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Shopping for a used car can be a tricky process. There are many boxes to check, but one of the most important is the mileage. Buyers are looking for a used car with ‘good’ mileage. But what does ‘good mileage’ mean? We outline the essentials of car mileage in used cars, from what good mileage for a used car is to vehicle reliability and how to check a used car’s mileage and history.
Most UK car buyers choose used vehicles over new ones. According to leading market research platform, Statista found that 79% of all UK car sales in 2024, were used cars. Most vehicles you see on UK roads every day were bought second hand.
Buying a used car is a sensible financial decision. Not only are they cheaper and depreciate slower, but buyers can choose from a wider selection of models and benefit from cheaper insurance and, in most cases, have cheaper road tax.
But there is a caveat or two when buying a used car and most of these revolve around the condition of the car. One of the first, and biggest, questions buyers ask is ‘what is a good mileage for a used car’?
In this blog we’ll examine everything you need to know about mileage and used cars, starting with the obvious question.
There’s a difference between the average miles of a used car, and what is a good mileage for a used car.
According to the RAC, in 2024 the average annual mileage in the UK is approximately 7,000 miles. This figure has seen a marked decline in the last few decades. According to the National Travel Survey, in 2004 the average yearly mileage was 9,100.
Identifying a used car with a good mileage is an entirely different question. But, as a general guide, multiply the car’s age by annual average (7,000 miles) and that’s considered to be a good mileage for a used car.
| Car Age | Good Mileage |
| 3-years | 30,000 – 36,000 miles |
| 5-years | 50,000 – 60,000 miles |
| 8-years | 80,000 – 96,000 miles |
| 10-years plus | 120,000 miles (if well maintained) |
Now, of course, good mileage doesn’t automatically mean good condition. And condition plays a big part in the used car buying decision-making process. Buyers may find their ideal used car, one with 12,000 miles on the clock, but after a simple, cursory inspection, it’s clear that the car has more than a few dings.
Not always. While low mileage is generally considered a positive sign, it’s shouldn’t automatically be the sole reason to buy a used car. In fact, low mileage can even be a red flag. Below we’ve listed the positive and negative attributes of low mileage on used cars.
A well-maintained car with 80,000 miles on the clock may be more reliable than a car with 20,000 miles on the clock but hasn’t benefitted from consistent servicing.
Don’t also forget that motorway or driving for long stretches on country roads results in less overall strain and city or stop-and-go driving.
So, basically, low mileage is favourable when paired with strong ownership and service histories and overall car condition, lower mileage is favourable.
A car with under 60,000 miles is generally considered low mileage, particularly if it’s more than five years old. On average, UK drivers cover around 7,000 miles per year, so a car that has consistently stayed below this figure suggests gentler use.
Low-mileage cars are often seen as more desirable because they typically show less wear on key components such as the brakes, suspension, and tyres. However, a very low-mileage car that has been rarely driven may still need close inspection, as lack of regular use can sometimes lead to issues such as dried seals or a flat battery.
Anything over 100,000 miles is usually classed as high mileage for a car, but this doesn’t automatically mean it’s a poor purchase. High-mileage vehicles that have been serviced on schedule and looked after carefully can often prove more reliable than lower-mileage cars that have been neglected.
Buyers should always weigh up mileage alongside service history, ownership records, and how the car has been used, for example, long motorway commutes generally put less strain on a vehicle than short city trips.
When a car reaches around 150,000 miles or more, it’s often considered to have “a lot” of mileage on the clock. At this point, major components like the suspension, clutch, or gearbox may already have been replaced or could be due for attention in the near future.
That said, many well-maintained cars are capable of far exceeding this milestone, so “a lot” really comes down to the individual vehicle’s care and maintenance rather than mileage alone.
Yes, mileage plays a major role in a car’s resale value. Lower mileage cars generally command a premium, as they are perceived to have more life left in them and to have endured less wear. That said, condition and service history can be just as influential.
A higher-mileage car with a full service record and no major issues can often be a better investment than a low-mileage car that has skipped maintenance. Buyers increasingly look for a balance between mileage, history, and overall condition when making a decision.
Checking a car’s mileage and history is one of the most important steps before buying used. It helps you confirm the mileage is genuine, see how well the car has been looked after, and make sure you’re paying a fair price.
To check a used car’s history, the easiest detail you’ll need is the registration plate number. This allows you to access key information about the car, including mileage records, MOT results, and ownership history.
Where to find it:
With the registration plate number, you can access official records online to confirm a car’s background and condition. Together, these checks give you a clear, reliable picture of the car’s history and help you make an informed decision before buying.
A vehicle’s service history report may look good, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t risk when purchasing a used car which is why getting a professional pre-purchase inspection (PPI), one that allows a trusted mechanic to inspect the vehicle and provide you with precious peace of mind is advised. A mechanic can spot hidden issues such as:
At Group M53, all our used cars are thoroughly inspected before being listed for sale, giving you total confidence that the vehicle you choose is in excellent condition.
There’s no single mileage figure that tells the whole story — it all depends on how the car has been driven, serviced, and maintained. The key is knowing what signs to look for, from service records to visible wear, so you can judge whether a car’s mileage truly reflects its condition.
If you’re unsure, our team at Group M53 are here to help. We’ll explain exactly what the mileage means for the model you’re considering and guide you towards a car that matches your needs and budget with confidence.
Interested in browsing through our collection of the best used cars on the Wirral or Ellesmere Port? Contact us today to start your search.