Typically “nearly new,” minimal wear; check for remaining factory warranty and ensure no accident or flood history.
• 40,000–80,000 miles: Often the “sweet spot” for value; verify scheduled services were done on time.
• 80,000–120,000 miles: Midlife; expect or confirm major services (brakes, fluids, spark plugs, transmission/differential services) are up to date.
• 120,000–200,000 miles: High-mileage territory but still viable if well maintained; budget for wear items and plan for upcoming replacements.
• 200,000+ miles: Choose selectively—single-owner, detailed records, mostly highway use, and strong model reliability can still make sense.

Use these benchmarks to filter options, then let condition, service proof, and an independent inspection determine the final call.

Look Beyond the Odometer: What Matters More

Mileage is only one variable. These factors often predict real-world reliability and total cost better than the raw number.

• Maintenance history: Verified, periodic services (oil, filters, fluids, belts) are gold.
• Driving pattern: Highway miles usually cause less wear than stop-and-go city use.
• Climate and storage: Extreme heat/cold and road salt accelerate wear and corrosion.
• Ownership and use: Single-owner, private-use cars typically fare better than hard-used fleet vehicles.
• Model reliability: Some makes/engines routinely exceed 200,000 miles; research common issues.
• Accident and title status: Clean title and consistent vehicle history reduce risk.
• Pre-purchase inspection: A trusted mechanic’s inspection often saves thousands.

Prioritizing these factors can turn a higher-mileage, well-cared-for car into a smarter buy than a lower-mileage but neglected one.

Age-Adjusted Mileage: A Simple Check

Use this quick method to decide if a car’s mileage aligns with normal use, then investigate outliers.

1. Calculate expected miles: age in years × 12,000–15,000 miles.
2. Compare to actual odometer reading.
3. If far above: Scrutinize wear and verify extra maintenance; adjust price expectations.
4. If far below: Confirm the odometer is legitimate and the car wasn’t underused (long storage can cause issues).
5. Corroborate with records: Service stamps, digital logs, and inspection receipts should match the mileage story.

This sanity check helps you spot unusually hard use or suspiciously low readings that warrant deeper verification.

Maintenance Milestones to Expect by Mileage

Anticipating upcoming services helps you budget and assess whether a vehicle is “good” for its miles.

• Up to 30,000 miles: Oil and filter changes, tire rotations, cabin and engine air filters.
• 30,000–60,000 miles: Brake pads/rotors as needed; transmission, coolant, and brake fluid services per manufacturer schedule.
• 60,000–100,000 miles: Spark plugs (often 90k–100k for iridium), battery replacement (12V), belts/hoses checks; some models require transmission service here.
• 90,000–110,000 miles: Timing belt and water pump (if belt-driven; chains vary) plus accessory belts.
• 100,000–150,000+ miles: Suspension components (struts, control arms), wheel bearings, alternator, starter, radiator, and motor mounts as wear dictates.

Confirm which major services have been completed; recently serviced cars may be worth a premium compared with those approaching big-ticket maintenance.

Gas, Hybrid, and EV: How “Good Mileage” Differs

Gasoline Cars

Well-maintained gas cars commonly reach 200,000 miles. Prioritize models with strong reliability records, documented fluid services, and no overheating history.

Hybrids

Hybrids age well when serviced; many batteries last 150,000–200,000+ miles. Check hybrid battery warranty (often up to 8–10 years/100,000–150,000 miles, depending on region and manufacturer) and verify inverter/cooling system maintenance.

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

For EVs, battery State of Health (SoH) matters more than miles. Review fast-charging habits, climate exposure, and any battery warranty (commonly 8 years/100,000–150,000 miles). High-mile EVs with good SoH can be excellent buys; low-mile EVs that endured extreme heat or frequent DC fast charging may show more degradation.

Red Flags Regardless of Mileage

These signs can outweigh an appealing odometer reading and should prompt caution or negotiation.

• Inconsistent or missing service records, or mileage gaps in history reports.
• Rust, flood indicators (musty odor, silt under carpets), or salvage/rebuilt titles.
• Warning lights, rough shifts, overheating, misfires, or excessive exhaust smoke.
• Uneven tire wear, fresh overspray/panel misalignment suggesting undisclosed repairs.
• Mismatched VINs or signs of odometer tampering.

If any red flags appear, walk away or insist on a thorough independent inspection and price adjustment.

When High Mileage Is Actually Okay

Don’t dismiss a car solely for having six figures on the clock. High-mileage but well-kept cars can deliver strong value, especially when they have highway-heavy use, one or two owners, a clean history, recent major services, and a reputation for durability. Parts availability and lower running costs on common models also help.

Bottom Line

There isn’t a single “good” mileage number. As a rule, look for cars averaging 12,000–15,000 miles per year with comprehensive maintenance records. For many modern vehicles, 60,000–100,000 miles is comfortably “good,” and 120,000–200,000 miles can still be sensible if inspections and service history check out. For EVs and hybrids, prioritize battery health and warranty specifics over the raw odometer figure.

Summary

Good mileage depends on age, care, and vehicle type. Aim for age-appropriate miles (about 12,000–15,000 per year), prioritize documented maintenance, and confirm condition with an independent inspection. Many well-maintained cars remain dependable past 200,000 miles, while EVs demand a close look at battery health more than total miles.

Is 70,000 miles a lot for a 10 year old car?

A 10-year-old ride with only 70,000 miles would be considered low mileage on a used car and could actually be a good deal. Conversely, a five-year-old car with 140,000 miles would be seen as high mileage, raising concerns about its condition and longevity.

How many miles is okay on a used car?

As a general rule, you should assume that the average car owner puts 12,000 miles on a car each year. To determine whether a car has reasonable mileage, you can simply multiply 12,000 by its age. That means good mileage for a car that’s 5 years old is 60,000.

What is too high mileage for a car?

100,000 miles
Often, 100,000 miles is considered a cut-off point for used cars because older vehicles often start requiring more expensive and frequent maintenance when mileage exceeds 100,000.

Is it safe to drive a car with 200K miles?

Driving a car with over 200000 miles can be safe, but several factors determine its reliability and safety: Maintenance History: If the car has been well-maintained with regular service, oil changes, and timely repairs, it is more likely to be safe. A vehicle with a documented maintenance history is a good sign.