Does Mileage Matter On a Car?

Does mileage matter? Undoubtedly, it is a significant indicator for evaluating the car’s general condition and determining its resale value. However, it goes beyond that. The data helps calculate future maintenance costs, estimate performance, and predict certain components’ wear and tear. All of these would be impossible without considering the type of vehicle, driving habits, and owner priorities. According to Consumer Reports, an average automobile can last 12 years on the road, especially if it is well-maintained and has low mileage. On the other hand, there are reliable brands on the market, such as Toyota and Honda, that can last many years on the road, even with high mileage.
In the upcoming paragraphs, we will discuss the importance of odometer data under different circumstances. Why is the data so decisive, and when do we underestimate other factors? Does mileage matter differently or in the same way? Let’s explore the topic more thoroughly.

Does mileage matter?

Mileage matters in the same way as other significant automobile traits, such as brand and maker, age, fuel efficiency, safety, and maintenance history. The importance of odometer data doesn’t only translate into the idea that low mileage is better than higher. Considering the equal factors helps us better understand the bigger picture, which can be decisive in particular situations. For example, let’s take two cars (same brand and model) with different scenarios:

• Let’s say an Automobile with 100,000 total miles, oil changes are done on time – every 5000 miles, and brakes are replaced after 60 000 miles. In short, scheduled maintenance is done always on time.
• Another automobile with 50,000 total miles, not recommended timely oil change, not following scheduled maintenance, and no service history available.

The first car is the best alternative despite the much higher mileage due to the potentially better engine lifespan (because of timely lubrication) and fewer repairs, which means reliability and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, it will maintain good resale value in the long run.
The picture is very similar when we talk about the same brands and the same type of vehicle. Now, let’s examine the impact of odometer data on different types of vehicles.

Is Mileage Affect Sedans, SUVs, and Trucks Differently?

The short answer is – Yes. Mileage data, even if it is the same for different types of vehicles, doesn’t mean the same for each one. For example, 15,000 annual miles is considered normal for SUVs, while it is considered too much for average sedans. The primary reason for this difference is that different types of automobiles serve different purposes and have various usage patterns, lifespans, durability, depreciation patterns, and designs. Does mileage matter more for sedans than SUVs or trucks? Let’s take a look at each type with their usage patterns and other characteristics:

• Sedans – Drivers generally have moderate mileage expectations toward them compared to SUVs. Drivers choose Sedans for personal use and city drives. They are generally very comfortable, moderate in size, and attract customers due to their high fuel efficiency. Their components last longer if they are well-maintained. Maintenance costs are also moderately low if we don’t consider luxurious models. Expected mileage ranges from 100 000 – 200 000 miles.
• SUVs, also known as sport utility vehicles, are designed for family trips and sometimes for off-road activities. However, because of their flexibility and reliability, they can be used in multiple ways. As usual, SUVs are durable and made of long-lasting components to handle various road conditions. Drivers have high expactations for the distance they can cover overall. They are never disappointed; those vehicles can exceed 200,000 miles and still keep the optimal shape, particularly when they are well-maintained.
• Trucks are usually used for work, farming, construction work, and off-road conditions, so they can cover the most distance without major issues. Due to enduring heavy conditions and demanding trips, they have powerful engines. Hence, if they are well-cared for, trucks can last 200,000 -300,000 miles or more.

As it seems, all kinds of cars are not sensitive to mileage. Additionally, the information mentioned above is general, and sustainability and mileage limits sometimes depend on lifestyle, geographical conditions, and maintenance. Maintenance is key, that’s why it’s hard to presume lifespan without knowing maintenance and service history.

Does mileage affect gasoline, diesel, and electric cars differently?

Yes, it does. Gasoline, diesel and electric cars are different in terms of designs and operational characteristics. That’s why mileage accumulation affects them differently. Individuals choose each type of vehicle according to their lifestyle, duties, road conditions, and priorities. Let’s look at each of them in more detail:

Gasoline

Gasoline vehicles are very popular because of their versatility in urban and suburban areas. Putting a lot of miles on that auto means increased wear and tear of the engine and drivetrain. However, they are long-lasting, exceeding 200 000 miles. If you are looking for convenience and cheaper to buy, petrol automobiles are an acceptable version. The most popular are small models, Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus.

Diesel

Diesel automobiles are primarily designed for heavy-duty purposes. They can traveled long distances and if properly maintained it can reach 300 000 mileage milestones. They are fuel-efficient with durable engines, which makes them desirable type. However, it would help if you considered that the repair cost for its components is quite high.

Electric

Electric vehicles are not flexible compared to diesel and gasoline alternatives and are thus quite specific for general usage. The most common issue with them is battery degradation after a certain number of accumulated miles. Hence, EV makers often give away battery warranties. They typically last for 10-20 years. According to federal law, automakers should provide warranties of at least 8 years or 100,000 miles. CarEdge offers a ranking of the best warranty providers, as it seems one of the best is provided by Rivian (8 years or 175,000 miles).
EV is beneficial as it saves your money on gasoline while it’s decisive to plan to charge on time. You can cover long distances without issues if you learn charging points in advance. However, EV Suits you best if travel short and medium distances on a daily basis.

Does mileage matter for electric vehicles the same way it does for gasoline or diesel cars? No, as we already discussed, it matters differently.
We all agree, that odometer data is one of the major factors that affects the final decision, but we should learn well that it’s not right to forget other factors too.

How to Prioritize Mileage Without Overlooking Other Important Factors?

The best way to prioritize the mileage factor is to find the relation between the car’s age, fuel type, brand reliability, maintenance, wear and tear, and odometer data. If the odometer data complies with all those factors and looks adequate, you can be sure that you will make an informed decision. For example, 150,000 miles can be totally acceptable with aged and well-maintained vehicles, while it can be the reason for frustration if the automobile is very young and not cared for accordingly. The list of factors that worth attention along the odometer data is quite long. Here it is:

• Brand and model (reliability)
• Age
• Service history ( relevant documentation)
• Road conditions and previous owner’s driving habits
• Components wear and tear
• Warranty
• Insurance cost
• Your budget
• Fuel efficiency
• Battery condition (if it is EV)
• Potential repair cost
• Title status
• Depreciation rate/resale value
• Emission compliance

It really takes effort to make an informed decision when it comes to choosing the best-used automobile for you. Does mileage matter solely or more than maintenance? Never. If you want to decide wisely, consider mileage carefully without overlooking other characteristics.

How to tell if someone rolled back the odometer?

If odometer data doesn’t seem genuine and relevant to the general condition of the automobile, it’s an alerting sign that something is wrong and the data is not correct. Surely, incorrect odometer data may be caused by a malfunction of the car’s system, but there are also cases when the data is tampered with to deceive potential buyers. The act of resetting, rollbacking or changing odometer figures to deceive individuals is called odometer fraud. Odometer fraud has been a common issue for a long time. It was a problem in the era of mechanical odometers, and it remains a problem even in the digital age. The intent of the wrongdoers is the same; they use just more sophisticated methods to mess with the advanced software of the modern wheels. Here is a list of situations when you should suspect possible odometer tampering:

• Irrelevant wear and tear of pedals, seats floor mats, tyres.
• Gaps and unreliable service records
• Missing mileage information in documents
• Very old car with low mileage
• Physical evidence of tampering, uneven numbers (especially on mechanical odometers)
• Irrelevance between reported driving habits and reported mileage
• Unfriendly and suspicious behavior of the seller

Surely, not all of these cases can identify a violating odometer; however, if you spot at least 2-3 of them together, you can suppose that something is wrong, and it would be better to investigate motives.

The ultimate device to test the vehicle’s performance

The advanced testing tool is a German tool known as a Mileage blocker from Super Kilometer Filter. Does mileage matter during the test drive? It absolutely does. No one wants unnecessary miles accumulated. To get the best test drive experience, the Super Kilometer team designed an advanced blocker that can halt the mileage recording process unconditionally without causing a flaw in the Can Bus system. The tool works on a diesel-gasoline engine as well as Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and Electric cars. Programmers write software specifically for each maker and model. Module installing instructions is given, all you need to do is to install it and set and change the mode you wish. Most modules come with an app, which makes the tool versatile to use.
On the website, you can shop for the module for a desirable maker and model. Technical support and customer service are available and ready to answer all your inquiries.

Takeaway

Does mileage matter when evaluating automobiles? It is definitely important information that can help evaluate the general condition of the auto. If you consider odometer data along with all the important factors that seem appealing to you, you will make a smart purchasing decision.