New and used low mileage cars

The average annual mileage for a car is somewhere around 10,000-12,000 miles each year, so if you’re looking at a three-year-old car that’s been driven fewer than 30,000 miles it would be considered a low-mileage example.

A low-mileage car is excellent news if you’re looking to buy a relatively new used car because its engine and other mechanical components will have experienced less wear and tear than a car with higher mileage.

For newer used cars low mileage is more desirable but as cars age certain components will begin to wear out regardless of mileage, so condition and evidence of maintenance start to become more important as cars get older.

Condition is everything with used cars and low-mileage used cars tend to be well cared-for. If a car has been properly maintained, one with higher mileage will be a reliable purchase, too, but a low-mileage example could provide extra peace of mind.