How Many Miles Should A Car Have When Buying Used May 2026

Best as a short-term or "beater" car. Only buy if you have detailed service records or a low purchase price that offsets repair risks.

A "sweet spot" for value. Expect preventative maintenance like spark plugs, brake rotors, and potentially a timing belt replacement around the 90k–100k mark. High how many miles should a car have when buying used

When buying a used car, a good general rule of thumb is to look for a vehicle that has averaged between . This means a five-year-old car should ideally have around 50,000 to 60,000 miles on its odometer. Best as a short-term or "beater" car