How Many Miles Can A Car Last (2024)

FAQs

How Many Miles Can A Car Last? ›

A conventional car can last for 200,000 miles. Some well-maintained car models will reach 300,000 or more miles total. The average passenger car age is currently around 12 years in the United States.

What is considered high mileage on a car? 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.

As a general rule, most vehicles begin to seriously degrade at around 150,000 miles. It is considered rare, and therefore outstanding longevity, if a car reaches 200,000 miles on the road. That said, there's more to identifying good versus bad mileage on a used car than just the odometer reading.

The current quality of high-mileage used cars ultimately comes down to its maintenance. A 500,000-mile used car or truck has obviously seen its fair share of wear and tear but if the damages wear repaired immediately and the parts were changed when they were supposed to, the vehicle is bound to survive long.

In the past, the average lifespan of a car was significantly lower than it is today. Now, you can expect a standard car to last around 12 years or about 200,000 miles. More advanced vehicles like electric cars can go even longer, up to 300,000 miles.

There isn't one answer fits all. We tend to keep our vehicles to about 300k miles.

Traditional wisdom used to warn car buyers to keep away from vehicles with over 100,000 miles. Put simply, though, the 100,000 mile-marker is no longer a good indicator for buying used. If a vehicle has been properly maintained, it can last several hundred thousand miles.

So, for an easy way to calculate how many miles on a used car is too much, just multiply its age by 10,000. For example, a five-year-old car would ideally have 50,000 miles or less on its odometer. If a car's mileage is far larger than the average, then you will have to take a deeper look at the car's history.

Depending on the car's value, repairing it might be worth the money to keep it going for a few more years. However, most modern gasoline-powered vehicles will start to struggle after the 200,000-mile mark. Electric cars can usually make it up to 300,000 miles before they're considered well used.

Many modern cars with 100K-150K miles are in great condition and will easily go another 100K. However, if a car has not been maintained properly and has been driven hard or previously wrecked, it can be junk with only 30K miles on the odometer.

Is a 20 year old car too old? ›

Additionally, maintenance costs can quickly add up as cars age. Parts are harder to find, and labor is more time-intensive. If these concerns make you uneasy, avoid cars over 20 years old. This rule of thumb may help ensure your vehicle choice is still safe, reliable, and affordable.

Reliability was more questionable then, and many vehicle odometers didn't even reach six figures, never mind driving beyond that milestone. Today, however, most cars are engineered to drive well past 100,000 miles, which means buying a high-mileage car can lead to a great deal.

There's even proof through a case study on a Tundra that went over 1 million miles on the odometer. In recent news, a Toyota Highlander made it over a million miles in Florida by owner Mark Miller, who bought the car in 2006.

Did you know there is only a 11.8% chance of a typical vehicle lasting for 250,000 miles? However, breaking the barriers of conventional longevity, a 2023 study by iSeeCars.com unearthed a lineup of 23 of the best vehicle models that are defying the odds and are most likely to surpass a quarter-million miles.

It can be somewhat risky to buy a vehicle that has racked up more than 100,000 miles. Even if it's well-maintained and has about 100,000 miles left in it, such a car is already past its prime. Generally, vehicles are likely to start experiencing problems after the 100,000-mile mark.

To tell the truth, the life expectancy of automobiles is determined by how well-maintained they are. With proper maintenance vehicles can reach 200,000 miles. If we focus on engines, nowadays they are designed to last over 100,000 miles.

Ultimately, the decision to prioritize age or mileage depends on a variety of factors, including the car's intended use, budget and personal preferences. If reliability and safety are paramount, a newer car with moderate mileage might be the ideal choice.

60,000-70,000 miles: Most manufacturers' powertrain warranties expire in that range, and the second major maintenance is scheduled to occur. Selling before reaching those benchmarks will get you a better price for your car than selling afterward.

Standard cars in this day and age are expected to keep running up to 200,000 miles, while cars with electric engines are expected to last for up to 300,000 miles. Keeping a car that long has a lot of benefits, including the fact that it could save you a great deal of money.

Is it worth buying car with high mileage? ›

First, it can create a lower price tag for you. Cars typically lose about 60% of their original value within the first five years, and the depreciation is generally higher for vehicles with more mileage. Therefore, if you buy a five-year-old car with 100,000 miles on it, you stand to buy it at a significant bargain.

How many miles does a car last? A conventional car can last for 200,000 miles. Some well-maintained car models will reach 300,000 or more miles total.

What is Good Mileage for a Car? Most professional mechanics will tell you that 12,000 miles per year is an accurate estimate for a car that has not been overdriven and considered to have high mileage. Therefore, a vehicle driven for 10 years, would have an acceptable mileage of 120,000 miles.

But when it comes to cars, owning a car well past the 10-year mark should no longer be a badge of honor. Due to safety reasons, if you have the money, you should probably start looking for a new car after a decade. I get the desire to save money and own a car until the wheels fall off.

The consensus has always been that any used vehicles and trucks with over 100,000 miles might have too much mileage.

Finding a four-year-old car with 50,000 miles on it can be a great deal, as it means that the driver used it a little less than average, and it could have more life left in it. However, you should be a bit wary of vehicles that are a decade old with only 50,000 miles to show for it.

Reliability was more questionable then, and many vehicle odometers didn't even reach six figures, never mind driving beyond that milestone. Today, however, most cars are engineered to drive well past 100,000 miles, which means buying a high-mileage car can lead to a great deal.

Although it may have been well maintained, the purchase of a vehicle with over 200,000 miles on the odometer might lead to significant maintenance costs. At this point, the car is likely nearing the end of its useful life, and you may soon need to either invest a significant sum in repairs or replace it entirely.