When shopping for a previously owned car, whether it’s a collector car or a grocery-getter, one of the first—if not the first—thing that we look for or inquire about is the mileage (odo not mpg). All too often we associate a car with high miles as tired, spent and old, whilst those with low miles are seen as fresh and pampered. But in reality, that may not always be the case. There are several variables to take into consideration when assessing miles. Let’s discuss a few.

First and foremost is that, while low mileage will add value to any car on paper, it’s how those miles were spent that ultimately defines the car’s intrinsic worth. A car that has 200,000 miles but with a documented history showing careful ownership throughout its life will undoubtedly prove to be a better car than one with 20,000 miles and no history, or a history that includes long periods of storage, or untraceable ownership. It’s often been said that cars need exercise to keep fluids active, engine parts moving, prevent tire flat spots, and so on, not unlike the human body. They need to maintain a certain level of “fitness” to live a long and energetic life and each car has a different regime. When looking at low-mileage cars, we need to make sure that low miles are a result of sparse but occasional use and not lethargy, or that other measure have taken place (frequent fluid changes, climate controlled environment, lifts, etc.) to ensure proper fitness. Likewise, when looking a high-mileage cars, documented maintenance throughout its life is essential in determining its present health.

Next, we need to weigh the mileage relative to each car’s life expectancy. For example, 80,000 miles clocked on a Jaguar V12 is near end-of-life while those same 80,000 miles clocked on a Mercedes-Benz diesel are barely past break-in. This of course assumes proper maintenance, history, etc. that we discussed earlier. On a related note, each car has apposite perceptions of what constitutes high mileage. 80,000 miles on a 1985 Porsche 911 would be considered fairly low by most Porsche enthusiasts. On the other hand, chalk up 80,000 miles on a 1985 Ferrari 308 and a Ferrari enthusiast is likely to run away from it, even though both cars are engineered to go 200,000 miles or more with proper maintenance.  The net result is that the Porsche will likely fetch more than the Ferrari, despite being less “exotic” and $20,000 less at the showroom.

Finally, there are individual perceptions of what constitutes low or high mileage. A seller is understandably going to put the car in the best light, so may advertise a 1985 BMW 635 CSi with 150,000 miles as “LOW.” We’ve all seen this and they justify it by dividing its age into the mileage and coming up with a figure that is below average. In some cases, like when the car is intended as a daily driver, that may in fact be considered low, whereas it may be a detriment to a collector. There is however a limit to that sort of justification. If a 1960 356 is driven “only” 8,000 miles per year, that’s over 240,000 miles, which I don’t think anyone would consider low (and in fact may become a badge of honor for durability, preservation, care, etc.). There is a point at which mileage—if not irrelevant—becomes a minor consideration. Collectors are less concerned about the odometer reading on that 356 or a 280 SL or mid-year Corvette. There are certainly cars with exceptionally low miles that carry some extra merit, but for the most part, the overall condition and how well a car has been cared for is the deciding factor.

Ultimately, it’s left to the judgment of the buyer as to what those miles—high or low—signify toward the purchase. That is based on intent, comfort level, and other mitigating factors. Whatever the odometer reads from that point forth will be the “right” miles.