If you're planning to buy a used car in the UAE for use over the next 5 to 7 years, it is one of the most important questions to ask: "What's good mileage for a used car?" It's a fair concern—nobody wants to face owning a car that breaks down midway through. While mileage is crucial, it is not the only consideration.
WeBuyCars.ae is a popular portal for thousands of used car buyers and sellers across the UAE. Over our years of working with the local market, this is the real deal about used car mileage, long-term reliability, and the smart choices.
Mileage Understanding: What Does "Good" Mean?
In general, a car that runs about 10,000 to 15,000 km a year is considered to have average mileage. So a car that is 5 years old and has been run about 50,000-75,000 km is a car with "good mileage."
So if you're aiming for a vehicle you want to drive for another 5-7 years, it should ideally have mileage figures below 100,000 km. That gives you a fair amount of mileage to run the car without crossing that 200,000-km mark too soon. With many vehicles, beyond this point, the first glance of age appears, major repairs start pouring in, and so does the resale value.
Why Mileage Isn't Everything
While mileage is a key indicator of a car's worn-out condition, it is not the whole story. A well-maintained car with 120,000 kilometers on its odometer will probably behave better than an ill-maintained one with only 60,000 kilometers. Here are some other factors to consider:
- Service History: An extensive service history is better than just low mileage. Regular oil changes, inspections, and repairs are all indications of a car that can be trusted.
- Type of Driving: Highway miles are less taxing than city driving, which is characterized by continuous braking and acceleration.
- Previous Usage: Was this a single-owner car or rented/fleeted? Fleet cars might be high-milers and typically have more wear and tear.
At WeBuyCars.ae, we go through each of these factors so buyers can buy with confidence.
Best Mileage Range for 5–7 Years of Use
This is the best mileage range for use within the lifespan of 5-7 years. It is about 15,000 km driven each year. So, it leaves almost 105,000 km of driving in 7 years. To avoid expensive repairs on the car in the later years of ownership, always start with mileage under 90,000 km. Even after many years of owning the car, there is a chance that it finally enters the 200,000-km mark, still in good shape at resale or even a higher trade-in price in the future.
If you want a good car for the long haul, find one with low odometer readings for 60,000 to 80,000 km but has a good service history.
Brands that Know How to Handle Mileage
Of course, there will always be some brands that one can fall back on, like Toyota, Honda, Lexus, Nissan, and Hyundai, which always make a reliable vehicle within the UAE that will actually go beyond the 200,000 km mark with proper care. Other European luxury brands such as BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz can also take you past the limits, but they come with higher maintenance costs over time.
Tips to Keep Your Used Car Running Strong
In that effort to keep your used car going strong for the next 5 to 7 years:
- Stay current with all scheduled maintenance.
- Utilize premium engine oils and filters.
- Pay attention to any early warnings (check engine lights, odd noises, etc.).
- Replace worn parts well ahead of their failing.
- Do your share in taking care of your car, and it will itself begin to take care of you, no matter what mileage!
Before you buy your used car, you can take a picture of your friend inside our car inspection services, or give us a call for expert advice on vehicle selection.
WeBuyCars- Your Partner in Buying & Selling Pre-Owned Vehicles in the UAE
Whether it is a used car you want to buy or plan to sell your used car with WeBuyCars.ae, the whole process is simple, transparent, and reliable. We help with free online car valuations, instant cash offers, and expert support, allowing you to make informed decisions.
Planning to upgrade? We will even relieve you of your old, high-mileage, or mechanically challenged car in minutes.
Conclusion
So, what mileage is good for a used car that you will drive for the next 5-7 years? Ideally, you should be looking for a car with a mileage of less than 90,000 km, with a good maintenance history. However, more important than numbers is how well the car has been driven and cared for. When in doubt, get a professional evaluation, or, even better, let WeBuyCars.ae do the hard work for you.