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How Mileage Impacts Your Car’s Resale Price

  • Apr 4
  • 4 min read

— Insights from Car Buyers Dubai

When it's time to sell your car in Dubai, one of the first things potential buyers look at is mileage. It’s a simple number on your dashboard, yet it has a significant influence on your car’s resale value. Whether you're upgrading to a new ride or just need fast cash, understanding how mileage affects your car’s worth can help you make smarter decisions.

At Car Buyers Dubai, we deal with hundreds of vehicles every month—and mileage always plays a big role in pricing. In this blog, we’ll break down how it works, what’s considered high or low mileage, and how to get the best value for your car.

🚗 What is Mileage and Why Does It Matter?

Mileage refers to the total distance your car has travelled, usually measured in kilometres (KM) in the UAE. Think of it as your car’s “age in action.” Unlike years, which just tell us when the car was made, mileage shows how much it's been used.

Why it matters:

  • Higher mileage = more wear and tear.

  • Lower mileage = less strain on the engine and parts.

  • Buyers use mileage to estimate how much life is left in the car.

In Dubai, with frequent city driving and long desert routes, mileage tends to rack up quickly, making it even more relevant for resale.

📉 How Mileage Affects Your Car's Resale Price

The more mileage your car has, the lower its resale value typically drops. Here's why:

1. Depreciation Increases With Mileage

Cars lose value the more they are driven. A brand-new car can lose 20-30% of its value in the first year alone. After that, for every 10,000 to 20,000 KM, you can expect a gradual dip in resale value.

2. Wear and Tear is Assumed

Higher mileage signals potential mechanical issues:

  • Worn-out brakes

  • Older tyres

  • Timing belt and suspension nearing replacement

  • Engine efficiency declining

Buyers—especially used car dealers in Dubai—factor this into the price.

car meter

3. Servicing and Maintenance Records Matter

A high-mileage car that has been well-maintained may retain more value than a low-mileage car with poor service history. If you have consistent service records, you can offset some depreciation caused by mileage.

📊 What’s Considered High Mileage in Dubai?

In general:

Car Age

Low Mileage

Average Mileage

High Mileage

1-3 years

< 30,000 KM

30,000 – 60,000 KM

> 60,000 KM

4-6 years

< 70,000 KM

70,000 – 120,000 KM

> 120,000 KM

7+ years

< 100,000 KM

100,000 – 160,000 KM

> 160,000 KM

Dubai drivers often hit 20,000 KM per year, so this is an expected average. If your car has less mileage than average, you can ask for a higher price when selling.

💡 Tips to Maximize Resale Value Regardless of Mileage

Even if your car has clocked a lot of miles, you can still get a good deal. Here's how:

✅ Keep a Full Service History

Buyers trust cars that have been regularly serviced at authorised or reputable workshops.

✅ Fix Minor Issues

Address small mechanical or cosmetic problems before listing the car. A small investment can boost your final offer.

✅ Clean Inside and Out

First impressions matter. A clean, well-maintained interior and polished exterior make your car look newer—even with higher mileage.

✅ Be Honest About Mileage

Never tamper with the odometer. It's illegal, unethical, and detectable. At Car Buyers Dubai, we value transparency and offer fair evaluations based on real condition.

🏎️ Do Luxury Cars Hold Value Better?

Luxury cars with higher mileage often depreciate faster than economy models. That’s because:

  • Their repair costs are higher.

  • Parts are more expensive.

  • They’re often leased or used for business, so buyers are cautious.

However, well-maintained luxury vehicles with a clear history still attract premium buyers—especially through trusted car buyers in Dubai.

🔁 Mileage vs. Age — What Matters More?

Both mileage and age influence your car’s value. But in most cases:

  • A 5-year-old car with 60,000 KM is worth more than a 3-year-old car with 150,000 KM.

  • A newer car with high mileage suggests heavy usage—like ride-sharing or delivery services.

At Car Buyers Dubai, we assess both factors to offer accurate, market-based valuations.

🤝 Sell Your Car in Dubai – Fast, Fair, and Simple

If you're thinking, “How do I sell my high-mileage car in Dubai?”—you’re in the right place.

At Car Buyers Dubai, we buy cars in any condition, with any mileage. We offer:

  • Free car valuation

  • Instant cash offers

  • Same-day car collection

  • Paperwork handled for you

We don’t just look at the mileage. We consider the full picture—from your service history to the current market demand—so you get a fair deal every time.

📞 Contact Car Buyers Dubai Today!

Ready to sell your car? Whether it’s low-mileage and like new, or has done a few desert road trips too many—we’ll take it off your hands with a smile!

📱 Call or WhatsApp us: +971 58 883 5488🌐 Visit us online: www.carbuyersdubai.com

 
 
 

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