How much does mileage affect a car's value?

Why mileage matters to buyers

Mileage is a quick shorthand for how much a car has been used. More miles usually mean more wear on the engine, gearbox, suspension, brakes and interior. Buyers also know that some expensive parts need replacing at certain mileages, so a car close to those points can be less attractive.

That's why two otherwise identical cars can be priced quite differently if one has covered far more miles.

Mileage is judged against age

A figure on its own means little. Buyers instinctively compare mileage to the car's age:

• Below what's typical for its age — often seen as a plus, if the history supports it.
• Around typical — neutral; condition and history take over.
• Well above typical — usually reduces value, though how much depends on the car.

Annual mileage varies a lot between drivers, so there's no exact "correct" number. What buyers want is a figure that makes sense for the car's story.

History can outweigh the number

A higher-mileage car can still hold its value well if:

• It has a full service history, ideally with receipts.
• Major maintenance items have been done and documented.
• MOT records show steady mileage and few serious issues.

Conversely, a low-mileage car with gaps in its history, or one that's sat unused for long periods, can raise more questions than it answers.

Checking mileage is genuine

Mileage tampering — "clocking" — still happens. Before buying or setting a price, check:

1. MOT history on GOV.UK's free MOT history service, which shows mileage recorded at each test.
2. Service records, which should show mileage increasing over time.
3. Wear on the steering wheel, pedals, gear knob and seats, which should broadly fit the mileage.

A history that fits together is one of the strongest supports for a car's value.

What else affects value alongside mileage

• Make, model and engine — some are in higher demand.
• Condition — bodywork, interior and tyres.
• Number of previous owners.
• Specification and optional extras.
• Time of year — demand for some cars is seasonal.
• Any history of damage, including insurance write-off markers.

If your car has high mileage

You can still get a fair price by:

• Collecting every service and repair receipt.
• Fixing small, cheap faults before selling.
• Being upfront about the mileage and explaining how the car was used — long motorway journeys generally cause less wear than lots of short trips.
• Comparing routes; see part-exchange or private sale.

Next steps

Check your car's MOT history, gather the paperwork and get a personalised range with Estimo's car valuation. For the wider picture, read what your used car is actually worth.

Sources

• GOV.UK — Check MOT history
• GOV.UK — Getting an MOT