What Mileage Is Considered Critical for Reselling a Car?

What Mileage Is Considered Critical for Reselling a Car?

By EpicVIN Research Team

If you’re thinking of selling your car, one number matters more than any other — the mileage on your odometer. When does that number start to scare buyers away? And when is the best time to sell before your car loses too much value? Here’s what EpicVIN data and industry experts have to say.

A vibrant yellow Mini Cooper parked on a scenic street in Charleston, SC.

What EpicVIN Data Shows

EpicVIN has analyzed over 3.4 million vehicle listings and 9.7 million auction records to identify patterns in used car resale behavior. Here’s what our team found:

  • Vehicles with over 100,000 miles on them take approximately 36% longer to sell than do vehicles with under 100,000.
  • These vehicles from the 60,000 and 80,000-mile listings run the fastest on the average U.S. state lots.
  • After 120,000 miles, market value drops sharply — especially for sedans and crossovers.
  • Trucks and SUVs maintain value slightly longer, often until 150,000 miles, depending on service records.

White SUV parked on a desert road with sand dunes in the background.

“We’ve seen a clear drop in buyer interest around the 100K mark. Most buyers expect major maintenance costs soon after that point, so selling before this milestone usually brings a better return.” Alex Black, CMO of EpicVIN

 

Why Mileage Matters to Buyers

Buyers don’t just care about how much a car has driven — they care about what comes next. High mileage often means:

  • Worn brakes, suspension, and tires
  • Upcoming timing belt or transmission service
  • Shorter remaining lifespan without major repairs

Even if your car runs well, the perception of risk increases with every mile.

 

Best Mileage Ranges to Sell Your Car

A couple enjoying a warm tea break inside a green camper van during a snowy winter trip.

Based on our research and dealership trends, here are the most common “cut-off” points:

30,000–40,000 miles

  • Car is still under factory warranty
  • Highest resale value, especially for leases

60,000–70,000 miles

  • Just before major maintenance (spark plugs, tires, brakes)
  • Popular range for budget buyers looking for value

90,000–100,000 miles

  • Last window to sell before price drops sharply
  • Still decent demand for well-maintained vehicles

120,000+ miles

  • Considered “high mileage” by most buyers
  • Harder to sell without full service records

 

Pro Tip: Mileage Isn’t Everything

White building with laundry hanging and car parked below in sunny street. Minimalist architectural style.

Mileage is important — but condition matters more. A well-maintained car with 110,000 miles can be more desirable than a neglected one with 70,000. That’s why buyers use EpicVIN vehicle history reports to check:

  • Service history
  • Past accidents
  • Title status (clean, rebuilt, salvage)
  • Ownership records

This data gives confidence to buyers, especially when mileage is higher.

 

What Reddit Users Say:

A thread in r/askcarsales backs up EpicVIN’s findings. One user wrote:

Classic blue car parked in a suburban driveway on a sunny day.

“As a former used car manager, anything under 100K is easier to move. Over that, buyers get nervous unless it’s a Toyota or Honda.”

Another user pointed out:

“70K to 80K is the sweet spot. You’ve used the car, but it’s still reliable and not close to needing major work.”

Final Thoughts

If you’re selling your car, remember:

  • Under 100,000 miles sells faster and for more.
  • 60K–70K is the “sweet spot” before expensive services.
  • Full service records can protect your car’s value — no matter the mileage.
  • Use a VIN report to build trust with buyers and close deals faster.

Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or just cashing in — EpicVIN can help you understand your car’s real market value.

 

Check your VIN now and see if it’s the right time to sell. For more information on current and used vehicles, visit our Drive section.

And as always if you need a recommendation to a trusted dealer, let us know at blog@dallassinglemom.com

Teia Collier Avatar

2 responses to “What Mileage Is Considered Critical for Reselling a Car?”

  1. Nano Banana API Avatar

    Great point about the difference in mileage tolerance for trucks versus sedans. I’ve noticed my truck still holds value despite having over 130K miles, but I can see how a sedan would be harder to sell after crossing the 120K mark. I guess it’s all about the type of car and the buyer’s expectations.

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