You’re hunting for the sweet spot? Under 100,000 km—that’s where the market’s reliability crown sits. You’ll dodge the worst depreciation hit and snag vehicles still humming close to factory specs. Sure, 100,000–150,000 km offers budget options if service records look legitimate. But push past 150,000? You’re gambling on repairs and buyer anxiety. Toyota and Ford dominate for good reason. The real magic happens when you match mileage expectations to your vehicle type—and that’s where things get interesting.

Average Mileage Range for Top-Selling Used Cars

When you’re hunting for a used car in South Africa, mileage’s one of those numbers that’ll either make or break your decision.

Here’s the thing: you’ve got options. The Ford Ranger—best-selling used vehicle with 2,035 units moved—typically shows solid durability even at higher kilometres. Toyota Hilux runs second with 1,688 sales, and these bakkies are built tough. Then there’s the Volkswagen Polo Vivo, third at 1,532 units. Urban runners, mostly.

Toyota’s dominating the market at 40% representation, meaning plenty of used inventory across mileage ranges. Suzuki’s crushing it with +30% year-over-year growth. The average mileage sitting at 72,726 km suggests buyers are increasingly favouring newer, lower-mileage vehicles over older stock. Light commercial vehicles saw a year-to-date decline of just 0.5%, indicating sustained demand for used bakkies and work vehicles despite market shifts. Dealers like Autobahn Auto in Paulpietersburg showcase this trend with their inventory of quality used vehicles ranging from 24,000 to 240,000 km.

With flexible financing options available through experienced dealers, you can find a vehicle that matches both your mileage preferences and budget constraints. Bottom line? Don’t fixate on one magic number. Different vehicles, different stories. Your actual usage matters more than what the odometer says.

How Mileage Affects Price and Value Retention

Now here’s where the rubber meets the road—mileage doesn’t just tell you how far a car’s travelled. It’s the invisible hand that shapes your wallet’s future. Every 10,000km above average usage? That’s roughly 5–10% knocked off resale value. Brutal, right?

Cars with below-average mileage for their age? They’ll retain up to 15% more value than their high-mileage cousins. But here’s the twist—vehicles driven consistently within that sweet 15,000–20,000km annual range keep their value best. They’re the Goldilocks of depreciation. At Autobahn Motors, our meticulously inspected used cars are evaluated with mileage history as a critical factor in determining their current market value and future performance. Professional engine diagnostics and repair services ensure that used vehicles are thoroughly assessed beyond mileage indicators alone.

High-mileage cars lose value fast, especially in those first five years. Each extra 10,000km yearly bumps up depreciation by 3–7% annually. Well-maintained average-mileage vehicles? They’ll hold onto 60–70% of original value after five years. That’s the maths that matters. The 3–5-year band represents the optimal age window where depreciation stabilises relative to mileage accumulation, making this sweet spot particularly attractive for value-conscious buyers seeking reliable residual performance.

Age and Mileage Expectations by Vehicle Type

Because different vehicles get driven differently, their mileage expectations vary wildly. You’re not comparing apples to apples when you’re shopping used.

Here’s what you’re actually looking at:

1. Passenger cars should clock 15,000–20,000 km yearly; a 5-year-old with 75,000–100,000 km is solid
2. SUVs mirror passenger car mileage but demand better maintenance records since off-road wear adds up fast
3. Light commercial vehicles? They’re workhorses. 150,000 km in five years isn’t alarming if servicing’s documented properly
4. Luxury vehicles depreciate harder and hate high mileage; keep them under 60,000–75,000 km at five years old

Your vehicle type determines everything. A bakkie with 120,000 km might outlast a luxury saloon at 80,000 km. That’s just reality. Know what you’re buying. Regardless of your vehicle choice, regular maintenance services are essential to maximising the longevity and reliability of any used car purchase. Skilled technicians performing inspections and repairs will help identify any hidden issues that high mileage may have caused.

Fuel Efficiency and Engine Performance at Different Mileage Levels

Your used car’s fuel efficiency doesn’t stay frozen in time. As mileage climbs, so does fuel consumption—it’s just physics.

Cars under 100,000 km run close to factory specs. Nothing fancy happening yet.

Between 100,000 and 150,000 km? Expect a 5-10% dip in efficiency, depending on maintenance.

Above 150,000 km, things get real. Engine wear, injector issues, internal friction—your fuel bill climbs noticeably.

Motorway-driven vehicles hold efficiency better than city cars. Stop-and-go traffic hammers engines harder.

But here’s the plot twist: a carefully maintained 150,000 km engine outperforms a neglected 50,000 km one. Regular oil changes, air filters, fuel system cleaning? They’re not optional if you want consistent performance across higher mileages. Professional tyre inspections and balancing also contribute to fuel efficiency by reducing rolling resistance and engine strain. Keeping your brakes in top condition is equally critical for overall vehicle safety and reliability at any mileage level.

Reliability and Market Demand Based on Mileage

When you’re hunting for a used car, here’s the uncomfortable truth: mileage dictates everything. It shapes what dealers stock, what buyers want, and what you’ll actually pay. The market’s made its preference crystal clear:

1. Under 100,000 km – the sweet spot where reliability feels real and resale value stays strong
2. 100,000–150,000 km – budget-conscious territory with decent reliability if service history checks out
3. Over 150,000 km – affordability wins, but so do repair bills and buyer anxiety
4. CPO vehicles – 67% of buyers shell out extra for lower-mileage certified options with warranty coverage

You’ll notice compact hatchbacks and crossovers under 100,000 km are flying off the lot. They’re not just selling better—they’re selling for serious money, averaging over R447,000. When evaluating any used vehicle, ensure all components function properly by consulting quality assurance specialists who can verify critical systems before purchase.

Meanwhile, that 150,000+ km saloon? It’s getting slashed 25–40%. For additional guidance on your purchase, consult with automotive care specialists who understand the true value behind mileage assessments. Mileage isn’t just a number. It’s your entire buying power.