Mileage has everything to do with the price of a used car. It tells you how much it has been driven. However, you should also consider age, service history, and condition. When you search for used cars in Calgary, you will notice that low-mileage cars will almost always cost more, even if they are older. The reason is, there is an assumption that higher mileage relates to wear and tear. So why are high-mileage cars cheaper? Let’s look more closely at the issue:
Does High Mileage Lower the Value of a Used Car?
Yes, it usually does. High-mileage cars are often priced lower than similar models with lower mileage because they are more likely to need repairs or part replacements sooner. Every kilometre driven causes gradual wear on components like brakes, suspension, and the engine.
Reasons high mileage can lower value:
- More maintenance is needed shortly
- Shorter remaining lifespan of key parts
- Lower trade-in or resale value
- Possible insurance impact
That said, a well-maintained high-mileage car can still be a smart buy, especially if the price reflects its condition.
What Is Considered Good Mileage for a Used Car?
A good rule in Canada is that average mileage is about 20,000 to 25,000 kilometres per year. So if you’re looking at a 5-year-old vehicle, “good mileage” would be around 100,000 to 125,000 km or less.
Good mileage benchmarks:
| Age of Car | Good Mileage Range |
| 3 years | Under 75,000 km |
| 5 years | Under 125,000 km |
| 8 years | Under 200,000 km |
Don’t only pay attention to the numbers. A car with slightly more miles but full service records may be a much better deal than a low-mileage vehicle that was poorly maintained.
How Much Does Mileage Affect Car Resale Value?
Mileage has a significant impact on resale value. A vehicle’s price can decrease by thousands of dollars depending on how much it has been driven. For example, two similar vehicles made the same year and model may vary in price by 10% to 20% or more if one car has 150,000 km on it and the other has 80,000 km on it.
How mileage affects price:
- First 100,000 km: Depreciation is steep
- After 150,000 km: Value declines drastically unless the car has been maintained
- Over 200,000 km: Often considered “end of life” to most buyers
If you plan on selling your vehicle, consider keeping the mileage low, which can be accomplished with alternate transportation options when available. If you are purchasing a vehicle, consider a low-to-moderate mileage vehicle that has a clean history, as it may be the best option in terms of cost, reliability, and resale value.
Low Mileage vs High Mileage Used Cars: Which Is Better?
It depends on what you value more, upfront cost or long-term reliability. Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose:
Low-Mileage Cars
Pros:
- Higher resale value
- Less wear and tear
- Lower chance of needing repairs soon
Cons:
- More expensive
- May have sat unused, which can cause other issues
High-Mileage Cars
Pros:
- Lower price
- May still be in great shape with full maintenance history
Cons:
- Shorter remaining lifespan
- More likely to need repairs soon
Tip: When buying at used car dealership in Calgary, always ask for service records, accident history, and inspection reports, even if the car has low mileage.
Is it Worth Buying a High-Mileage Used Car?
Sometimes yes. A high-mileage car that has been driven mostly on the highway (less stop-and-go wear), has one owner, and has been serviced is a solid and inexpensive option that gets you in a newer model with more features for less money.
Just be sure to:
- Make sure it isn’t used for a lot of short runs and always check for oil changes, brake work and tire changes
- Be looking for rust or frame damage
- Get a reputable mechanic involved before you buy
In summary, do not focus solely on cars with low mileage, but be cautious when looking at high-mileage cars.
Get More for Your Budget with the Right Mileage Vehicle – Visit Today!
All of our inventory has been inspected and serviced to ensure your peace of mind. Whether you need a low-mileage vehicle or a primed high-mileage deal, Double L Motors will connect you with the perfect fit for your needs and budget. Are you looking for trusted Calgary used cars? Come by today or take a look at our inventory online!
FAQs
1-Does city driving affect mileage impact differently than driving on the highway?
Yes. City driving causes your brakes and engines to wear out quicker due to constantly stopping and going. Highway driving, even with more mileage, is less stressful on your car.
2-How do electric vehicles affect mileage impact?
Electric vehicles (EVs) are made up of fewer moving parts, so high mileage doesn’t hit them as hard as conventional gasoline-powered cars.
3-Should I stay away from cars at 200,000 km?
Not just because of 200,000 km. If a car has good maintenance records and the car passes a mechanic’s inspection, it can easily live for years.
How can you tell whether a car’s mileage is accurate?
You can ask for service records and compare the odometer readings with the inspection or the emissions test records.