How mileage affects a premium car's value
The mileage thresholds that matter, how much each mile costs, and why history can matter as much as the odometer.
Written by the SellMyPremiumCar valuation team · Reviewed against live UK market data · Updated October 2026
Mileage reduces a car's value most around buyer search thresholds such as 30k, 60k and 100k miles, and when it's well above the UK average of roughly 7,000–8,000 miles a year. On premium cars, full service history and desirable spec can offset higher mileage.
- ≈7.4k
- Average UK miles per year (DfT)
- 30k/60k/100k
- Common buyer search thresholds
- History
- Can offset higher mileage
- Low-miler
- Premium for exceptionally low miles
Mileage thresholds
Buyers filter searches by round numbers, so a car at 59,800 miles reaches more buyers than one at 60,200.
Average mileage
The DfT reports average annual mileage of roughly 7,000–8,000 miles. Cars far below this can earn a premium.
When history beats the odometer
A 70k-mile car with full main-dealer history is often worth more than a 50k-mile car with gaps in its history.
Step by step
- 1
Check your mileage
Note how close you are to the next threshold.
- 2
Gather your history
Proof of servicing offsets mileage.
- 3
Sell before the threshold
Value and sell before you cross it.
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Sources & methodology
Figures are indicative and based on UK market data and official guidance, reviewed by our valuation team. Prices vary with specification, condition and market conditions.