Why Higher Mileage Isn’t the Deal-Breaker It Used to Be

For years, mileage has been one of the first things people looked at when shopping for a used vehicle. A car with 100,000 miles used to raise eyebrows and send buyers running. But times have changed. Today, higher mileage isn’t nearly the concern it once was—and in many cases, it’s just a matter of personal preference.

People Drive More Miles Than Ever Before

The average American driver now puts significantly more miles on their vehicle each year than in decades past. Longer commutes, road trips, and the general reliability of modern vehicles mean that cars are expected to last well beyond the “old standards.” Seeing 150,000 or even 200,000 miles on the odometer is no longer shocking—many vehicles are built to go that far and beyond with proper maintenance.

Vehicles Aren’t Being Kept as Long

Another factor is ownership habits. Many buyers keep their vehicles for just 1–2 years before trading or upgrading. That means whether a car has 40,000 miles or 80,000 miles, the time you own it may not make much difference. By the time you’re ready to move on, the value drop from mileage will have already leveled out.

Depreciation Works in Your Favor

Depreciation hits hardest in the first few years of a car’s life. For higher-mileage vehicles, much of that initial depreciation has already taken place. In other words, a car with 90,000 miles has already taken its biggest value hit. If you buy it and put 20,000 more miles on it, it’s not going to drop in value nearly as fast as a newer, low-mileage car would.

Protecting Your Purchase With Extended Service Contracts

One of the best parts about buying today—whether you’re looking at a lower- or higher-mileage vehicle—is the opportunity to add protection. Extended service contracts are now more flexible and affordable than ever, with options that include $0 deductibles and even unlimited mileage coverage. That means you can drive with confidence, knowing that unexpected repairs won’t derail your budget. For many buyers, this added peace of mind makes choosing a higher-mileage vehicle a smart move.

Mileage Is Preference, Not a Deal-Breaker

At the end of the day, mileage is no longer the automatic red flag it once was. Some buyers still prefer lower miles for peace of mind, while others see the value in buying higher-mileage cars at a more affordable price point. With proper care—and the protection of an extended service contract—either option can serve you well.

Final Thoughts

The bottom line: mileage is just one piece of the puzzle. Thanks to improved technology, changing driving habits, the way depreciation works, and the availability of extended service contracts, higher mileage isn’t nearly the deal-breaker it used to be. When shopping, focus on condition, maintenance history, and how long you plan to keep the vehicle—because that matters more than the number on the odometer.