If you’re planning on buying a second-hand car, one of the key factors to think about is the mileage. Many people hesitate to buy a car that’s already clocked up lots of miles, fearing potential problems. But is a high-mileage car really such a bad idea? In this guide, we explore the definition of a high-mileage car, the checks you should make before buying one, and the advantages and disadvantages of choosing a car with more miles on the clock.
What is a high-mileage car?
A high-mileage car is usually considered to be one that has driven more than 100,000 miles. The average annual mileage in the UK is somewhere between 7,000 and 12,000 miles, so a car with over 100,000 miles on the clock could be around eight to 10 years old or more.
Classic cars aside, the older a car is, the more miles it is likely to have driven, and the more likely it is to run into problems. This can be off-putting for some potential buyers.
However, mileage alone doesn’t give the full picture of the health of a car: how it has been driven and maintained is just as important. In fact, a car with a high mileage that has been well cared for and has a full service history could actually be more reliable than a lower mileage car that hasn’t been looked after.
Some cars last longer than others
If you are considering buying a high-mileage car, it’s a good idea to research the reliability of the make and model in question. Some makes (including Toyota, Honda, BMW, Volkswagen and Lexus) are more robust than others, and are able to run much further – reliably – for longer.
Petrol cars tend to have shorter lifespans than diesel cars, with many running into problems after the 150,000-mile mark. Diesel cars, on the other hand, are more hardwearing and are designed for long-distance driving. With proper care, many diesel cars – including certain models of Skoda, Volkswagen and Mercedes – can last beyond 200,000 miles.
If you have fallen in love with a high-mileage car, it’s important to run some key checks before you buy it, to avoid costly repairs down the line.
Firstly, check the MOT and service history of the car. The MOT history is quick and easy to find via gov.uk. You’ll be able to see if the car has been assessed through the milestone markers of its lifespan. (More on these below.)
Review the car’s service history. A well-documented service history is a good sign. Look carefully for recurring faults or major issues: these could be the result of poor maintenance, or a particular weakness of the car. Check that any necessary repairs have all been made, ideally with receipts for major work.
Give the car a thorough physical inspection. If you don’t feel confident enough to do this yourself, take someone experienced, that you trust, to do it for you. Alternatively, arranging for it to be checked over by a professional can be a good idea.
Look for signs of wear and tear on the outside and inside, and under the bonnet.
Check all the fluids, including brake fluid, coolant and oil, for low levels or leaks.
Check the brake pads and rotors for wear.
Check the tyres: make sure they have sufficient tread and that they are correctly inflated.
Inspect the battery for signs of damage or corrosion – check when it was last replaced, how old it is.
Examine the suspension, brakes and steering – take it for a test drive and see how it handles. Smooth, responsive steering is what you’re after.
Assess the condition of the transmission and clutch on a test drive – if the clutch slips or sticks, it may need replacing.
Key mileage milestones
After 50,000 miles | Wheel alignment should be checked regularly, but after 50,000 the shocks and struts need to be looked at |
After 60,000 miles | Many cars will need a new cambelt at this point |
After 100,000 miles | Check if the spark plugs need changing. They should be checked every 10,000 miles after the 1k milestone, or if the engine misfires |
After 120,000 miles | Check coolant levels and top up regularly |
After 150,000 miles | Inspect the drivetrain seals for leaks. Check the timing chain tensioners and power steering fluid, replacing and topping up if required |
Lower purchase price
Probably the main reason for choosing to buy a high-mileage car is the affordability factor. Well driven cars are usually much cheaper than cars with low mileage, which makes them an appealing choice for budget-conscious buyers.
With older cars, you may find yourself in a position to buy a higher quality brand than you otherwise would have been able to afford.
Proven reliability
If a car has reached a high mileage and is still running well, it’s a good sign that it’s a quality, reliable car.
A well-maintained, high-mileage car could outlast a younger, lower-mileage model that hasn’t been looked after.
Some brands have a reputation for durability and longevity – worth a mention here are Honda, Hyundai, Toyota and Skoda – so take the time to research which makes and models are known for reliability. Of course, it’s important to run your own checks on your car of choice as there’s no guarantee that there won’t be issues with any individual vehicle.
Reduced depreciation
All cars lose value over time – this is known as depreciation. Depreciation is greatest during the early years of a car’s lifespan, and as the car ages and accumulates more miles on the clock, depreciation slows down. This essentially means that a high-mileage car has likely already experienced its greatest drop in value, so if you decide to sell it on, you won’t make as big a loss as you might earlier in the agreement.
Lower insurance costs
Insurance costs are usually based in part on a car’s market value. As high-mileage vehicles are invariably cheaper than their newer or low-mileage counterparts, insurance premiums tend to be lower. Having said that, some insurance companies may charge higher premiums due to potential reliability risks, so it’s always worth checking individual policies carefully.
Increased wear and tear
The older a car, the more wear and tear you can expect it to have. Common issues with high-mileage cars include engine problems, transmission issues, timing belt wear (which can be terminal), oil leaks and worn-out suspension components.
Higher maintenance and repair costs
You can expect to spend more on upkeep with a high-mileage car. Although they usually cost less to buy, frequent servicing and maintenance costs can stack up, making owning and running a high-mileage car costly – especially if major parts fail and need replacing.
Bear in mind too that some high-mileage cars may be harder to source parts for.
Lack of warranty coverage
New car warranties usually have mileage limits of 60,000, but some manufacturers will offer extended warranties of five to seven years, or 100,000 miles. Used car warranties can vary greatly but generally don’t last longer than 12 months.
High-mileage cars are very often out of warranty, meaning that breakdowns and repair costs are your responsibility from the moment of purchase.
Lower resale value
It’s often much harder to sell a high mileage car than a younger, lower-mileage model due to the simple fact that most people want newer cars. If you think you might want to sell your high-mileage car in the future, be warned that it might be difficult: it will be older still, and have travelled even more miles.
Looking after an older car is a commitment – consistent upkeep is required to keep it running smoothly. Get in the habit of running regular health checks on your vehicle, especially in the winter months. Here are our tips for keeping your high-mileage car on the road for longer:
Regularly monitor oil and coolant levels, tyre pressure and headlights. Top up, inflate, and replace when necessary.
Replace spark plugs and top up coolant when needed.
Run frequent checks on drivetrain seals, power steering fluid and timing tensioners after 150,000 miles.
Monthly checks will help to keep your car in its best condition.
Final thoughts
Buying a high-mileage car isn’t necessarily a bad idea, but it does need careful thought. If the older car you want has been well looked after and passes all the key checks, then it could be a cost-effective and reliable investment. But you do need to be prepared for potential maintenance costs, and low resale value.
Ultimately, whether it’s a good decision for you will depend on your budget, on how you plan to use the car, and on your willingness to take on the risks associated with higher mileage. If in doubt, always get a professional inspection before buying.
Can high mileage cars still be reliable?
Yes! Just because a car has done over 100,000 miles doesn’t mean it’s ready for the scrapheap – many cars are designed to last well over 200,000 miles if they are looked after properly.
What mileage is too high when buying a used car?
This will depend on the make, model, overall condition of the vehicle and on your personal preferences. Checking the service history and getting a professional inspection can help you decide whether any potential new car is worth the investment. Be particularly thorough with any car that has over 150,000 miles on the clock – check for major repairs and past replacements.
Is it worth getting a loan for a high-mileage car?
It could be, but it’s important to factor in repair costs to your overall budget. While lenders may offer finance for high-mileage cars, interest rates could be higher than normal due to the potential risk factors associated with an ageing car. If you’re struggling to secure traditional car finance for a high-mileage car, you might prefer to opt for a personal loan.
You can read more about used car finance in our dedicated used car finance guide.
Do lenders finance high-mileage cars?
Each lender will have its own criteria when it comes to the age and mileage of a car. Many lenders have mileage or age restrictions on car finance – the car must be less than eight years old and have less than 100,000 miles on the clock, for example – so you might have to shop around. However, specialist lenders may be happy to offer you car finance, or you might decide to go for a personal loan.
With a personal loan from Oodle, there are no mileage restrictions to worry about!
What are excess mileage charges when buying a high-mileage car?
Excess mileage charges are the fees you’ll pay if you go over your pre-agreed mileage limit. Not all types of finance have mileage limits, however. Each lender will have their own specific limits and charges, and they will depend on the individual car, its age and mileage, and the type of car finance you opt for. If you finance a car with a personal contract hire arrangement for example, there is often a mileage limit. If you choose an unsecured personal loan, there won’t be any mileage restrictions.
