When you’re in the market for a used car, especially a model like a 2018 vehicle, one of the first questions that pops into your head is likely about mileage. It’s a natural concern – the odometer reading is often seen as a direct indicator of a car’s remaining life and potential reliability. You’re probably wondering, “How many miles is too much?” or “Is low mileage always better?”. Figuring out the right mileage is crucial to ensuring you’re getting a good deal and a vehicle that will serve you well for years to come.
While finding a used car with low mileage might seem like the ultimate goal, it’s not always that straightforward. Mileage is just one piece of the puzzle when evaluating a used car’s value and condition. Simply focusing on the number on the odometer can lead you to overlook other critical factors that truly determine a car’s worth and longevity.
So, how do you really determine if a 2018 car has “good” mileage? What’s the benchmark you should be aiming for? And more importantly, what other aspects should you consider beyond just the mileage when making your used car purchase? Let’s dive into the details to help you navigate this important aspect of used car buying.
What’s a Good Mileage for a 2018 Used Car?
A widely accepted guideline to estimate reasonable mileage for a used car is based on the average annual mileage driven by car owners. This rule of thumb suggests that a car typically accumulates around 12,000 miles per year. Using this benchmark, we can calculate an estimated “ideal” mileage for a 2018 car in the current year (2023).
The Formula:
12,000 miles/year x Age of the car = Reasonable Mileage
For a 2018 car as of 2023, which is approximately 5 years old:
12,000 miles/year x 5 years = 60,000 miles
Therefore, a 2018 car with around 60,000 miles would be considered to have average or reasonable mileage. This figure serves as a starting point. If a 2018 model has significantly fewer miles than this, it might seem initially appealing. Conversely, higher mileage might raise concerns. However, it’s vital to understand that this 60,000-mile mark is just a guideline and not a strict rule.
It’s crucial to remember that mileage is just one factor among many when evaluating a used car. Other elements like the car’s history, maintenance record, number of previous owners, and driving conditions play equally important roles in determining its overall condition and value.
Mileage Examples for Cars of Different Years (as of 2023)
To give you a broader perspective, let’s look at the expected mileage for used cars from different model years, assuming it is December 1, 2023:
- How many miles should a 2016 car have in 2023? A used 2016 car should ideally have around 84,000 miles (12,000 miles/year x 7 years).
- How many miles should a 2017 car have in 2023? A used 2017 car should ideally have around 72,000 miles (12,000 miles/year x 6 years).
- How Many Miles Should A 2018 Car Have in 2023? A used 2018 car should ideally have around 60,000 miles (12,000 miles/year x 5 years).
- How many miles should a 2019 car have in 2023? A used 2019 car should ideally have around 48,000 miles (12,000 miles/year x 4 years).
- How many miles should a 2020 car have in 2023? A used 2020 car should ideally have around 36,000 miles (12,000 miles/year x 3 years).
- How many miles should a 2021 car have in 2023? A used 2021 car should ideally have around 24,000 miles (12,000 miles/year x 2 years).
These examples reinforce the 12,000-mile-per-year average as a useful benchmark when considering used car mileage.
Mileage Benchmarks Based on Car Age
To further simplify, here’s a quick reference guide for average mileage based on a car’s age:
- One year old: Approximately 12,000 miles
- Two years old: Approximately 24,000 miles
- Three years old: Approximately 36,000 miles
- Four years old: Approximately 48,000 miles
- Five years old: Approximately 60,000 miles
- Six years old: Approximately 72,000 miles
- Seven years old: Approximately 84,000 miles
- Eight years old: Approximately 96,000 miles
Keep in mind that some drivers may accumulate closer to 15,000 miles per year. If you suspect the car you’re considering was driven more than average, adjust your mileage expectations accordingly.
What’s Considered High Mileage for a Used Car?
Defining “high mileage” isn’t just about hitting a specific number on the odometer. It’s more about understanding the context behind the mileage. A 2018 car with significantly more than 60,000 miles isn’t automatically a bad choice, but it warrants closer scrutiny.
For instance, consider a 2018 sedan with 90,000 miles. At first glance, this might seem a bit high. However, if it has been meticulously maintained by a single owner who primarily used it for highway commuting, it could be in better shape than a similar car with fewer miles but a history of neglect or harsh city driving.
Conversely, a car with seemingly low mileage but a history of multiple owners could be a red flag. It’s harder to ascertain the consistent maintenance and driving habits across several owners. In such cases, even with lower mileage, hidden wear and tear might be present.
An odometer displaying mileage in a used car, highlighting the importance of considering mileage in used car valuations.
What About Low Mileage – Is That Always Better?
While low mileage is often seen as desirable, extremely low mileage on an older used car can also raise some questions. Consider a 2018 car that has only clocked 30,000 miles. While seemingly fantastic, this could indicate that the car has spent a lot of time sitting idle.
Cars are designed to be driven. Extended periods of inactivity can lead to issues such as:
- Drying out of seals and gaskets: Engine and transmission seals can dry out and crack if not regularly lubricated by circulating fluids.
- Tire degradation: Tires can develop flat spots or sidewall cracking from sitting in one position for too long.
- Battery issues: Batteries can lose charge and lifespan if not regularly used and recharged by the alternator.
- Fluid deterioration: Engine oil, brake fluid, and other fluids can degrade over time, even if the car isn’t driven much.
Therefore, a 2018 car with exceptionally low mileage might require closer inspection of these components to ensure they haven’t suffered from lack of use. In some cases, a car with slightly higher, but consistent mileage and a solid maintenance history might be a more reliable choice than one with unusually low mileage and an unknown history.
Is Buying a High Mileage Used Car a Mistake?
Many used car shoppers instinctively shy away from vehicles with higher mileage readings. However, dismissing a car solely based on mileage can mean missing out on a good deal. Modern cars are engineered to last much longer than vehicles of previous generations. Advances in engine technology, materials, and manufacturing processes have significantly increased vehicle lifespan.
Furthermore, a car with higher mileage has already undergone a significant portion of its depreciation curve. New cars depreciate most rapidly in the first few years. A used car, especially one with higher mileage, will depreciate at a much slower rate, meaning your investment is likely to hold its value relatively better over the time you own it.
Another often-overlooked benefit of higher mileage cars is that they are more likely to have had regular fluid changes and reached optimal operating temperatures consistently. This regular use can help prevent issues related to infrequent driving and fluid degradation, which can sometimes occur in very low mileage vehicles.
Is 50,000 Miles on a Used Car Too Much?
Not necessarily. When evaluating mileage, it’s more helpful to think about the remaining mileage you can expect from a car rather than focusing solely on the miles already driven. To do this, consider the average lifespan of cars in the US, which is around 12 years.
If you purchase a 2018 car in 2023 (at 5 years old) with 50,000 miles, and the average car lifespan is 12 years, you could potentially have 7 more years of useful life remaining. If you drive the average 12,000 miles per year, that translates to approximately 84,000 additional miles. Combined with the existing 50,000 miles, the car could realistically reach 134,000 miles over its lifespan.
Therefore, a 2018 car with 50,000 miles could still be a worthwhile purchase, especially if it has been well-maintained. The key is to assess the overall condition and maintenance history in conjunction with the mileage.
Age vs. Mileage: Which Matters More?
While both age and mileage are important, mileage often has a more direct impact on critical components like the engine and suspension. Mileage reflects the actual wear and tear on these systems. A car that has been driven 100,000 miles will inherently have more engine revolutions and suspension cycles than one with 50,000 miles, regardless of age.
This is why a six-year-old car with 60,000 miles might be priced higher and considered more desirable than a ten-year-old car with similar mileage. The younger car, even with the same mileage, likely has components that have experienced less overall stress and aging.
A detailed view of a car engine bay, underscoring the significance of regular maintenance in a vehicle’s longevity, irrespective of mileage.
Understanding Different Types of Mileage
It’s crucial to recognize that “mileage” isn’t a monolithic concept. The type of miles driven significantly impacts a car’s condition. Highway miles are generally considered easier on a vehicle than city miles.
- Highway Miles: Cruising at consistent speeds on highways results in less wear and tear on the engine, brakes, and transmission compared to stop-and-go city driving. Highway driving typically involves less braking, less acceleration, and sustained engine temperatures, which are beneficial for engine longevity.
- City Miles: City driving, with its frequent stops, starts, idling, and lower average speeds, puts more stress on various car components. Brakes, transmissions, and engines work harder in city traffic.
Therefore, when comparing two cars with similar mileage, inquire about the driving conditions. A car with primarily highway miles is likely to be in better mechanical condition than one with predominantly city miles, even if the odometer readings are the same.
Another vital factor is the maintenance history. A car that has received regular and timely maintenance, regardless of mileage type, will invariably be in better shape than a neglected vehicle. Always prioritize a car with a documented history of oil changes, fluid flushes, tire rotations, and other recommended services.
Best Lenders for Personal Loans
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Avant (Best for Quick Approval)
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Avant Personal Personal Loan
4.0Stilt’s lender ratings reflect the findings and opinions of our editorial staff. Our scoring methodologies consider a wide array of factors and data points for every lender, offering, and financial solution.
Min. credit score550
Fixed APR9.95-35.99%
Variable APRN/A
Overview
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- Minimum credit score of 550; using FICO score version 8 and VantageScore version 3.
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AmOne Personal Loan
4.5Stilt’s lender ratings reflect the findings and opinions of our editorial staff. Our scoring methodologies consider a wide array of factors and data points for every lender, offering, and financial solution.
Min. credit score600
Fixed APR3.99%-35.99%
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Upstart Personal Loan
4.5Stilt’s lender ratings reflect the findings and opinions of our editorial staff. Our scoring methodologies consider a wide array of factors and data points for every lender, offering, and financial solution.
Min. credit scoreNone
Fixed APR4.60-35.99%
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Pros
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Cons
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OneMain Financial (Best for Good Rates)
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OneMain Financial Personal Loan
4.5Stilt’s lender ratings reflect the findings and opinions of our editorial staff. Our scoring methodologies consider a wide array of factors and data points for every lender, offering, and financial solution.
Min. credit scoreNone
Fixed APR18.00-35.99%
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SoFi (Best for Good Credit Score)
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SoFi Personal Loan
5.0Stilt’s lender ratings reflect the findings and opinions of our editorial staff. Our scoring methodologies consider a wide array of factors and data points for every lender, offering, and financial solution.
Min. credit score600
Fixed APR8.99-35.99%
Variable APRN/A
Overview
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Cons
- Minimum 660 credit score required.
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Key Takeaways About Used Car Mileage
What is a Good Mileage Range for a Used Car?
A good mileage range for a used car typically falls between 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year of age. For a 2018 car, this would be roughly 60,000 to 75,000 miles. However, remember this is just a guideline, and other factors are equally important.
Does High Mileage Always Indicate a Bad Used Car?
No, high mileage alone does not automatically mean a used car is a poor choice. Factors like vehicle condition, consistent maintenance records, and the type of miles (highway vs. city) are crucial to consider alongside the odometer reading.
How Does Mileage Affect a Car’s Value?
Mileage is a significant factor influencing a car’s value. Generally, higher mileage contributes to a lower resale value due to increased wear and tear. However, market demand, vehicle condition, and features also play a role in determining final value.
What Mileage is Too High for a Used Car?
There isn’t a universally defined “too high” mileage. However, cars exceeding 100,000 miles might require more frequent maintenance and potential repairs. Some buyers prefer to avoid cars with mileage in this range, while others find them acceptable if the price and condition are right.
Should I Prioritize Age or Mileage When Buying a Used Car?
Neither age nor mileage should be prioritized in isolation. A balanced approach is best. A newer car with slightly higher mileage might be preferable to an older, low-mileage car if the newer model has a better maintenance history and overall condition. Evaluate both factors in conjunction with a thorough inspection.
Conclusion: Mileage is a Guide, Not the Only Rule
When you’re considering a used car, especially a 2018 model, understanding mileage is important, but it’s not the only factor. While the 12,000-miles-per-year rule provides a useful benchmark, it’s essential to look beyond just the number on the odometer.
To make a well-informed decision when purchasing a secondhand car, always:
- Obtain a detailed vehicle history report: This can reveal the car’s past ownership, accident history, and maintenance records.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic: A professional inspection can uncover potential mechanical issues that might not be apparent during a visual inspection or test drive.
- Consider the car’s overall condition and maintenance history: A well-maintained car, even with slightly higher mileage, can be a better investment than a neglected one with lower mileage.
By taking a comprehensive approach and considering mileage in context with other crucial factors, you can confidently choose a used 2018 car that meets your needs and provides reliable transportation for years to come.
