How Much Is 1,000 Miles Worth on a Car?

In today’s used-car market, 1,000 additional miles typically changes a car’s value by about $50–$300, with many mainstream models clustering around $100–$150. The exact figure depends on the vehicle’s age, segment, condition, and whether those miles push it across key mileage thresholds that influence buyer psychology and warranty coverage.

Why 1,000 Miles Doesn’t Have a Single Price Tag

Mileage affects resale value, but the impact is not linear. Late-model vehicles generally carry a higher per-mile sensitivity than older ones; luxury and performance segments tend to be penalized more per mile than economy cars; and certain mile markers—like 36,000, 60,000, and 100,000—can trigger sharper price reactions due to warranty cutoffs or buyer perceptions. Market conditions also matter: regional demand for pickups, seasonal buying patterns, and broader price trends can all dial the mileage effect up or down.

Typical Cents-Per-Mile Ranges in the Current Market

The following ranges reflect common mileage adjustments seen in U.S. retail and wholesale pricing today. They are averages—specific models may fall outside these bands.

• Economy/compact cars: roughly 5–10 cents per mile ($50–$100 per 1,000 miles)
• Mainstream sedans and SUVs: roughly 8–15 cents per mile ($80–$150 per 1,000 miles)
• Luxury/performance vehicles: roughly 15–30 cents per mile ($150–$300 per 1,000 miles)
• Full-size pickups/HD trucks: roughly 3–8 cents per mile ($30–$80 per 1,000 miles)
• Electric vehicles: roughly 4–10 cents per mile ($40–$100 per 1,000 miles), with battery health and warranty status often more influential than raw miles

These ranges shift by mileage band: cars under about 60,000 miles often show higher per-mile sensitivity than those already well past 100,000, while crossing major thresholds can cause a discrete drop that exceeds a simple cents-per-mile calculation.

Key Factors That Change the Mileage Penalty

The impact of 1,000 miles is amplified or muted by several elements beyond the odometer reading. The list below highlights the most common drivers of variation.

• Age and mileage band: nearing or crossing 36k/60k/100k miles can trigger outsized drops due to warranty and perception shifts.
• Condition and service history: documented maintenance, clean inspections, and new tires/brakes can offset extra miles; accidents or visible wear can magnify the penalty.
• Market dynamics: regional preferences (e.g., trucks in rural areas), supply levels, fuel prices, and seasonality all influence sensitivity to miles.
• Powertrain specifics: for EVs/hybrids, battery state of health and warranty coverage often matter more than mileage alone.
• Trim and options: high-demand features can cushion mileage effects; niche or dated options may not.
• Ownership history: one-owner, non-fleet vehicles typically fare better than ex-rental or fleet units at the same mileage.

Depending on these factors, condition and documentation can outweigh the raw effect of an extra 1,000 miles, particularly in competitive segments where buyers prioritize peace of mind.

Rule-of-Thumb Examples

A 3-year-old mainstream sedan or SUV valued around $22,000 might see about a 10–12 cent per mile adjustment; an extra 1,000 miles would be roughly $100–$120. If those miles push it past 36,000 or 60,000 miles (common warranty markers), the hit can be larger.

A late-model luxury SUV around $45,000 could reflect 15–25 cents per mile; 1,000 miles might equate to $150–$250, with sharper drops near warranty cliffs or round-number thresholds like 50,000 or 100,000 miles.

An older full-size pickup already near 120,000 miles might only move 3–6 cents per mile; an extra 1,000 miles could be $30–$60, assuming condition is stable and no threshold is crossed.

Crossing major milestones (e.g., 99,500 to 100,500 miles) can trigger a one-time value step-down—often several hundred dollars—that exceeds any simple per-mile math.

How to Estimate Your Car’s 1,000-Mile Impact

You can approximate the value change for your specific vehicle with a quick, data-driven check. Follow these steps to build a localized estimate.

1. Pull comparable listings and valuations for your exact year/trim/options at your current mileage on multiple sites (dealer listings, marketplaces, and valuation tools).
2. Search the same comps at 1,000 miles lower and 1,000 miles higher; note the average price difference to derive a real-world cents-per-mile figure.
3. Check your proximity to key thresholds (36k, 50k, 60k, 100k, 150k miles) and adjust expectations if you’re about to cross one.
4. Factor in condition items (tires, brakes, cosmetic wear), accident history, and service records, which can add or subtract more value than 1,000 miles.
5. Recheck shortly before selling or trading; local supply, incentives, and seasonality can shift results within weeks.

This approach tailors the estimate to your market, your vehicle’s configuration, and current pricing dynamics, improving accuracy over generic rules of thumb.

Leasing vs. Resale: Different Per-Mile Economics

Lease overage charges—often around 15–35 cents per mile—are not a direct measure of resale value loss. They incorporate financing assumptions, expected wear, and risk buffers. When estimating what 1,000 miles is “worth” for a car you own, use market comps rather than lease penalties.

Bottom Line

Expect 1,000 miles to move most used-car values by roughly $50–$300, with many mainstream vehicles landing near $100–$150. The true impact depends heavily on age, segment, condition, and whether you’re crossing a psychological or warranty threshold. For a precise number, compare real local comps at your mileage and ±1,000 miles and adjust for condition and timing.

Summary

On average, 1,000 miles changes a car’s value by about $50–$300. Mainstream models commonly see $100–$150 swings, luxury vehicles often more, and older high-mileage trucks often less. Thresholds (36k, 60k, 100k miles), condition, and local market forces can outweigh simple per-mile math, so verify with current comps for your exact vehicle.

How much gas is 1000 miles?

Take the distance, 1,000 miles, and divide it by your vehicle’s MPG, 33 miles. The result, which is 30, is the number of gallons of gas you’ll need to complete the road trip. You can then multiply 30 by the current gas price — $3.397.

How much driving is 1000 miles?

Answer: The time it takes to drive 1,000 miles will depend on the kind of roads you’re on. However, you can expect to be in the car between 13 and 17 hours.

How much do 1000 miles devalue a car?

According to some experts, mileage depreciation is about $0.08 a mile, but depreciation is more commonly measured in years than miles. If you want to calculate the depreciation for your vehicle it’s best not to trust some broad percentage that’s averaged out based on every make and model of vehicle.

How much are miles worth on a car?

A car’s mileage worth is highly variable, changing based on whether you’re considering depreciation (how much value is lost) or the cost of ownership (how much it costs to operate), and significantly impacts resale value. For depreciation, a car’s value drops sharply initially, then more slowly, with estimates ranging from around $0.08 to $1.50+ per mile in the first few thousand miles and much less thereafter, but this is highly model-dependent. For the cost of driving, including wear and tear, a rough estimate can be around $0.20 to $0.70 per mile, while total ownership costs, per AAA, 2019, are much higher. 
Depreciation (Loss of Value):

• Initial Drop: A car loses a significant portion of its value the moment it’s driven off the lot. 
• Slows Over Time: After this initial sharp decrease, depreciation slows, but it is not constant. 
• Varies by Model: Depreciation rates differ dramatically between vehicle makes and models. A luxury SUV will depreciate differently from a compact car. 
• Maintenance Matters: A well-maintained high-mileage car can be worth more than a lower-mileage car that has been neglected. 

Cost of Ownership (Cost to Operate):

• Wear and Tear: Mileage adds to wear and tear, affecting the car’s condition and future repair needs. 
• Overall Estimates: For a rough estimate of wear and tear and depreciation, some suggest around $0.20 per mile, but this is a conservative figure. 
• Higher Costs: Total cost of ownership estimates by AAA, 2019 are much higher, though they include more than just mileage costs. 

Factors Influencing the Worth of a Mile:

• Vehicle Age: New cars depreciate more quickly per mile than older cars. 
• Car Make and Model: Different vehicles depreciate at different rates. 
• Maintenance History: A car’s maintenance records are critical to its long-term value. 
• Overall Condition: General condition, in addition to mileage, influences the car’s price. 
• Market Conditions: Demand and other market factors affect a car’s value. 

In summary, there isn’t a universal dollar amount for a mile on a car; it depends on whether you are calculating the cost of operating the car or the loss of its resale value, and many other variables.