Does Low Mileage Add Value To Your Car?

Low mileage vehicles can sell for 20-30% more on average than the same vehicle with higher miles – according to used car marketplace, Motorway.

Are you one of those people that takes great care of your car? You only drive it on special occasions and make sure to get it serviced regularly. If so, congratulations! You’re doing everything you can to increase the value of your car. But did you know that how many miles are on your car can also affect its worth? Many believe that low mileage cars are more valuable, but is that really the case? Keep reading to find out!

If you’re looking to buy a used car, an important consideration is how many miles it’s covered. A used car for sale with low mileage is likely to be in much better condition than one that’s travelled many more miles over the years.

Not only will a car with low miles on the clock look and feel a lot fresher, it could also save you a huge amount of money on maintenance and servicing costs – and be worth more when you come to sell it.

As a general guide, the average annual mileage of a used car is usually considered to be around 9,000 to 12,000 miles. Anything that’s driven less than this will be seen as ‘low mileage. For example, a three-year-old car with just 10,000 miles on the clock will be more desirable than a used car of the same age with 40,000 miles on the clock.

Continue to read our guide on ‘what is low mileage?’ to find out whether you should be looking for a low mileage vehicle in your search for a used car.

What is low mileage?

Low mileage simply means that a car has been driven fewer miles than average in relation to how old the vehicle is. The average mileage for a UK driver has changed over the last decade, mostly due to the increase of two-car households and, more recently, national lockdowns due to Covid-19. Even so, it’s fairly easy to work out if a car has done relatively low mileage for its age.

What’s considered low mileage for a car?

What’s considered low mileage will depend on the age of the vehicle. For example, a five-year-old car that has done just 30,000 miles would be low mileage because the average UK driver is said to cover about 10,000 miles per year. However, it’s important to pay close attention to a range of factors – including the condition of the car, its service history and the way it has been treated before it got to you.

What are the advantages of buying a low-mileage car?

Low mileage cars tend to be more desirable on the used market because they’ve seen much less use – meaning components that are affected heavily by wear and tear – like the brakes, clutch, tyres etc may last longer into your ownership before needing replacing. The paintwork and interior will most likely be better too.

Components usually have both an age and a mileage limit they need to be changed at so always check the service history to find out what parts have been changed and what parts are likely to need changing soon so you aren’t caught out.

Conclusion to Does low mileage add value to your Car?

It’s no secret that low mileage cars cost more money. But there are ways to keep your car from accumulating too many miles and, as a result, increase its value down the road. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your vehicle for years to come without breaking the bank. How do you plan on preserving the value of your car?