Is 150,000 miles too much for a used car?

Not necessarily. If the car has been regularly serviced, has no major accidents, and passes a pre-purchase inspection, 150,000 miles can still offer years of reliable use—especially for brands known for longevity like Toyota, Honda, or Ford trucks.

What’s better—high mileage with great maintenance or low mileage with poor maintenance?

High mileage with excellent maintenance is often better. A poorly maintained car with low miles could have hidden problems that cost more in repairs down the road.

Do highway miles matter less than city miles?

Yes. Highway miles cause less wear because there’s less stopping, braking, and idling. City miles involve more stop-and-go driving, which wears out brakes, transmissions, and engines faster.

Can a car last 200,000 miles?

Absolutely. Many vehicles, especially from reliable brands like Toyota, Honda, Subaru, and Ford, are commonly known to surpass 200,000 miles with proper care and maintenance.

What mileage is best for a used car?

The “sweet spot” is typically between 40,000 and 90,000 miles. This range offers good value—lower price than new, but still relatively low wear and tear.

Should I get a mechanic to inspect a high-mileage car?

Yes! A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) is highly recommended. A mechanic can check for engine wear, transmission condition, rust, leaks, and any hidden problems before you commit to buying.

How Many Miles Is Too Many for a Used Car?

Q: How many miles is too many for a used car?

It depends. Generally, over 100,000 miles is considered high mileage, but well-maintained cars can easily last 150,000–200,000 miles or more. Always check the maintenance history before deciding.

Wondering how many miles is too many on a used car?

This guide breaks down what high mileage really means, how it affects reliability, and when a higher-mileage vehicle can still be a smart buy.

Learn the difference between highway vs. city miles, why maintenance matters more than the odometer, and how to spot dependable used cars with 100,000 miles or more. Plus, tips on which brands handle high mileage best, what to check before buying, and how to make a confident purchase.

When shopping for a used car, one of the first things buyers ask is:
“How many miles is too many?”

It’s a great question—but the answer isn’t always as simple as a specific number. Mileage does matter, but how the car was driven, maintained, and serviced can be just as important—sometimes more so.

In this post, we’ll help you understand what high mileage really means, what to watch for, and when a car might still be a smart buy—even with six figures on the odometer.

What’s Considered “High Mileage”?

In general, the average driver puts about 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year on a vehicle. So:

A 5-year-old car with around 60,000–75,000 miles is considered average
A car with 100,000+ miles is often considered high mileage
A car with over 150,000 miles? It’s definitely in the high-mileage zone

But high mileage doesn’t always mean high risk.

It’s Not Just Miles—It’s Maintenance

A car with 120,000 miles that’s been well cared for can be a better buy than a car with 60,000 miles that’s been neglected.

What matters more than the number:

Consistent oil changes
Regular brake, tire, and fluid maintenance
Timely timing belt or chain replacements
No history of overheating or major mechanical failure

Tip: Ask for service records and check the vehicle history report. A high-mileage car with documented maintenance is a good sign.

How the Car Was Driven Matters

Not all miles are created equal:

Highway miles are easier on a car than city driving (less stop-and-go wear and tear)
A car driven daily may age better than one that sat idle for long stretches (which can lead to dry rot, rust, or stale fluids)
Fleet vehicles or company cars often have high miles, but they’re usually meticulously maintained

Tip: Don’t judge a book—or a car—by its odometer alone.

Look for the “Sweet Spot” in Mileage and Price

Cars depreciate the fastest in the first few years, which is why used cars with 40,000 to 80,000 miles often offer the best bang for your buck:

Lower price than new
Still within or just beyond warranty
Less wear and tear than ultra-high-mileage models

For budget-conscious buyers, even cars in the 90,000–120,000 mile range can still have years of reliable service left—especially if they’re from a dependable brand and have been maintained.

Which Cars Can Handle High Mileage?

Some vehicles are known to go the distance. Brands like:

Toyota
Honda
Subaru
Ford trucks
Chevrolet trucks

…are often praised for reaching 200,000+ miles when properly maintained.

Tip: Always check reliability ratings and owner reviews for the specific make and model you're considering.

👨‍🔧 Get It Inspected First

If you're considering a high-mileage car, a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) by a qualified mechanic is a must. They’ll check for:

Engine wear
Transmission condition
Rust or corrosion
Suspension and brake life
Fluid leaks or warning signs

This can help you avoid buying a car that looks great on the outside but is hiding expensive problems underneath.

Final Thoughts: So, How Many Miles Is Too Many?

There’s no magic number—but here’s a quick guide:

Mileage Range	What It Means
0–40,000	Low mileage—likely higher price
40,000–90,000	Ideal range—good value and reliability
90,000–130,000	Budget-friendly, but check maintenance records
130,000+	High mileage—buy only if condition is solid

In the end, it’s all about balance. Mileage is important—but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. A well-maintained car with higher miles can still be a great buy and save you thousands compared to a low-mileage alternative.

Ready to Find a Reliable Used Car?

At Clock Tower Auto Mall, We Say Yes When Others Say No, we inspect every vehicle and provide full vehicle history reports—so you’ll always know what you’re getting, whether it has 40,000 miles or 140,000.

Browse our latest inventory or stop by for a test drive today.