Why 100,000 Miles Remains a Deal-Breaker for Used Cars
Why 100,000 Miles Remains a Deal-Breaker for Used Cars
Andrew LisaSat, April 11, 2026 at 1:00 PM UTC
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Today's most reliable vehicles can rack up sky-high mileage that would have been unheard of a few generations ago and still keep going. However, an old benchmark still stands as the most practical answer for how many miles are too many when buying used.
High-mileage vehicles -- especially famously durable models from reputable brands -- can be hard to resist when paired with temptingly low asking prices. Yet, in nearly all cases, it's best to walk away when you see 100,000 miles or more on the odometer. Here's why:
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What Makes Six-Figures Too Much?
Auto industry expert Rob Dillan laid out the primary reasons 100,000 miles is still generally the most a used vehicle should have.
"Many auto experts agree that 100,000 miles is the upper limit for considering the purchase of a used car," he said. "Beyond this point, the likelihood of significant maintenance and repairs increases substantially.
Past 100,000 miles, the risk of expensive engine, transmission and suspension repairs rises sharply, often outweighing any upfront savings. Even without major repairs or catastrophic system failures, cars with six-figure mileage tend to cost more to maintain with basic upkeep.
"Frequent checkups and replacement of parts become necessary, increasing the overall cost of ownership," said Dillan, who added that six-figure mileage can conceal issues from miles past.
"Even with reliable models, high-mileage cars may have histories of wear and tear that aren't immediately apparent," he continued. "A vehicle with a high mileage might also have a less comprehensive service history, which can obscure potential issues."
Mileage Tells Only Part of the Story
In most cases, 100,000 miles should be enough to walk away -- but mileage is just one variable to consider.
"While the odometer gives context, so many other factors impact reliability and how long a vehicle will last," said Todd Bialaszewski, a certified master mechanic with over 15 years of experience and the founder of Junk Car Medics.
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Melanie Musson, another auto industry expert, agreed. "The maximum number of miles depends on the type of vehicle," she said. "A diesel truck, for example, is expected to last at least 100,000 miles longer than a similar gas-engine truck."
Also, some models are legendary for long-term reliability and others are not.
"You can count on a Honda or Toyota to be reliable for at least 50,000 miles longer than you'd trust a similar Dodge vehicle," said Musson. Meanwhile, Bialaszewski mentioned the same two famously reliable brands, but added that even the most durable models require timely service. "Miss one oil change and costly problems could arise," he said.
It also matters how and where the car was cared for.
"If you live in a rural area, cars aren't usually driven as hard as if you live in a city," said Musson. "If you're on the East Coast, where traffic density is high and roads are heavily salted all winter nearly everywhere you go, you should be leery of any vehicle with more than 100,000 miles."
Urban driving, heavy traffic and corrosive road conditions tend to accelerate wear compared to highway miles.
Diligence Is Essential for Avoiding a Lemon
Conducting deep automotive research is more important than ever when shopping for a deal on a used car with a long mileage history.
"Service records are key to assessing a car's history carefully," said Bialaszewski. "Seeing consistent fluid and belt changes, brake work and so on builds confidence that smaller issues didn't escalate. Even low-mileage rides aren't risk-free without paperwork proving care."
In the end, higher-mileage cars can work for buyers on a budget -- but only when diligently vetted.
"Reputable brands, comprehensive paperwork spanning years and a trusted mechanic's approval are baseline prerequisites," said Bialaszewski. "Considering records and conditions over just numbers helps buyers find a solid long-haul option."
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