If you’re sizing up a second-hand vehicle, one of the first things you’ll check is the odometer. And fair enough — “What is a good mileage for a used car?” is one of the most common questions we hear. Mileage can be a clue to how much life a car’s got left, but it doesn’t tell the whole story.
In this guide, we’ll unpack what mileage actually means, how to spot a well-maintained used car, and when those extra Ks should raise a red flag.
Mileage Myths Busted
A good rule of thumb in Australia is about 15,000 km of annual mileage. That’s considered average car mileage by most automotive experts and dealers.
| Car Age | Expected Average Mileage |
|---|---|
| 3-year-old car | 45,000 – 60,000 km |
| 5-year-old car | 75,000 – 100,000 km |
| 10-year-old car | 150,000 – 180,000 km |
But here’s the thing — that’s just average. Many well-maintained cars run beautifully well beyond that. The key is proper care, not just the number on the dash. At Old Cars Removed, we’ve remove cars with under 150,000km that were absolute lemons — and picked up 300,000 km Hiluxes still going strong.
What Mileage Tells You
Don’t treat mileage like a hard-and-fast rule. Sure, it’s a factor — but it’s only useful when viewed alongside:
- Comprehensive service records (oil changes, timing belts, brake pads)
- Maintenance history (fluid checks, tyre replacements, battery care)
- Type of miles driven (highway driving is easier on a car than city driving)
- Type of vehicle (diesel engines and petrol cars wear differently)
On the flip side, bad mileage doesn’t always look high. A 3-year-old car with 90,000 km of city streets and a cold engine starts might be in worse shape than a 6-year-old diesel vehicle with 180,000 km of highway mileage.
Clocked Cars: Risk or Reward?
Some high-mileage vehicles run better than newer low-mileage ones — especially with a well-documented service history and consistent care. But without that? You might be budgeting for repairs right from the start.
Here’s when to walk away from high-mileage used cars:
- No maintenance records or logbook
- Frequent maintenance issues like engine rattles or electrical issues
- Signs of excessive wear: dried-out seals, bald tyres, saggy suspension components
- Brake issues or steering problems
- Engine power loss or warning lights on the dashboard
One bloke in Preston tried selling an old Nissan with 172,000 km and “just a small rattle.” Turned out the engine mounts were cactus, the shocks were gone, and the ball joints were split open. Needless to say, we towed it to the scrap yard.
Logbooks and Myth
Not all service history claims are worth their salt. A sticker on the windscreen saying “next service due 160,000 km” isn’t the same as a stamped logbook or full comprehensive service records.
Here’s what to look for:
- Regular services recorded (preferably by a legit service centre)
- Proof of critical components being replaced (timing belts, brake pads, fluids)
- A clear pattern — not just one oil change in five years
Even better? A certified pre-owned car with a 125-point or 150-point inspection and limited warranty coverage. These can offer additional peace of mind for budget-conscious buyers.
Diesel vs Petrol vs Electric
Different engine types handle yearly mileage and component wear differently. Let’s break it down.
| Engine Type | Mileage Tolerance | Common Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol engines | 150,000–200,000 km | Engine wear, oil leaks, and gasket failure |
| Diesel engines | 200,000–350,000 km | Turbo issues, DPF clogs, dried-up seals |
| Electric vehicles | 100,000–300,000+ km | Battery degradation, electronics faults |
Diesel vehicles love long-haul highway driving and can rack up serious km if looked after. Petrol cars wear faster in short-distance, city-only use. Electric vehicles? They’re still newish on the market, but battery health is key.
Table: Mileage Expectations by Vehicle Age and Condition
| Vehicle Age | Mileage Range | Condition To Expect | Likely Buyer Interest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-year-old car | 30k – 70k km | Excellent, still under warranty | High (especially with features) |
| 5-year-old car | 70k – 120k km | Good, may need minor maintenance | Moderate to high |
| 10-year-old car | 150k – 220k km | Needs full inspection, higher risks | Low unless the price is sharp |
| Over 10 years | 220k+ km | Budget for repairs or scrap value only | Scrap or trade-in territory |
What a Pre-Purchase Check Uncovers
Get a comprehensive inspection — we’re talking 125 to 172-point inspections here — before buying anything with over 150,000 km.
Look for:
- Component wear: brakes, steering, suspension, rubber components
- Corrosion on vehicle components
- Fluid leaks or engine treatments hiding underlying issues
- Depth check on tyre tread and brake pad thickness
- Signs of frequent repairs or rushed fixes
Don’t skip this step — we’ve seen high-mileage cars sold as “excellent condition” with excessive wear, battery faults, and engine health issues that show up within weeks.
When Mileage Affects Resale
Most Aussie buyers — whether they admit it or not — judge a car by the odometer.
| Mileage | Resale Reaction |
|---|---|
| Under 100,000 km | “Looks mint — how much?” |
| 100k–150k km | “Might need a few things checked” |
| 150k–200k km | “Only if the price is sharp” |
| Over 200,000 km | “Nah mate, probably a bomb” |
Mileage vs Maintenance: What Actually Matters More?
Here’s the brutal truth: We’ve pulled lower-mileage cars off dealer lots with engine issues, and we’ve towed high-mileage vehicles that still drove straight as a dart.
Proper maintenance beats lower mileage every time.
Look for:
- Regular servicing intervals
- Use of high-mileage motor oil
- Service records going back several years
- No evidence of excessive mileage concerns like worn-out bushings or damaged suspension
A car with excellent maintenance records is often a more reliable option than one that just looks shiny.
Straight-Talk from the Workshop
- City driving is harsher on vehicles due to stop-start use and cold engine starts
- Highway mileage is generally smoother and leads to less engine wear
- Diesel cars thrive on long runs — if they’re only used for short trips, expect issues
- Cars with modern safety features and advanced automotive technology hold value longer, even with more kms
- Cars with mileage between 80,000–150,000 km and comprehensive service history often represent the best bang for buck for buyers
Real Story
We once picked up an old Subaru in Werribee with 320,000 km. It had been used by a tradie for regional jobs — all highway driving, regular servicing, one owner.
It still drove beautifully. No warning signs, no engine rattles. But the guy upgraded to a newer diesel vehicle and wanted it gone.
We gave him a fair price, towed it, and even the buyer at the wrecker’s yard said, “Mate, this thing’s got more to give.” Not bad for a high-mileage vehicle.
Checklist: Is the Car Worth Buying?
- Does it have a comprehensive service history?
- Has a mechanic done a pre-purchase inspection?
- Are there any mechanical issues or electrical issues noted?
- Any rust, leaks, or hidden issues?
- Can you budget for potential repairs or ongoing maintenance costs?
FAQ
What’s considered high mileage in Australia?
Anything over 200,000 km is generally high, but it depends on the car’s mechanical condition, service records, and type of driving.
Should I avoid high-mileage used cars completely?
Not always. High-mileage vehicles can still be reliable options with a good maintenance history and strong components.
What should I check before buying a high-mileage car?
Request a comprehensive inspection, look at the service history, check for engine health, and review common issues for that model.
Are Certified Pre-Owned vehicles worth it?
Yes — especially if they come with a limited warranty, extended warranties, and a full inspection (e.g. 150-point or 172-point checks).
Does a newer car with high mileage beat an older low-mileage one?
Sometimes. Modern cars with advanced safety features, newer automotive technology, and regular servicing often age better.
