Updated on: July 16, 2021
Shoppers often rely on a vehicle's odometer reading to get a quick idea how far along it is in its lifespan. While this may seem like a sensible and easy way to appraise the condition of a car, there's more to the story than just the number of miles. In fact, the right high-mileage car will likely serve you better than an older vehicle with fewer miles on the odometer.
When Age Matters More Than Miles
Vehicle age is important. There's a reason factory warranties feature expiration dates determined by both mileage and age.
For instance, depending on where you live, the effects of your environment can play a huge role in determining your car's expected lifespan. Harsh weather conditions can compound the wear on a vehicle over several years. During rough winters, constant moisture and road salt will damage any car. In a hot environment, the sun can deteriorate a car's exterior finish, rubber components, and interior surfaces. Regardless of mileage, a car with rust or sun damage is expensive to rejuvenate and may be less reliable over time.
Old age can also lead to worn-out interiors, dented and scratched exteriors, and a stressed engine and chassis, regardless of how many miles the vehicle has covered. When shopping for a used car, always consider the physical condition of the vehicle and look for any signs of rough use. A car in good condition will likely have a much longer life.
Low Mileage Doesn’t Mean Worry-Free
In the United States, the average car travels about 13,500 miles per year. Typically, vehicles that have this degree of mileage likely saw regular use and experienced substantial highway driving (where the least wear occurs and the most miles accumulate). Vehicles that are substantially under this average mileage may have been sitting in storage or used in stop-and-go, short-trip environments—both of which can negatively affect a car's long-term reliability, even if they do correspond with less wear. If you're in the market for a used car and come across a suspiciously low-mileage car—for instance, one that has been driven only 5,000 miles per year—proceed with caution.
That isn't to say that high-mileage cars are always a safer bet than low-mileage ones. High mileage does have its consequences: Though highway miles are often considered gentler than city miles, there is inescapable usage-based wear related to the distance a car has been driven. While its cosmetic condition may be good, the more the wheels turn and the engine runs, the more wear the car's powertrain will experience. Fortunately, most modern cars will be trouble-free for over 100,000 miles.
Occasional-use cars like sports cars and collector cars are especially at risk for problems that come from lack of use or sitting. Batteries die over time, tires slowly lose pressure, and the metal surfaces on the brakes and inside the engine can slowly oxidize. Be sure to check for these problems when shopping for a used car, especially one that was not the previous owner's commuter vehicle. Contrary to expectations, a person with two cars may actually baby their daily driver Toyota more than their special-occasions-only BMW when it comes to maintenance.
Maintenance Matters
Used cars will sometimes come with maintenance records that either were kept by the original owner, are part of the vehicle history report, or are in the database at the dealership that serviced the car. All this information is just as important as mileage when it comes to understanding the car’s condition. See our article on the car maintenance schedule you should follow to learn more.
Assuming it's from a moderate climate, a late-model, high-mileage vehicle that's received regular maintenance such as oil changes is almost always a better option than an older, low-mileage vehicle from a harsh climate and with an unknown maintenance history.
Always Check the Vehicle History Report
Accident repairs can affect the long-term reliability of a car's mechanical components and cosmetic appearance. A vehicle history report will also give an indication as to where the vehicle lived. Based on that data, you can determine what sort of climate the car was likely exposed to. Avoiding extreme climates, if possible, may yield a better-condition car.
A low-mileage vehicle with an accident in its history may be riskier than a high-mileage car with a clean record.
The Bottom Line
Mileage may seem like the easy way to discover a car's condition. After all, used car mileage heavily influences prices. But considering the other measurements of a vehicle's condition, such as its model year and service history, is an important element of car buying. Investing in a vehicle history report could reveal that a lower-mileage but older car may not be the better deal.
Related Topics
What to Look For When Buying a Used Car
5 Things to Do When Test-Driving a Used Car
How To Talk to a Mechanic