DealScan6 min read
What mileage is too high for a used car?
By the DealScan team · Updated 2026-06-08
How to evaluate mileage by make, model, maintenance history, and how it affects the deal score.
Quick answer
There is no single number that makes mileage too high — a 120,000-mile Toyota with records can be a better buy than a 60,000-mile car with none. Judge mileage against the model's reliability, the maintenance proof, and the price, using roughly 12,000 miles per year as the baseline.
Key takeaways
- 12,000-15,000 miles per year is average — compare against that
- Well-maintained high-mileage cars can be better deals than neglected low-mileage cars
- Check timing belt, transmission service, and major maintenance intervals
Mileage is about maintenance, not just the number
A 2012 Honda Accord with 150,000 miles and full service records is often a better buy than a 2014 Accord with 60,000 miles and no records. Maintenance history tells you how the car was treated.
Highway miles are easier on a car than city miles. A car with 150,000 highway miles may have less engine wear than a car with 80,000 city miles. Ask the seller what kind of driving the car was used for.
Know the weak points for each model
Some cars need timing belt replacement every 60,000-100,000 miles ($500-1,000 job). Others have timing chains that last longer. Transmission fluid should be changed every 30,000-60,000 miles for most automatics.
Research the specific model you are looking at. A Subaru Outback may need head gaskets around 100,000 miles. A Toyota Corolla may run smoothly to 250,000 miles with basic maintenance.
Let the deal score guide you
DealScan factors mileage against vehicle age in the deal score. A car with 15,000 miles per year is average. Over 20,000 per year reduces the score. Under 10,000 per year improves it.
But a high score on mileage alone does not mean a good deal if the car has title issues or missing maintenance. Always combine the score with a mechanic inspection.