Choosing a used car with a high mileage can mean big savings if you’re car shopping on a budget.
Of course, there’s also a risk that by buying a higher mileage car you’ll end up with big bills further down the line if the car develops serious problems, so you need to pick wisely. Here’s our guide to the best high mileage cars, to help make picking a used car easier for you.
EASY AS HACK
You can check the MOT history of a vehicle you know the registration of with the Government’s MOT checker. This will show you the mileage when the car was tested, along with whether any parts failed, had minor defects or advisories were issued.
AT A GLANCE
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1. Choosing a reliable car with high mileage could save you money 2. Certain makes and models are more reliable than others with high mileage 3. We share our pick of the ten most reliable high mileage cars on the market today |
The most reliable high mileage cars
Toyota Avensis
From: £3,850
Years of manufacture: 1997-2018
Popular with fleet companies, the Avensis never really took off as a family car. But the fact that Toyotas used to come with a warranty for five years or 100,000 miles tells you everything you need to know about the car’s reliability.
A well-maintained Avensis should manage 200,000 miles without too much difficulty.
Honda Civic
From: £3,500
Years of manufacture: 1972-present
It’s well-known reliability makes the Honda Civic a very popular used car option. The 1.8-litre i-VTEC engine is a standout, with high performance and the high mileage of a much smaller engine. The 2.2-litre diesel engine is also noted for its smooth and quiet drive.
If you look after your Civic, it could last you between 200,000 and 300,00 miles.
Skoda Superb
From: £6,000
Years of manufacture: 2001-present
Superb by name and superb on the roads too. This executive Skoda model has become one of the best high mileage cars thanks to its powerful engine.
The Skoda Superb offers a strong overall performance too, with precision handling and excellent fuel economy. Look for the latest generation model, launched in 2015.
BMW 3 Series
From: £9,400
Years of manufacture: 1975-present
High mileage doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice glamour. The BMW 3 Series is capable of going the distance in style – one of the reasons it’s popular with fleet companies.
Ford Fiesta
From: £6,000
Years of manufacture: 1976-2023
The last Fiesta rolled off the production line in July 2023. But as one of the UK’s all-time bestsellers, there are plenty of excellent used models to be snapped up.
Most high mileage Fiestas won’t experience major problems. And even if they do, parts and servicing are relatively cheap.
Toyota RAV4
From: £4,500
Years of manufacture: 1994-present
The RAV4 is one of the best 4x4s on the market and is known for its exceptional reliability and manufacturing. The RAV4 comes as petrol, diesel or petrol-electric hybrid. Where the diesel engine lacks a little bit of power, the petrol-electric hybrid offers a refined drive.
Providing you look after your Toyota RAV4 well, you should get around 250,000 miles out of it.
Toyota Prius
From: £4,200
Years of manufacture: 1997-present
The Prius is a sturdy and reliable car – capable of high mileage with very little wear and tear. The high-quality manufacture present in every Toyota car means you’ll need to do very little maintenance and your car will still drive like a dream.
You should be able to get between 250,000 and 300,00 miles out of your Toyota Prius if you look after it well.
Renault Clio
From: £5,200
Years of manufacture: 1990-present
This French icon has a reputation for reliability, and this extends to its age and mileage. Most Clios are capable of doing around 50 miles per gallon (mpg), so are relatively economical if you drive a lot. Overall, it’s a small car built for big distances and a smart choice if you’re looking for a low-cost, high mileage vehicle.
Volvo S90
From: £14,600
Years of manufacture: 2016-present
If you’re looking for a car capable of driving long distances, the S90 saloon car is a fine choice. Manufactured with Swedish reliability, the Volvo S90 is built to last. And even with high mileage, this smart saloon is hard to beat for modern comfort, offering spacious interiors and impressive tech.
Kia Ceed
From: £4,900
Years of manufacture: 2006-present
This reliable family hatchback offers a comfortable driving experience and has great fuel economy. And Kia’s seven-year warranty should give you confidence that an older Ceed with high mileage will still be dependable.
What is a high mileage for a used car?
The average car covers around 7,400 miles a year, according to figures from Britannia Car Leasing. This figure can vary depending on location, age, lifestyle etc. So, any car that has been driven more than that can be considered to have above-average mileage.
The life expectancy of a car used to be around 200,000 miles. But big improvements in powertrain technology, rust prevention and lubricants have improved reliability and durability. This means that if a car has been well looked after, it can sail past 300,000 miles without too much trouble these days.
If you choose carefully and make sure the vehicle has a full service history, you could drive out of the garage with a great deal on your hands.
Should I buy a car with high mileage?
Going for a used car with high mileage can be an excellent way to save money or upgrade your model. But you’ll need to take the age, model and type of driving the car has done into consideration.
Newer cars with a high mileage can be a sound buy as they might not have the same issues that an older high mileage car has. A word of warning though – if the previous owner was a taxi driver or courier, the car has likely done a lot of stop-start driving. This isn’t good for its overall health, so is best avoided.
The model is important too. Some cars are better than others at covering long distances without issues. And be sure to go for a brand with a track record for being reliable and durable.
What are the most reliable used car brands?
Auto Trader crowned the Lexus as the most reliable used car brand in 2023. They also shortlisted Toyota and Honda for the award. The Lexus is known for quality, comfort and reliability, which is why it’s claimed the Auto Trader award two years in a row.
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