What Is Good Mileage For A Used Truck? - Car, Truck And Vehicle How To Guides - Vehicle Freak (2023)

Buying a used pickup truck can be a minefield, especially if you aren’t purchasing directly from a dealership. Often a good indicator of the health of the vehicle is the mileage it has covered as well as its age.

When purchasing a used truck, the only truly reliable method of discovering its wear and tear is the amount of usage it has had, which is reflected in the odometer. So what is good mileage for a used truck?

What Is Good Mileage For A Used Truck?

You can easily research the vehicle’s make and model to get a rough guess of any important expenses that may be coming in the not-so-distant future.

As an example, many places suggest that you change the brake pads on a truck every 10-20,000 miles and the rotors every 50-70,000 miles so knowing the right information is key to making sure you don’t end up splashing out for repairs after paying for your truck.

As a general rule, the lower the mileage the better when purchasing a used truck. For diesel and gas engines, the overall longevity differs meaning the answer can vary in each. When purchasing a gas engine, aim for one under 100,000 miles, and for diesel engines under 200,000 is just as good.

If you do opt for a used truck above the parameters then you should pay attention to the overall condition of the truck beforehand and ask to see receipts and proof of any major work that has been carried out to make sure the vehicle is in good health.

How Many Miles Do Trucks Last?

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the best mileage for a used truck. There is a big variety of components that contribute towards the overall health of all trucks and this may not be reflected in the vehicle’s mileage.

(Video) How many miles is too many??? | BUYING USED TRUCK |

Diesel Engines

We all know that under normal conditions diesel engines last longer in comparison to gas which is another important factor. This is because diesel engines are designed to have higher compression ratios and higher cylinder pressures than gas engines.

Another key design element in diesel engines lies in their crankshaft and camshaft. They are larger, meaning they require larger bearings and sturdier bolts which gives increased clearance and allows for better oil flow. This promotes better lubrication on the engine to reduce wear and tear and improve the lifespan of your diesel engine.

All of this means that a diesel engine can last up to 30 years or 1,000,000 miles before needing any major work.

Gasoline Engines

Gasoline engines are not gear-driven and rely on the use of timing belts, chains, and pumps which can fail and possibly even damage your engine. They also struggle with oil and fuel temperature regulation in comparison to a diesel engine.

More modern gasoline engines are slowly catching up with the achievable mileage on diesel engines, most gasoline engines can last well over the 200,000 mark.All of these factors contribute to the overall wear on an engine, meaning mileage isn’t the only thing you should be looking out for when you pick up your next used truck.

What Is Good Mileage For A Used Truck? - Car, Truck And Vehicle How To Guides - Vehicle Freak (1)

How To Get The Best Mileage From Your Truck

Getting the longest life from your truck doesn’t mean a long complicated and time-consuming maintenance schedule, it is often easily achieved with regular small tasks and maintenance to ensure you get thousands of miles and years of use from your trusty truck.

(Video) Used Truck Buying Guide. What To Do, and What Not To Do!

You get out what you put into your truck, so if you drive your truck on a regular/ daily basis then it is important you treat it well and don’t cause unnecessary strain on the engine and other aspects of the vehicle.

1. Oil Changes

Many truck owners don’t know the suggested interval between oil changes and put it off as another annoying task that will just cost them money. However, the oil in your truck’s engine is vitally important in keeping everything moving smoothly for years to come, and the type of oil you use is just as important too.

When purchasing a used truck, always ask for proof (receipts, paperwork, etc) of any work that has been carried out to make sure that what the seller tells you matches up!

Several varieties advertise claims of increasing the longevity of your truck’s engine but make sure you consult your owner’s manual or ask a qualified mechanic as this may not be the case for all vehicles, especially those with older trucks.

2. Alignment

Don’t just change the oil either! Whilst you’re changing the oil, you should always check and re-align your wheels. Misalignment can cause higher levels of wear and tear on your vehicle and cause uneven load bearing which can lead to a whole range of issues in the future.

The most obvious issues that come with uneven wear and tear on the tires are poor fuel economy and bad vehicle handling which can cause major safety issues for you and other road users.

3. Fluid Levels

Not only is the engine oil level important, but you should also look at the engine coolant, windshield washer fluid, and of course your gas levels. Leaving one or all of these aspects to run low can cause a variety of safety, handling, and performance issues that can all lead to unnecessary and premature damage to your vehicle.

(Video) Ford F-150 Trucks to Avoid

4. Research

Finally, a highly overlooked trick when it comes to purchasing a used truck is research. Many vehicles will have their common faults, problems, and sometimes even recalls, and knowing these can be a key advantage in saving yourself money in the long run with a used truck.

Research the model and look into the common faults and problems, then check the vehicle for signs of damage in these parts. You should also read your owner’s manual as this will answer the majority of questions you may have about the function of your truck and give you tips on essential maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Good Mileage For A Used Truck? - Car, Truck And Vehicle How To Guides - Vehicle Freak (2)

Is buying a truck with 100k miles Bad?

Trucks with 100k miles are still worth purchasing as long as the rest of the vehicle is in good shape and overall condition. However, the resale value of a truck drops dramatically after hitting 100k mileage and many people stay away from purchasing used trucks at this stage.

Why are used trucks so much?

Typically when purchasing used vehicles, the price will drop dramatically, but used trucks often remain higher in price due to their reliability throughout the years. They are more reliable than cars which gives them a longer lifespan and leads to a higher price.

Is it worth buying a truck with high mileage?

Buying a used truck can be a better idea than purchasing a new one sometimes. As long as the engine has been well looked after and has had all regular maintenance and car then the engine can last longer than you may imagine due to the good lubrication within the engine and burnt carbon build-up.

Why are diesel trucks so expensive?

Diesel trucks get better fuel economy up to 30% than gasoline trucks making them a cheaper option, in the long run, hence the higher price when purchasing.

(Video) What To Look For When Buying Your First Used Semi Truck | Don't Buy Until You Check These 3 Things

Conclusion

With no simple answer, it can be hard to know that you are making the right choice when purchasing a used truck. However, using our handy guide we hope you have learned how to spot a good used truck from an overly expensive investment that may leave you with less money than if you were to purchase a new one!

Remember that mileage isn’t always the main indicator of the remaining life a used truck may have.

Find more tips about trucks with these posts:

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FAQs

Is 150k miles a lot for a truck? ›

Generally, we would consider a truck with more than 100,000 miles on the clock to be high mileage. For a truck with a diesel engine, that number is more like 200,000 miles. Oftentimes, higher miles mean a lower buying cost. But, that can mean some trade-offs with reliability.

What is a good amount of miles for a used truck? ›

Although there's no magic number to look for in the mileage on a pre-owned truck, you'll typically want to look for one with a gasoline engine that has less than 100,000 miles or one with a diesel engine with less than 200,000 miles.

Is it worth buying a truck with 200k miles? ›

Although it may have been well maintained, the purchase of a vehicle with over 200,000 miles on the odometer might lead to significant maintenance costs. At this point, the car is likely nearing the end of its useful life, and you may soon need to either invest a significant sum in repairs or replace it entirely.

What truck will last 300 000 miles? ›

So they are still going.” Toyota Sequoia can hit almost 300,000 miles. The Toyota Sequoia topped the chart with 296,509 miles of what the study calls, “potential lifespan.” The Toyota Land Cruiser was second at 280,236 miles, and the Chevrolet Suburban podiumed at 265,732 miles of potential.

What truck has the least amount of problems? ›

7 Used Trucks Known for Their Reliability
  • Ram 1500. The Dodge Ram 1500 was named “Most Improved” in a JD Power dependability study in 2013. ...
  • Ford F-150. ...
  • Chevrolet Silverado 1500. ...
  • Toyota Tacoma. ...
  • GMC Sierra 1500. ...
  • Honda Ridgeline.
Jul 13, 2022

Is buying a used truck with 100k miles worth it? ›

For used trucks with gas engines, try to keep the mileage under 100,000 miles. Used trucks with a diesel engine can go a good deal further since diesel engines are easier to maintain than gasoline. 200,000 miles in a diesel engine is about the same wear and tear as 100,000 is for gas.

What's more important mileage or age? ›

What's More Important, Mileage or Age? Neither. This may be the easy way out, but the condition of the vehicle is the most important factor when determining whether to pursue a vehicle. A poorly-maintained low-mileage vehicle may actually be a worse ride the a well-maintained high-mileage car.

What time of year is best to buy a used truck? ›

In the middle of the year, customers can expect to see more savings during Memorial Day and July Fourth. Then, in the final quarter of the year, there are a numerous amount of holiday sales events starting with Labor Day and wrapping up in December with End of Year sales events to close out the year.

What truck last the most miles? ›

The Honda Ridgeline comes in at first place in the category of trucks most likely to last 200,000 miles.

How many miles can a well maintained truck last? ›

Trucks Have More Longevity Today

This means that when you purchase a modern truck, you can expect it to last for at least 10 years and 100,000 miles. With proper maintenance, you can extend those marks significantly, with the average truck being nearly twice as likely to last for 200,000 miles as the average vehicle.

Can a car last 500 000 miles? ›

Depending on how well you treat your car, you could potentially reach over 500,000 miles. In fact, there's a driver whose car reached even more than that.

What is the most reliable used truck to buy? ›

Our Top Picks for the Most Reliable Used Pickup Trucks
  • GMC Canyon. You'll see the GMC Canyon on multiple online lists for the most reliable used pickup trucks. ...
  • RAM 1500. The used RAM 1500 is a half-ton vehicle that's well-known as one of the most reliable trucks. ...
  • Nissan Titan. ...
  • Ford Ranger. ...
  • Chevy Silverado 1500.
Jul 15, 2022

What is the most reliable truck engine? ›

  • The Dodge Ram 2nd Generation.
  • 7.3-liter Powerstroke Ford F-Series.
  • Toyota Tacoma Supercharged.
  • Jeep Comanche.
  • C/K Models from Chevrolet and GMC.
  • SVT Lightning Ford F-150.
  • Nissan Hardbody.
  • Toyota Hilux with classic truck engine.
May 10, 2022

What brand of truck is most reliable? ›

Our top 10 most reliable trucks
  • Ford F-150. Reliability rating: 4/5. ...
  • GMC Canyon. Reliability rating: 4/5. ...
  • Chevrolet Colorado. Reliability rating: 4/5. ...
  • Honda Ridgeline. Reliability rating: 5/5. ...
  • Toyota Tacoma. Reliability rating: 4/5. ...
  • Toyota Tundra. Reliability rating: 5/5. ...
  • Ram 1500. Reliability rating: 3/5. ...
  • Ford Ranger.
May 31, 2022

What is the number 1 truck to buy? ›

Most popular truck in America: full-size pickup
Full-Size Pickup2022 Sales (proj.)2019 Sales
1. Ford F-Series pickup618,000 Units580,000 Units
2. Chevy Silverado pickup480,000 Units395,000 Units
3. Ram pickup462,000 Units426,000 Units
4. GMC Sierra pickup270,000 Units162,000 Units
3 more rows

What brand of truck breaks down the most? ›

10 Most Unreliable Pickup Trucks
  • 3 2020 Jeep Gladiator - 15/100.
  • 4 2013 Ram 1500 - 15/100. ...
  • 5 2003 Mazda B-Series - 19/100. ...
  • 6 2004 Ford F150 - 20/100. ...
  • 7 2005 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra - 40/100. ...
  • 8 2008 Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon - 47/100. ...
  • 9 2001 Toyota Tundra - 52/100. ...
  • 10 2006 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 - 55/100. Mecum Auctions. ...
Nov 23, 2022

What is the easiest truck to maintain? ›

11 Best Trucks to Restore for Beginners
  • 1946–1978 Dodge Power Wagon.
  • Chevrolet "Task Force" Trucks (1955-1959) ...
  • 1979–1984 Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup. ...
  • 1991 GMC Syclone. ...
  • 1960–1984 Toyota FJ40 Truck. ...
  • 1978–1979 Dodge Li'l Red Express. ...
  • Chevrolet Cameo. ...
  • Jeep Gladiator Pickup (1962-1988) ...
Sep 24, 2020

Is it OK to buy a truck with over 100k miles? ›

If you are looking to purchase a used truck with over 100k miles on it, an important consideration to make is how well the truck has been taken care of. It can be an older truck with high miles and also be in great shape due to regular maintenance and care by the previous owner.

Is 70000 miles a lot for a used truck? ›

Buying a car with 70,000 miles on it is risky because the engine and other basic parts of the car will be worn down from all the use. This tired part of the car has been running around for so many years that it's likely to cause problems when they inevitably break.

How do you take care of a high-mileage truck? ›

Eight Car Maintenance Tips for Vehicles with Over 100,000 Miles
  1. 1) Use High-Mileage Oil. ...
  2. 2) Schedule Frequent Oil Changes. ...
  3. 3) Give Your Fuel a Boost. ...
  4. 4) Get Fresh Brake Fluid. ...
  5. 5) Rotate the Tires. ...
  6. 6) Check Transmission Fluid. ...
  7. 7) Get an Alignment. ...
  8. 8) Conduct Three Monthly Routine Inspections at Home.
Dec 16, 2014

What is the sweet spot for used cars? ›

What Is the Used-Car Sweet Spot? It's the period after the vehicle's first — and most significant — depreciation and the second steep depreciation, which comes around the fourth year. This pattern is fairly consistent across all vehicles.

At what mileage do cars have problems? ›

It can be somewhat risky to buy a vehicle that has racked up more than 100,000 miles. Even if it's well-maintained and has about 100,000 miles left in it, such a car is already past its prime. Generally, vehicles are likely to start experiencing problems after the 100,000-mile mark.

What should you not say to a car salesman? ›

Things to Never Say to a Dealer
  • “I'm ready to buy now.” ...
  • “I can afford this much per month.” ...
  • “Yes, I have a trade-in.” ...
  • “I'm only buying the car with cash.” ...
  • “I'm not sure…which model do you think I need?” ...
  • “Oh, I've wanted one of these all my life.” ...
  • “I'll take whatever the popular options are.”

What should I check before buying a used truck? ›

Consult This 10-Point Checklist Before Buying a Used Truck
  • Car Body. Inspect a used truck for rusting first. ...
  • Engine. When inspecting the engine, check when it's cool. ...
  • Brake System. ...
  • Odometer. ...
  • Service Records. ...
  • Glass. ...
  • Suspension. ...
  • Lights and Lenses.
Jul 23, 2019

What is the cheapest month to buy a truck? ›

May: During the month of May, specifically around Memorial Day weekend, many dealers and car manufacturers run savings specials, in addition to other kinds of incentives, like financing deals. October: October tends to offer more wiggle room when you're negotiating car prices.

What is the best month to buy a vehicle? ›

In terms of the best time of the year, October, November and December are safe bets. Car dealerships have sales quotas, which typically break down into yearly, quarterly and monthly sales goals. All three goals begin to come together late in the year.

Should I buy a vehicle with 150000 miles? ›

As a general rule, most vehicles begin to seriously degrade at around 150,000 miles. It is considered rare, and therefore outstanding longevity, if a car reaches 200,000 miles on the road. That said, there's more to identifying good versus bad mileage on a used car than just the odometer reading.

What's the highest mileage a truck can go? ›

A typical semi truck can last up to around 750,000 miles or more. There have even been trucks to hit the one million mile mark!

Is 150000 mileage too high? ›

You can expect a one-year-old car with only 5,000 miles covered to look and feel practically new, while a car with 150,000 miles is likely to show lots of wear and tear both physically and mechanically - and potentially have some reliability issues if it hasn't been maintained well.

What should I replace at 150k miles? ›

What Services You Need Every 150,000 Miles
  • Replace engine air filter.
  • Replace accessory drive belts (if not replaced within last 100,000 miles)
  • Rotate and inspect tires; check wheel end play and turning noise.
  • Change the automatic transmission fluid.
  • Change engine oil and replace oil - Up to 6.0 quarts of oil.

What mileage is too high for a used car? ›

What is considered high mileage on a car? Often, 100,000 miles is considered a cut-off point for used cars because older vehicles often start requiring more expensive and frequent maintenance when mileage exceeds 100,000.

Is age or miles more important on a car? ›

While it's a good idea to consider the age of a vehicle and the number on its odometer, it's more important to look at how well the owner maintained the car. A 10-year-old car with 100,000 miles may have received more TLC than a five-year-old model with 50,000 miles.

At what mileage should I not buy a car? ›

On average, a car should have around 10,000 miles per year. So, for an easy way to calculate how many miles on a used car is too much, just multiply its age by 10,000. For example, a five-year-old car would ideally have 50,000 miles or less on its odometer.

Which truck last longest in miles? ›

The Honda Ridgeline comes in at first place in the category of trucks most likely to last 200,000 miles.

Can trucks last 400000 miles? ›

Roughly 2.4% of the F-150 full-size trucks have over 200,000 miles. Automotive listing platforms like Car Gurus have Ford F-150 trucks with 400,000 miles on the odometer and they are still going strong.

Which brand of cars last the longest? ›

Topping that list is the Toyota Sequoia, which has a potential lifespan of 296,509 miles, according to a new study from iSeeCars.com. The automotive research website analyzed more than 2 million cars to determine which last longest and found that 20 models are able to endure for more than 200,000 miles.

How many miles can a truck last? ›

Trucks Have More Longevity Today

This means that when you purchase a modern truck, you can expect it to last for at least 10 years and 100,000 miles. With proper maintenance, you can extend those marks significantly, with the average truck being nearly twice as likely to last for 200,000 miles as the average vehicle.

Are highway miles better than city miles? ›

You're driving long distances and putting your engine through a lot by making it maintain a high speed for a long period of time. However, highway miles are actually easier on your car! You may be traveling long distances, but this is actually good for your battery and alternator as it lets them charge properly.

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