When it comes to mileage, people tend to associate it with wear and tear. Buyers may view a truck with high mileage as too much of a gamble, but the reality is that “mileage” doesn’t always tell the whole story. A lot depends on the truck itself, its condition, how well it’s been taken care of, and what kind of driving it’s done in deciding whether or not it’s a good buy. In addition to mileage, there are many other factors to consider; it's important to evaluate the truck's overall condition, including its maintenance history, reliability, and suitability for your needs.

For example, trucks that have been driven mostly on the highway tend to show less wear and tear than those that battle city traffic. The habits of the driver and their typical routes—such as frequent starting and stopping in city driving—can significantly impact the vehicle's condition. So, it never all comes down to miles, as important as they are.

Vehicles have a known shelf-life, and trucks are no exception, but how many miles are too many for heavy-duty vehicles? As a rule of thumb, many experts consider that a used truck may have too many miles if it exceeds 500,000 miles, though this can vary depending on engine type and maintenance history. Let’s break it down by a few mileage ranges.

Perfect Ranges for Mileage on a Used Truck

Under 100,000 Miles

A truck under 100,000 miles would be considered low-mileage, and for the most part, are prime. These will probably have tons of life left in them and thus command a much higher price. If you do come across a used truck with low mileage, it’s crucial to establish its maintenance history to ensure that it has been looked after properly. Also, check how many previous owners the truck has had, as multiple previous owners can sometimes indicate inconsistent care or potential issues. Even low mileage doesn’t necessarily mean it’s in great shape.

100,000 - 150,000 Miles

It’s considered by many to be the sweet spot for used trucks. At this point, the truck has probably demonstrated its durability. Well maintained trucks in this mileage range can last even longer—often reaching 200,000 to 300,000 miles or more—and offer better reliability due to their maintenance history and records. A truck in that price range may need some normal maintenance and repairs, but if it’s been well taken care of, you may enjoy driving it for many years to come. Most trucks are engineered with a lifetime beyond 150,000 miles and up to as long as they have been maintained regularly.

Over 150,000 Miles

While trucks with more than 150,000 miles may seem like a gamble, they’re not necessarily a dealbreaker. Indeed, many trucks, especially diesel models, are designed to cover a lot more miles. But one of these may need more loving care and repairs than another truck might, and major repairs may become necessary at this stage. It’s important to look for any significant repairs, like an engine replacement or suspension work. Assuming that the truck has been well cared for and you are prepared to take on the necessary work, it could still be a good buy, as some trucks can continue to provide reliable service even after surpassing 150,000 miles with proper maintenance.

Key Factors That Affect Used Truck Mileage

Mileage matters, but it isn’t the whole story. But there are a few other considerations that matter, including the specific model of the truck, when determining how much value there is in a used truck and whether it is worth purchasing based on these factors:

1. Maintenance History

The maintenance history of a truck gives you a fair idea of what to expect in the future, as well as how well the truck has been maintained over time. A high-mileage truck in good condition may be a better investment than a low-mileage one with shoddy maintenance. Find evidence of routine oil changes, as well as checking and maintaining fluids such as coolant and transmission fluid, brake checks, tire rotations and any substantial service work.

2. Driving Conditions

Did you use it to drive the majority of highway miles or in the city, for off-roading, or for heavy towing? Highway miles have less wear and tear on a truck than city driving, which means a lot of stopping and starting. Trucks that were used on highways often have less engine and transmission wear.

3. Type of Truck

Trucks of different types have different lives. Heavy-duty pickup trucks, like those from reputable makes such as Ford, Chevrolet and Toyota, are typically engineered to last longer, especially when equipped with diesel engines known for their exceptional longevity and ability to handle higher mileage. On the downside, compact trucks have a tendency to break more easily, particularly when compared to the durability of trucks with different engines, such as diesel versus gasoline engines. Knowing whether or not you will be able to better determine the longevity of a truck, properly knowing what kind of truck it is.

4. Age of the Truck

The age of the truck is as important as its mileage. At the same time, a 10-year-old vehicle with just 120,000 miles on it could still have many years of life remaining, and also be plagued by issues like degraded seals, rubber parts and ageing technology. With proper maintenance and care, a well-maintained truck can often last a decade or even longer, regardless of its age or mileage. On the other hand, a 5-year-old truck could have less evidence of wear at the same mileage.

Is High Mileage a Dealbreaker?

Not necessarily. High miles may signal, however, high repair costs in the near future, but high mileage shouldn’t automatically disqualify a used truck as a good buy. There is no universal threshold for too much mileage; it depends on factors like maintenance history, make and model, usage patterns, and overall condition. If well-maintained, high-mileage trucks can be reliable. However, buyers should avoid trucks with poor maintenance history or signs of excessive wear, as these may indicate potential problems regardless of mileage. It also has a general look and feel of what the truck is like overall, in its overall condition and knowing what type of repairs to expect for said mileage.

Find your ideal used truck at Merit Autos

Are you in search of a good used truck with plenty of life left? Here at Merit Autos, we concentrate on providing an extensive selection of well-maintained, dependable trucks at excellent value. Whether you are looking for something that has hardly any miles on it or a truck with years of life left in it, we have the selection to fit your price range and needs. And they are all inspected to meet your high expectations for quality.

Check us out now at Merit Autos. com and browse our inventory. Contact one of our sales representatives to find the ideal truck for your specifications! If you are interested in purchasing a used truck, our team is ready to guide you through the purchasing process and answer any questions you may have.

So, what is a good mileage on a used truck? The response varies on several factors, such as the maintenance record, driving environment and kind of truck. The best choice of course would be a lower mileage truck, but it’s not the only consideration. Be sure to look over the truck, wear and tear, and maintenance records you’re looking forward to. The right information can help you find a used truck that serves you well for many years to come, no matter how many miles it has.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is high mileage on a used pickup truck?

A high mileage for a used truck is typically 150,000 miles or more. But it could depend on the brand and type of vehicle. Yoe says a truck with more than 150,000 miles can still be a good investment if it has been well-maintained and isn’t showing signs of major wear, especially if the previous owner took good care of it. If your truck has reached high mileage and is still in good condition, you may want to consider whether to sell it or keep it, depending on its value and reliability.

2. Can a truck with 100,000 miles still be reliable?

Yes, a truck with 100,000 miles can be reliable, but it’s also dependent on other things, like whether the outside conditions are good or whether the truck has been maintained very well. Many trucks – especially if well-cared for, such as those from Toyota, Ford or Chevrolet can carry on many miles past the 100,000 mark with careful care and maintenance. However, you should also consider your budget when deciding if a 100,000-mile truck is the right choice, as balancing cost, potential repair expenses, and overall value is important.

3. How to know if a 2nd hand truck is well-maintained?

To verify a truck’s history of maintenance, request service records from the seller. Search for such routine maintenance and repairs as oil changes, brake checks, tire rotations and major service. When you purchase a truck history report, you can also see reports of any accidents or damage that the truck has been involved in.

Before making a purchase, it is recommended to have a trusted mechanic inspect the truck to assess its condition, maintenance history, and identify any potential issues.

4. Is it bad to buy a truck with high mileage?

It all depends on the state and past of the truck. A truck with fewer miles may be more expensive, but it could also come with fewer immediate repair needs. A high-mileage truck may come at a lower cost, but it’s imperative to consider how well the vehicle has been taken care of. Look at the overall condition and how the car was maintained, not just the mileage, to determine if the truck is a good value for your money.