The average miles per year in the UK is around 7,400 miles per year. Many factors contribute to this number, like the location, age, and lifestyle. However, some sources also mentioned that the average mileage of people in the UK ranges from around 5,000 to 8,000 miles per annum.
What’s it Like Driving in the UK?
The UK features complex road systems; you will need to understand and be able to navigate roundabouts as well as narrow roads, scenic rural routes, and busy cities. With over 66 million residents, personal transport is in high demand, leading to a staggering yearly mileage across the country.
Average Mileage Per Year in the UK
In reality, the average British person drives around 19 miles per day, so in a year, they are driving around 7,000 miles, and it could be more depending on some factors.
Here’s a guide:
- 5,000 – 8,000 miles per year is the typical range for most drivers.
- 3,000 – 4,000 miles is considered low mileage and is often seen with cars used for short trips.
- 12,000 – 15,000 miles is high mileage and may lead to more wear and tear.
- If a car has over 7,500 miles per year, it might be high mileage for its age, while anything under that could be low.
What Sets the Number of Average Miles Per Year?
The number varies based on several factors, such as occupation, age, and location. For example, people with jobs requiring travel tend to drive more, younger drivers may drive less, and urban residents often cover fewer miles annually.
City vs. Countryside: People who live in the city usually drive less compared to those who live in the countryside. In the city, people can take public transport or walk instead of driving. But in the countryside, public transport isn’t always available, so people rely more on their cars to get around.
Occupation: Some jobs, like sales or online taxi, require you to drive long distances. On top of that, people who like to solo travel by their personal vehicle must record a lot of mileage on their vehicle.
Age: Younger drivers (like those aged 17–25) often don’t drive as much. High insurance costs and other travel options mean they’re not on the road as often. People in their 30s and 40s usually drive more, especially if they’re busy with work or family life.
Gender: Men drive more than women. According to the National Travel Survey, men travel about 15% farther, 6,389 miles per year, while women drive around 5,576 miles.
Best Mileage for a Used Car
If you plan to buy a used car, the general average range is from 12,000 to 15,000 miles; just make sure you do not choose the one with high mileage, even though it comes at a lower price. Cars with higher mileage often have more wear and tear, meaning parts like brake pads and the battery may need replacing sooner.
Before you decide to buy a used car, make sure to check the mileage to not getting scammed, as some sellers might roll back the odometer to make the car seem less used and show lower mileage so they can sell the car at a higher price.
How many miles should your car have within a year?
Within a year, your car’s mileage should be kept at around 10,000 to 12,000 miles in order to take care of its wear and tear and to maintain the best engine performance. If the car’s mileage exceeds more than that, it is important to check your car’s health, as it could have too much wear and tear.
To estimate a car’s average yearly mileage, divide its current odometer reading by its age. However, a vehicle’s overall condition also depends on factors such as its make, model, driving habits, and service history. Regular maintenance plays a key role in ensuring long-term reliability, so it’s important to review the car’s maintenance records.
You can use a VIN check tool to access the vehicle’s full history, including past services, ownership, and any reported issues.
Good Mileage Per Annum (For Cars)
In the UK, a “good” mileage for a used car is usually around 7,000 to 10,000 miles per year. This range suggests the car has been used regularly but not excessively.
If the mileage is much lower, it could mean the car was rarely driven, which isn’t always a good thing, as cars need regular use to stay in good shape. On the other hand, much higher mileage might lead to more wear and tear, especially on parts like brakes, tires, and engine components.
Always look at mileage in context with the car’s age, service history, and overall condition. A well-maintained high-mileage car can be a better buy than a low-mileage one that’s been neglected.
Conclusion
Knowing the average car mileage in the UK can help you take better care of your car or choose the right used one. Most people drive about 7,000 to 10,000 miles a year, but this depends on where they live, how old they are, and what job they have. People in the countryside or with driving jobs usually drive more.
When buying a used car, look at the mileage, but also check the car’s history to get the car’s past information. A car with higher miles can still be good if it’s been serviced regularly and taken care of properly.
Frequently Asked Questions on What’s the Average Miles Per Year in the UK?
What’s classed as high mileage?
A car is usually classed as high mileage if it has over 100,000 miles on the clock. That’s more than what most people drive in 10 years. High mileage isn’t always bad; if the car has been well looked after, it can still be reliable.
Is 110,000 miles a lot for a car?
Yes, 110,000 miles is considered high, but it depends on the car’s age and how well it’s been maintained. If it has a full-service history and runs well, it might still have plenty of life left.
How many miles a year to justify diesel?
Diesel cars make the most sense if you drive at least 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year. They’re better for long journeys and motorways, but not ideal for short city trips due to emissions and maintenance costs.
