How can mileage affect a car sale?

Selling a car comes with a lot to think about – from assessing its condition and setting the right price to closing the deal. It’s always a win when things go smoothly. Knowing your car’s value can help you set realistic expectations, and one key factor in its value is mileage. So, let’s find out how mileage impacts a car sale.

Key Takeaways

• What is the ideal mileage when selling a second hand car?
• Thinking about maintenance records
• Pay attention to car clocking

What is the ideal mileage when selling a second hand car?

The best mileage for a car sale is between 10,000 and 20,000 miles. At this point, the car is considered to be ‘low mileage’ and as a result, in good condition. Low mileage typically means that the car is less likely to have suffered from wear and tear. However, it is always worth remembering that the best mileage will vary depending on the type of vehicle and the maintenance records, so don’t just rely on mileage to sell your car (or if you’re buying one).

View our post – How to transfer car ownership

Thinking about maintenance records

So, why do we need to consider mileage alongside maintenance records? The maintenance records of a car can have a significant impact on its value when reselling, so if you have a really high mileage car, it’s not the be all and end all. Cars that have been well-maintained, with regular oil changes, are generally more valuable than cars that have been poorly maintained with lower mileages. Buyers are more likely to pay a higher price for a car that has a proven history of good maintenance, which can offset the impact of high mileage.

Pay attention to car clocking

If you have a really well maintained car with a high mileage, it might be tempting to car clock to make it more sellable. Car clocking is the practice of altering a car’s mileage to make it appear lower than it actually is and to improve the chances of a good sale. However, this is illegal in the United Kingdom and can result in severe penalties. No matter how tempting, do not car clock. If your mileage is high but your car is in excellent condition, you can still get a good deal.

So, is mileage that important when selling a car?

Mileage can certainly impact a buyer’s confidence and make it more likely that a sale will come through in some situations, but it isn’t the be all and end all.

When you sell through BigWantsYourCar, we offer an accurate car valuation based on market value, and we freeze the offer for a week so you don’t need to rush into accepting anything. Sometimes, it’s best to trust the professionals!