The Truth About High Mileage Cars: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Posted on June 1, 2025
Shopping for a used car and nervous about kilometers? You're not alone. While most buyers see high mileage as a red flag, the reality is more complex. Mileage alone doesn't tell the full story of a vehicle's condition.
This comprehensive guide will help you:
- Decode mileage thresholds: Learn what's considered "high" mileage for a car
- Spot hidden risks: Discover the six most common high-mileage problems and how to detect them
- Extend your car's life: Get six proven maintenance tips that can add 100,000+ km to your engine
- Navigate insurance impacts: Understand how mileage affects your premiums
Whether you're considering a 150,000 km deal or want to maximize your current car's lifespan, these insights will help you make smarter decisions.
What is Good Mileage for a Car?
A good rule of thumb many mechanics use is that a car should average around 20,000 kilometers per year. This is considered normal usage and suggests the vehicle hasn’t been overdriven. So, if you're looking at a 5-year-old car, you’d expect it to have around 100,000 kilometers on the odometer.
Using this average, you can quickly figure out whether a car’s mileage is on track, low, or unusually high for its age. A 10-year-old car with about 200,000 kilometers would fall into the “good mileage” range.
If the mileage is far above or below that average, it’s worth asking questions about how the car was used and maintained.
How Much Mileage is Too Much?
Let’s get straight to it: the average car in Canada drives about 24,000 kilometres per year. To figure out if a used car’s mileage is in a reasonable range, just multiply 24,000 by the car’s age. If the odometer shows a number much higher than that, it could be a sign that the car has been heavily used.
Another easy way is to divide the total mileage by the car’s age to get its average annual use. While some people go by the yearly average, others believe that once a car passes the 160,000-kilometre mark, it enters “high mileage” territory, no matter how old it is.
That doesn’t always mean the car is in bad shape, but it does mean you should take a closer look at how well it’s been maintained before making a decision.
How Do I Tell if a Car Has Too Many Miles?
While 160,000 km is generally considered high mileage, that number alone doesn’t tell the full story. It’s just as important to look at how and where the car was driven. A vehicle with higher mileage that’s been well cared for can be a better buy than a lower-mileage car that’s been driven hard.
Find out if there is information available about the car’s history. Was it mainly used for highway or city driving. Highway mileage is easier on a car because it involves steady speeds and fewer stops. In contrast, city driving means lots of stopping, idling, and driving on rough roads, which can wear out brakes, suspension, and the engine faster.
Also consider the car’s age, maintenance history, and how it was used overall. All of these factors together will help you decide if the mileage is truly “too much.”
What is the Average Vehicle Mileage (Kms) Driven in Canada?
According to the NRCan Vehicle Survey, the average Canadian driver puts about 15,200 kilometers on their vehicle each year. However, this number can vary depending on where you live and your daily routine.
Whether you commute long distances or mostly drive locally, your lifestyle plays a big role in how much mileage your car sees. Here’s a quick look at the average annual mileage by province:
- Ontario: 16,000 km
- Alberta: 15,200 km
- British Columbia: 13,100 km
So, when you're comparing a car’s mileage, it helps to keep these averages in mind. A car from Ontario with 80,000 km after five years would be right on track with the provincial average.
What is Considered High Mileage for a Used Car?
Years ago, buying a car with over 160,000 kilometers was often seen as risky. But with modern advancements in automotive technology, many newer vehicles can easily last well beyond that, as long as they’re properly maintained.
So, what really counts as high mileage today? It depends on a few key factors:
1. Mileage vs. Age
Mileage alone doesn’t always tell the full story. A newer car with very high mileage might have been driven hard in a short time, which can lead to more wear and tear.
For example, a one-year-old car with 40,000 km may be in worse shape than a five-year-old car with 60,000 km, simply because of how quickly those kilometers added up.
2. Vehicle Model Year
Newer vehicles, especially from the last decade, are built to last longer than ever. Thanks to improvements in engine design, materials, and technology, some cars can easily pass 300,000 km if they’re well looked after. So, a high-mileage newer model might still have plenty of life left.
3. Routine Maintenance
One of the most important things to look for is how well the car has been maintained. A high-mileage vehicle with a full-service record and regular upkeep can be a better buy than a low-mileage car with spotty maintenance.
Always check for oil changes, brake servicing, and any major repairs; these details can tell you a lot about the car’s real condition.
How Does Mileage Impact Insurance?
How much you drive each day can affect how much you pay for car insurance. The more time you spend on the road, the higher the chances of being in an accident, which means your insurance rate could go up.
For example, someone who drives an hour to work every day may pay more than someone who only drives 10 minutes to a nearby train station.
On the other hand, if you don’t drive much, you may qualify for a low-mileage discount. Insurance companies often reward low-mileage drivers with savings of around 3% to 10%, since there’s less risk involved.
6 Common Problems with High Mileage Cars
As cars rack up the kilometers, they’re more likely to face wear and tear. While some issues are expected with age, certain components are especially prone to problems in high-mileage vehicles.
Here are the most common ones to watch out for:
1. Engine Troubles
With high mileage comes increased stress on engine parts. Piston rings may wear down, causing the engine to burn more oil.
If the car wasn’t properly maintained or if cheap oil was used, engine performance can decline faster. Check the oil. If it looks dirty, smells burnt, or feels gritty, the engine may have problems.
2. Transmission Troubles
Transmissions often start to show wear after 160,000 km. Look out for gear slipping, rough shifting, delayed response, or strange noises.
These are signs that the transmission may need professional attention. Regular transmission fluid changes are key, and heavy towing should be avoided to prolong its life.
3. Suspension Concerns
A worn-out suspension can make your ride bumpy and uncomfortable. Uneven tire wear, strange vibrations, or rough driving over bumps are all signs of trouble. High-mileage cars should have their suspension checked regularly to keep handling and comfort in check.
4. Timing Belt Concerns
The timing belt is crucial for keeping the engine’s parts moving in sync. It usually wears out between 100,000 and 160,000 km. Signs of a bad timing belt include ticking noises, engine misfires, oil leaks, or RPM issues. Replacing it before it fails can prevent serious engine damage.
5. Water Pump Leaks
The water pump is part of the cooling system and typically starts having issues between 100,000 and 145,000 km. Warning signs include coolant leaks, overheating, whining sounds, or steam from under the hood. Regularly changing the coolant can help prevent damage.
6. Rust
Rust is common in older cars, especially in areas with lots of rain or snow. If caught early, surface rust can be sanded and painted. But if ignored, it can spread and weaken the structure, often requiring expensive repairs. Always inspect under the car and around the wheel wells for early signs of rust.
How Can You Make Your Car Last Longer?
Today, the average car stays on the road for about 11 years, and with proper care, many can last well beyond 200,000 kilometers.
Keeping your vehicle longer doesn’t just make sense mechanically, it also saves you serious money, up to $30,000, the average cost of a new car. The secret? Take care of your car to reduce depreciation and avoid major breakdowns.
Here are six simple tips to help your vehicle go the distance:
1. Stick To the Maintenance Schedule
Routine car maintenance is essential. Follow the schedule in your owner’s manual for oil changes, tire rotations, filter replacements, and inspections. Staying on top of these small things can prevent big problems later.
2. Don’t Be Thrifty with Parts
Cheap parts and fluids might save you a few dollars now, but could cause expensive damage later. Always use quality oil, filters, belts, and fluids, and make sure they meet the specs in your manual. It’s worth it in the long run.
3. Buy A Safe, Dependable Car
Start with the right vehicle. Choose a make and model known for reliability. If you’re buying used, check for rust, dents, or poor repair history. A well-maintained car from the start is easier to keep running.
4. Know What to Replace and When
Besides scheduled maintenance, pay attention to strange sounds or changes in how the car drives. A squeaky brake, a clunky suspension, or a rough idle can be early signs of problems. Fixing small issues early can prevent major repairs later.
5. Keep Your Car Clean Inside and Out
Regular washes and waxes protect your paint and help prevent rust. Cleaning the interior keeps seats, carpets, and trim from wearing down. A clean car also helps maintain its resale value.
6. Use The Proper Octane-rated Fuel
Your owner’s manual will tell you which fuel is best. Using the wrong octane level can hurt performance or fuel efficiency, especially in high-performance vehicles. When it says "premium recommended," stick to it.
With a little attention and regular upkeep, your car can stay reliable and road-ready for many years to come.
Smart Shopping Starts with the Right Partner
While mileage matters, what truly determines a car's lifespan is how it's been cared for - something we take seriously at CarHub.ca. Every high-mileage vehicle in our inventory undergoes:
- 125-Point Inspection - From engine compression tests to transmission fluid analysis
- Full Maintenance History Verification - We reject vehicles with gaps in service records
- Reconditioning Process - Addressing all worn items before they become your problem
Why risk private sales or questionable dealerships? Browse our used cars inventory today or book a test drive.