How Does Mileage Affect Your Car's Value in the UK?

Summary

• Lower mileage = higher value: Cars with below-average miles sell for more.
• Average UK mileage: Around 7,000-8,000 miles per year for private cars.
• Condition matters too: A well-maintained high-mileage car can be worth more than a neglected low-mileage one. Always get a car history check.

Thinking about selling your car? Or buying a used one? Mileage is one of the first things buyers look at.

But how much does mileage really affect the price? And is low mileage always better? Let's find out.

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What Is Average UK Mileage?

The average UK car does around 7,000 to 8,000 miles per year. This has dropped in recent years as more people work from home.

So a five-year-old car with 35,000-40,000 miles is about average. Anything below that is considered low mileage. Anything above is high mileage.

Car Age	Average Mileage	Low Mileage	High Mileage
3 years	21,000 - 24,000	Under 15,000	Over 35,000
5 years	35,000 - 40,000	Under 25,000	Over 55,000
10 years	70,000 - 80,000	Under 50,000	Over 100,000

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How Much Value Do You Lose Per Mile?

There's no single answer. But as a rough guide, every 1,000 miles above average can reduce your car's value by 1-2%.

The impact is bigger on newer cars. A one-year-old car with 30,000 miles loses much more value than a ten-year-old car with the same difference.

Luxury and performance cars are hit hardest. A BMW or Mercedes with high miles loses more value than a Toyota or Honda.

Example: A three-year-old VW Golf worth £15,000 with average miles might be worth £13,500 with 45,000 miles — a drop of around 10%.

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Is High Mileage Always Bad?

Not necessarily. A car with high motorway miles is often in better condition than one with low city miles.

Motorway driving is gentle on a car. The engine runs at steady speeds. Brakes barely get used. Clutches last longer.

City driving is tough. Stop-start traffic wears out brakes, clutches, and gearboxes. Short trips mean the engine never warms up properly.

A well-serviced car with 100,000 motorway miles can be a better buy than a city car with 50,000 miles and poor maintenance.

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Service History Matters More Than You Think

Buyers look at mileage first. But smart buyers check the service history next.

A full service history proves the car has been looked after. It also proves the mileage is genuine.

Cars with no service history sell for much less — even if the mileage is low. Buyers worry the car has been neglected or the mileage may have been tampered with.

Use a mileage check to verify the recorded mileage matches MOT history.

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Tips to Protect Your Car's Value

• Keep a full service history: Get your car serviced on time, every time. Read our servicing guide.
• Keep it clean: A clean, well-presented car always sells for more.
• Fix small issues: Dents, scratches, and warning lights put buyers off.
• Don't do unnecessary miles: Think about whether you need the car for every trip.
• Get a valuation: Check what your car is worth today with our car value guide.

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Mileage and the MOT

Every MOT records the car's mileage. This creates a clear record over time. Buyers can check this history to spot any suspicious jumps or drops.

If the mileage goes down between MOTs, it's a red flag. It could mean the odometer has been tampered with — known as "clocking".

Clocking is illegal in the UK. But it still happens. Always check the MOT history before buying a used car.

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Mileage matters, but it's not everything. A well-maintained car with honest miles will always find a buyer. Focus on looking after your car, keeping records, and being honest about the mileage when you sell.

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