Does vehicle mileage matter when buying a car?

When buying a used car, the mileage on the odometer is thought to be one of the most important factors to consider. But what is car mileage? What does mileage mean? And does vehicle mileage matter when buying a car? We’ll cover these questions and more in the guide below. 

What is car mileage and what does it mean?

A car’s mileage simply reveals how far the vehicle has been driven since it was first introduced to the roads. The total number of miles travelled is displayed on the odometer that is located on the dashboard. 

On average, a car travels around 12,000 miles a year in the UK. If, after five years, your car has a mileage of under 60,000 miles, then its mileage is still considered to be low. If the mileage is above this figure, then the mileage may be considered to be high. 

However, a car that has travelled 100,000 miles can also, sometimes, be in better condition than a car that has been driven half that distance. It all depends on how well the car has been looked after, as well as where and how it’s been driven. 

A car’s mileage will inevitably have an impact on the value of the vehicle.

Cars with low mileage

If you find a used car you like with a low mileage, you should still take a careful look at the vehicle and ask the current owner the right questions. 

Even if a car has only travelled 20,000 miles, it’s still possible it could have been in an accident and repaired at some stage. A low mileage is not an indicator of an accident-free past. 

If a car looks or sounds older than its mileage indicates, you should be cautious. The car’s condition is more often than not consistent with the mileage. There’s a practice called clocking in the used car market, where the odometer is tampered with to make the car appear less used than it really is - be aware of this.

So, if something doesn’t look right, you should probably trust your instincts, or have a professional inspect the vehicle before purchasing it. 

Cars with high mileage

One of the biggest benefits of buying a used car with a higher mileage is that you’ll probably save some money on the initial purchase. Depending on how old the car is, it’s very likely that the initial depreciation in its value has already occurred, meaning that you’ll not only pay considerably less for it, but it’ll lose its remaining value far slower. 

The downside is that an older car may have issues, or some of its parts could be getting worn and need replacing. This can become expensive very quickly. It’s a good idea to get a mechanic to look at a car you’re considering buying, before making your final decision.

A car with a low-mileage, that hasn’t been looked after, or seen regular maintenance, could be more problematic in the future, than a car with a higher mileage, that has been well looked after, and has a full-service history. 

A car with around 100,000 miles - with a full-service history - should recently have had a big service, including the replacement of several key parts.

Is vehicle mileage an accurate picture of car health?

As touched on above, mileage is merely one factor in a vehicle’s overall condition. It can also be deceptive in the sense that a low mileage doesn’t necessarily mean a car is in good condition. 

If a car is not driven often, this can be bad for the vehicle. Cars need to be driven regularly, especially on longer journeys, to ensure all their parts keep functioning properly. Some parts, when left unused, can become brittle and break. 

In general, it’s a far safer bet to buy a car with a higher-mileage, that has been regularly driven on long stretches, and has been well-maintained. A car with a lower mileage, that has only been driven in shorter bursts, and has not been properly looked after, could lead to more problems and expenses down the road. 

Engine size matters

It is true that the size of the engine in a car matters, as well as how you use it. 

Cars that house bigger engines can handle a far higher mileage count than those with smaller engines. A car with a 2.0-litre engine for example is better equipped to manage a higher mileage than a car with a 1.0-litre engine.

Modern technology means that cars are lasting longer

The updated technology currently used in vehicles has ensured that modern cars deliver improved performances and are generally more reliable. In fact, when properly looked after, modern cars can go years without requiring serious repairs, or part replacements. 

As modern cars last longer, mileage is not the set indicator of car health that it was once considered to be. There was a time in recent history when 100,000 miles on a car’s odometer meant it was getting old. Today, many makes and models can clock two or even three times this mileage before it becomes an issue. 

Mileage isn’t the only factor to consider

As previously mentioned, it’s not wise to base your decision of whether to buy a used car or not, solely on its mileage.

There’re many other factors that need to be considered when buying a used car, including a car’s history. The truth is you’ll never really know if the current owner is providing you with accurate information. A great idea is to organise an HPI check. 

An HPI check is a thorough examination into most areas of a car’s history. It should reveal if there's any red flags when it comes to the car’s condition and/or ownership. This’ll give you peace of mind if you decide to go ahead with the purchase, as well as save you any unnecessary costs down the road. 

Vehicle maintenance is most important

If you want to ensure a car is in good condition, its maintenance history is a great indicator of its current health. Make sure to check the owner’s manual of a used car to see if the owner has kept to the car’s maintenance schedule. If not, then there may be parts that need replacing, or other underlying issues that haven’t been seen to. A car with a full-service history will more than likely save you costs in the future.

It's also important that these services were conducted by a reputable company. Many companies perform car services; however, some will be far more thorough than others. 

The use of genuine parts and quality products is yet another important factor. If parts or products have been replaced with inferior options, this too could lead to problems later on.

Buy your next car with confidence from Wave Motor Group today

Wave Motor Group can help you find, finance, and buy a used car that’s in great condition. With our large range of approved used cars, we are committed to finding the right vehicle for your requirements.

All of our cars have undergone a thorough 124-point check, meaning you’ll always receive a quality car with no existing issues.