September 17, 2026
Mileage is one of the biggest factors in a used car's value, but it shouldn't be the only number you consider. A well-maintained, higher-mileage vehicle can often be a better buy than a low-mileage car with spotty service history.
Generally, vehicles are expected to accumulate around 12,000 miles per year, so comparing actual mileage to that benchmark for the vehicle's age gives useful context. A car with significantly lower mileage than average may have sat unused for long periods, which can create its own set of issues, like dried-out seals and gaskets.
Highway miles are typically easier on a vehicle than stop-and-go city miles, since highway driving involves less wear on brakes, transmission, and the engine's start-stop cycle.
Our sales team at Kenosha Auto Group can help you evaluate mileage in context, alongside service history and inspection results, so you focus on the factors that actually predict reliability.