Mileage is one of the most critical factors affecting a car’s resale value, especially in the UK used car market. The number on the odometer influences buyer perceptions, mechanical wear, and whether a vehicle crosses key depreciation milestones.
In this article, we’ll explain why mileage affects depreciation, how specific thresholds (like 30k, 60k, and 100k miles) influence value, which other factors (such as age and service history) matter, and how mileage impact differs by vehicle type (petrol, diesel, hybrid, electric). Understanding these points helps UK buyers and sellers make smarter decisions and better time their sale or purchase.
Why Mileage Affects Depreciation
Mileage is a clear indicator of how much a car has been used. Higher mileage means more wear on components, which raises the chance that parts may soon need replacing. Buyers see high-mileage cars as a higher risk, while low-mileage cars seem more reliable and therefore command higher prices.
However, it’s not just about the number. The type of miles driven matters too. For example, 20,000 miles on motorways puts less strain on a car than 20,000 miles of stop-start city driving. Motorway driving keeps the engine running at consistent speeds, reducing wear on the brakes and transmission. In contrast, city driving involves frequent braking, clutch use, and low-speed operation, which wears parts faster. In short, not all miles are equal.
Mechanical wear: Many parts have a mileage-based lifespan. Tyres often last 20k-30k miles, brake pads around 40k. Suspension components, bushings, and timing belts also wear with use. A high-mileage car might be nearing or past its service intervals, which lowers value unless those items have already been replaced.
Psychological impact: Mileage has a strong psychological effect. Certain milestones, like 100,000 miles, discourage buyers. A car with 99k miles may sell for much more than one with 101k simply because buyers react to that six-figure reading. We’ll cover this in more detail later, but it’s important to know that buyer perception matters as much as mechanical condition.
Mileage also relates to age, but not always directly. A 3-year-old car might have 100k miles (as a former taxi), while a 10-year-old car might have just 30k (used only on weekends). This is why it’s better to assess average miles per year, not just total mileage or age on their own.
Mileage Thresholds and Car Value: 30k, 60k, 100k Miles
Mileage doesn't affect value in a straight line. Instead, there are key thresholds where depreciation speeds up. Here’s how car value tends to drop as mileage increases:
0 to 20,000 miles
This is when depreciation is steepest. Many new cars lose around 20-25% of their value by the time they hit 20k miles. At this point, the car is no longer “nearly new,” and may be outside its initial warranty. For example, a car bought new for £30,000 might only be worth £23,000 after 20,000 miles.
20,000 to 60,000 miles
Depreciation continues, but at a slightly slower pace. Still, by 60k miles, many cars lose roughly half their original value. A £25,000 car could fall to about £12,500-£13,000 by this point. Some experts suggest selling before 60k to avoid a bigger drop in resale value. On the flip side, buyers often find better value once a car has passed 60k miles.
60,000 to 100,000 miles
Beyond 60k, depreciation slows down. Between 20k and 90k miles, each extra 10k miles might reduce value only modestly, perhaps 17% total across that range. The percentage loss per mile is lower than in the earlier phases.
100,000 miles and beyond
Crossing 100k miles is a major psychological milestone. Buyers often avoid six-figure mileage, so prices drop again, usually by 8-10%. For example, a car with 110k miles might sell for much less than one with 90k, even if the difference in condition is minor. Still, depreciation levels off again beyond 100k. Once a car is worth little, further mileage has less effect. At this point, the value may stay fairly steady as long as the car remains reliable.
For sellers: Consider selling before the car hits 60k or 100k miles to avoid a drop in interest.
For buyers: Consider buying just after those thresholds to save money while still getting a solid vehicle.
High vs. Low Mileage: It’s Not Just the Number
While high mileage generally means lower value, context matters.
Service history: A high-mileage car with a full service record can be more valuable than a low-mileage car with spotty maintenance. In the UK, a full service history (FSH) boosts buyer confidence. A poorly maintained low-mileage car may still carry risk.
Usage patterns: Motorway miles are gentler on cars than city miles. Ex-fleet or company cars with high motorway mileage often remain in good condition. Conversely, ultra-low-mileage cars used for short trips might suffer from engine deposits, battery strain, or worn components due to inactivity.
Age vs. mileage: The balance between age and mileage shifts with context. A 3-year-old car with 100k miles is seen as overused, while a 10-year-old car with 60k is seen as gently driven. After about 10 years, age and mileage matter less, condition and maintenance become more important.
High-mileage paradox: Once a car reaches very high mileage (like 200k), depreciation flattens. These cars are already cheap, and further value loss is minimal. In some cases, a high-mileage car may offer better value per mile driven than a lower-mileage one, especially if maintained properly.
In short, don’t judge a car’s value on mileage alone. Consider how the miles were driven, how well the car was maintained, and how old it is.
Other Factors That Influence Value
Mileage is only part of the story. Other elements can increase or reduce its impact:
Age: Cars lose value quickly in the first three years. After five years, age-related depreciation slows. By eight or more years, most cars lose little value year-to-year, provided they remain in good condition.
Service and maintenance: A car that’s been serviced on time retains more value. New brakes, tyres, or clutch can also make a car more appealing to buyers, even if the mileage is high.
Condition: Dents, rust, and a worn interior lower value, regardless of mileage. Cosmetic condition matters. A car with heavy wear that doesn’t match the odometer reading may raise suspicion about its history.
Make and model: Some brands hold value better than others. Reliable or desirable models, especially premium or rare ones, resist depreciation. Meanwhile, lesser-known or problem-prone cars lose value faster.
Running costs: Cars with poor fuel economy, high road tax, or expensive repairs drop in value faster. Buyers of high-mileage cars especially care about efficiency.
Warranty coverage: Cars still under manufacturer warranty (often up to 60k miles or 3-5 years) retain more value. This adds buyer confidence and justifies a higher price.
ULEZ compliance and emissions: In cities like London, older diesels face ULEZ charges. High-mileage diesels that don’t meet Euro 6 standards are less attractive. Buyers will factor this into their offers.
Does Fuel or Vehicle Type Change the Mileage Equation?
Yes. The impact of mileage depends on the fuel type and vehicle class.
Petrol vs diesel: Diesel engines are built for longevity and tend to rack up more miles, so high-mileage diesels aren’t as off-putting. Petrol engines show more wear at high mileage, and thus tend to depreciate faster per mile. However, changing attitudes toward diesels, especially due to emissions policies, can reduce demand and hurt resale value.
Hybrids: Known for reliability and efficiency, hybrids depreciate less per mile than petrol cars. A 60k-mile hybrid, especially with a good service history, can still fetch strong prices. Battery health becomes a concern after 150k miles, but overall hybrids hold value well.
EVs: Electric vehicles suffer less mechanical wear, but battery degradation is a key concern at high mileage. Range loss and the cost of replacement batteries can reduce value. However, EVs with good battery health and a known track record (like Teslas) still hold their value well.
Vehicle type:
- SUVs and executive saloons often cover high annual mileage, and the market expects that. Buyers look more at condition and history than mileage alone.
- City cars are expected to have low mileage. High mileage on a small hatchback may signal hard urban use, which can reduce value.
- Sports and enthusiast cars usually cover fewer miles. Even 60k can be seen as high in these categories. Condition and originality matter more.
- Commercial vehicles (vans, pickups) are expected to do high mileage. Buyers focus on service records and mechanical reliability.
Buyers always consider what the car was made for. A diesel SUV with 100k miles is acceptable. A city car with the same mileage may raise concerns.
Key Takeaways for UK Buyers and Sellers
- Mileage is a key factor in value, especially around major milestones like 60k and 100k.
- Depreciation is steep early, slows down later, and becomes minimal after 100k miles or 10 years.
- Sell before the threshold, buy after it. Selling before 60k or 100k can help you get a better price. Buying just after those points can mean great value.
- Service history and condition matter most. A well-kept high-mileage car may be more reliable than a neglected low-mile one.
- Know your vehicle type. Diesel, hybrid, or EV? Each responds differently to mileage. Context is everything.
- Other factors count. Age, model popularity, running costs, and emissions compliance all affect resale value.
Mileage plays a big role in a car’s value but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Look at how the miles were driven, how the car was cared for, and what kind of vehicle it is. For buyers and sellers alike, taking the full picture into account leads to better decisions and better deals.
Mileage matters but it’s not everything.
Spidersnet