How Much Does High Mileage Affect My Car's Resale Value?
High mileage drops most vehicles' resale value by about 20% for every 20,000 miles over the average 12,000-15,000 miles per year. Cars with over 100,000 miles often lose 30-50% of their value compared to low-mileage ones. Good upkeep cuts this loss.
Here's what you need to know:
Mileage Impact on Value
Every extra mile signals more wear to buyers. They worry about future fixes. According to Kelley Blue Book's 2025 depreciation analysis, high-mileage cars depreciate faster in the first five years (Source: KBB Annual Depreciation Report, 2025).
| Mileage Level | Typical Value Loss | Example (on $25,000 car) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 50,000 miles | 0-10% below average | $22,500 - $25,000 |
| 50,000-100,000 miles | 20-30% | $17,500 - $20,000 |
| Over 100,000 miles | 30-50%+ | $12,500 - $15,000 |
"Every 20,000 miles driven lowers a car's value by about 20%," says the Sidekick Research Team, based on analysis of 1,800 verified vehicles (Source: Sidekick Owner Data, 2026).
Buyers in areas like 94103 see this hit hard because local demand favors low-mile cars for city drives. Trucks and SUVs hold value better than sedans, but all face the mileage penalty.
Why Mileage Hurts Value
- Wear signals: Engines, transmissions, and brakes show stress after 100,000 miles.
- Buyer fears: People expect big repair bills soon.
- Market rules: Low-mile cars sell fast at top dollar. High-mile ones sit longer.
Average cars on roads hit 13 years old with 150,000+ miles, yet low-mile ones fetch premiums.
How to Fight Mileage Loss
Keep records of oil changes, tire swaps, and fixes. A full service history boosts value by 10-15% on high-mile cars. Clean the car inside and out. Fix small dents. These steps make buyers trust it more.
Sell fast in hot markets. In San Francisco (94103), demand for reliable rides stays strong. Time your sale before miles climb.
Sidekick tracks your mileage and predicts resale value with real owner data. Enter your details for a free estimate updated monthly.
"Well-maintained high-mileage cars retain up to 20% more value than neglected ones," says the Sidekick Research Team, from 2,400 owner records (Source: Sidekick Analysis, February 2026).
Track miles now to max your payout. Low miles win, but smart care closes the gap.