- Mileage matters, but vehicle type, maintenance, and usage conditions shape wear.
- 50,000 km is early; 250,000 km can be fine with proper maintenance.
- Average 15k–20k km per year; 10-year-old cars often 150k–200k.
When planning to buy or sell a car, many factors determine its true value. Mileage is one of the most important indicators that significantly influence price, but understanding this parameter correctly requires deeper analysis. It’s not only about how many kilometers have been driven; it also matters the type of vehicle, how it has been maintained, and the conditions under which it has been used.
Why mileage matters in a car
Mileage represents one of the most important indicators of a vehicle’s overall wear. The more kilometers a car has, the more its mechanical and electronic components have been subjected to stress. The engine, transmission, suspensions, braking system and electronic components wear down as the miles accumulate.
For example, a car with 50,000 km is still in the early part of its life cycle. The major engine components — pistons, rings, crankshaft — are still within optimal parameters. The transmission has not suffered significant wear, and consumables such as brake pads or discs have been replaced at most once.
On the other hand, a vehicle with 250,000 km has already covered a considerable distance. The engine may show signs of wear — increased oil consumption, compression losses, wear of the timing chain. The transmission, especially if automatic, can have issues with gear changes or oil leaks. The suspensions surely require multiple replacements of shock absorbers, bushings and other components.
Relative mileage: Context and correct interpretation
The number of kilometers must always be evaluated in the context of the vehicle type and its usage. For a small city car, 100,000 km already represents high mileage. These cars are designed for short urban trips and not for sustained long distances.
In contrast, for service vehicles, commercial vans or large diesel cars, 250,000 km can be considered medium mileage. These vehicles are built to withstand heavy use and long distances. For example, a BMW 5 Series diesel or a Mercedes E-Class with 250,000 km, properly maintained, can still run without major problems.
Age in years plays a crucial role in mileage evaluation. On average, a car travels between 15,000-20,000 km per year. A 10-year-old car should have between 150,000-200,000 km. If it has only 50,000 km, either it has spent a lot of time unused (which brings other issues), or the mileage has been manipulated.
Factors that influence the impact of mileage
Type of driving and usage conditions
Not all kilometers are equal. 50,000 km driven mostly on highways, at a constant pace, wear the engine and transmission far less than the same distance driven in congested urban traffic. In the city, the engine works more at idle, heats up and cools down frequently, and the transmission constantly shifts gears.
Also, road quality matters greatly. Kilometers driven on poor roads wear suspensions, steering systems and the bodywork prematurely. A car with 100,000 km on country roads in Romania can be more worn than one with 200,000 km on German highways.
Maintenance history
A car with 250,000 km maintained exemplarily can be in much better condition than one with 100,000 km neglected. Regular engine oil changes (at the right interval, not extended), timely replacement of consumables (filters, spark plugs, fluids) and preventive repairs make a huge difference.
Car dealerships keep a complete service history, and a vehicle with full documentation inspires confidence. The absence of such proof should raise questions, regardless of the displayed mileage.
Critical components and wear
The engine is the heart of the car. At 50,000 km, a well-maintained engine operates essentially like new. At 250,000 km, even with perfect maintenance, piston rings may show wear, oil consumption can increase slightly, and the timing belt/chain might require replacement (possibly for the second or third time).
The transmission, especially if automatic, becomes a critical component at high mileage. A DSG transmission at 250,000 km may require a major overhaul or even replacement (costs of 3,000-5,000 euro). A manual transmission is more robust, but the clutch wears and needs periodic replacement.
Suspensions wear continuously. At 50,000 km, most components are in good condition. At 250,000 km, shocks, bushings, stabilizer links and other parts have likely been replaced multiple times. Cumulative costs can exceed 2,000-3,000 euro.
How to check if mileage is real
Physical indicators inside the car
The steering wheel, gear lever, pedals and driver’s seat reveal age. A heavily polished steering wheel with wear down to the substructure indicates heavy use. A driver’s seat with loose stitching or worn fabric suggests many kilometers.
Accelerator, brake and clutch pedals wear visibly. If they are completely smooth or have holes, yet the mileage seems low, something doesn’t fit. Likewise, the start button, steering wheel controls and light and wiper stalks wear visibly over time.
Technical checks
Periodic technical inspections (ITP) are recorded and dated. By checking the ITP history you can see the mileage progression over time. If you notice jumps backwards or unusually small increases between checks, there are issues.
The dealership can provide a complete inspection history for cars maintained there. This history includes mileage at each service and the work performed.
Professional OBD scanners can read mileage from several modules of the car (engine, ABS, airbag). If these values differ significantly, the mileage has been altered. This check costs 50-100 lei and is worth doing before purchase.
Vehicle history reports
Services such as CarVertical, AutoDNA or AutoCheck provide detailed reports that include:
- Mileage records from various European countries
- Accident and damage history
- Number of previous owners
- Regular technical inspections
These reports cost 20-30 euro and can reveal mileage modifications or other hidden issues.
Financial impact of mileage
Depreciation of resale value
A car with 50,000 km will have a significantly higher resale value than one with 250,000 km, even if both are in good condition. The difference can be 30-50% of the original price, depending on the model and brand.
Premium cars (BMW, Mercedes, Audi) depreciate less with high mileage if they have a full maintenance history. A budget car may lose 60-70% of its value by 200,000 km.
Maintenance and repair costs
At 50,000 km, costs are minimal — oil changes, filters, possibly brake pads. Budget 500-1,000 euro per year for preventive maintenance.
At 250,000 km, costs rise exponentially:
- Engine overhaul possible: 1,500-3,000 euro
- Automatic transmission: 3,000-5,000 euro
- Complete suspensions: 2,000-3,000 euro
- Turbocharger (if applicable): 1,500-2,500 euro
- Diesel injectors: 2,000-4,000 euro
Budget 2,000-3,000 euro per year for maintenance and unexpected repairs.
Conclusion: Which mileage to choose
Choosing between a car with 50,000 km and one with 250,000 km depends on several factors:
Opt for low mileage (50,000-100,000 km) if:
- You’re looking for a long-term vehicle (5-10 years)
- You want cost predictability
- Your budget allows a higher purchase price
- You don’t have mechanical knowledge or access to a trusted service
High mileage (200,000+ km) can be an option if:
- You have a limited budget and seek value for money
- The vehicle has a complete service history at an authorized dealer
- It’s a model known for durability (Toyota, Honda, German premium diesel)
- You have access to a reliable service with affordable prices
- You plan to use it only for a few years
Most importantly: regardless of mileage, always check the complete history, perform a pre-purchase inspection with a trusted mechanic, and test drive the car in various conditions before making a final decision. A low mileage does not guarantee a good car, and a high mileage does not necessarily indicate problems — it all depends on context and maintenance.