It's no secret that finding a nearly new used car has become quite the challenge. Thanks to the chip shortage that threw a wrench in car production, used cars from 2020 and 2021 have become a rare breed. CarGurus data as of June 2025 shows a drop of nearly 28% for 2021 models and 12% for 2020 models. This limited supply keeps prices high and competition fierce.
But don’t lose heart if you’re priced out of these newer models. With the average car age on U.S. roads hitting a record 12.8 years in 2025 (according to S&P Global Mobility), cars are proving to be more durable than ever. High-mileage cars with over 100,000 miles still command strong demand and can be a fantastic option.
Finding Value: The Best High-Mileage Cars on Sale this Summer
- Our Top High-Mileage Picks
- Tesla Model 3
- Toyota C-HR
- Buick Encore
- Nissan Sentra
- Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
- Honda Fit
- Mazda CX-5
- Mazda MAZDA3
- Honda HR-V
- Honda Civic
- For All Car Buyers
- Methodology Behind the Rankings
Our Top High-Mileage Picks
We did an extensive analysis and found the top 10 high-mileage cars that are currently moving quickest off of dealership lots and into consumer driveways. These vehicles, dubbed "High-Mileage Heroes," are in demand for their reliability and value despite their high mileage. Models are ranked by the lowest Days to Turn (DTT) off dealer lots.
Tesla Model 3 (DTT: 28.55 days)
Average Price: $13,907
Average Age: 5.69 Years
Why You Should Drive One: Used EVs are really hot with consumers right now, and the Model 3 leads the pack. With many former fleet vehicles entering the market, you can find great deals on Tesla's entry-level sedan. Plus, minimal maintenance costs and over-the-air updates keep these vehicles feeling fresh even with higher mileage.
Toyota C-HR (DTT: 31.11 days)
Average Price: $13,379
Average Age: 6.54 Years
Why You Should Drive One: This is a testament to Toyota manufacturing and reliability. The C-HR features a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that will likely outlast almost anything else on the road. While the styling may be polarizing, you can use that "ugly duckling" status to your advantage for better deals.
Buick Encore (DTT: 31.73 days)
Average Price: $11,657
Average Age: 7.42 Years
Why You Should Drive One: Buick consistently shows up on reliability lists alongside Toyota and Honda, often surprising buyers with their dependability. While it's truly an "appliance vehicle," the Encore offers decent space and has proven itself as a reliable daily driver that won't break the bank.
Nissan Sentra (DTT: 31.86 days)
Average Price: $12,052
Average Age: 6.69 Years
Why You Should Drive One: One of the last cars you could buy for under $20,000 when new (it now starts at almost $23K), the Nissan Sentra proves that budget-minded vehicles can go the distance. The Sentra is a commuter car built to last, offering excellent value for money even with higher mileage.
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (DTT: 33.60 days)
Average Price: $12,117
Average Age: 8.53 Years
Why You Should Drive One: This SUV came with Hyundai's 100,000-mile powertrain warranty when new, lending credence to the brand's reliability claims. Perfect for families needing more space than a compact car, the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport offers midsize SUV practicality at an attractive price point.
Honda Fit (DTT: 33.83 days)
Average Price: $11,769
Average Age: 9.06 Years
Why You Should Drive One: Honda's discontinued gem features the brilliant "Magic Seat" system where the rear seats fold forward or lift up like a pickup truck seat, creating incredibly flexible cargo space. Despite its compact size, the Honda Fit is surprisingly capacious and perfect for city driving with excellent fuel economy.
Mazda CX-5 (DTT: 34.34 days)
Average Price: $12,728
Average Age: 9.13 Years
Why You Should Drive One: Mazda's push into the premium segment means you can get a genuinely upscale-feeling crossover for a song if you're willing to go back a few years. The CX-5 offers engaging driving dynamics and premium interior quality that punches above its price point in the used market.
Mazda MAZDA3 (DTT: 34.35 days)
Average Price: $12,011
Average Age: 8.98 Years
Why You Should Drive One: Genuinely fun to drive with a good reputation for reliability, the MAZDA3 represents Mazda's attempt to move upmarket. You get a premium feel and sporty character that's hard to beat in its price range, making it ideal for enthusiasts on a budget.
Honda HR-V (DTT: 34.47 days)
Average Price: $13,147
Average Age: 7.91 Years
Why You Should Drive One: The Honda HR-V offers Honda's renowned reliability and versatility in a compact crossover package. If you want Civic practicality but need something a little bigger, the HR-V delivers excellent fuel efficiency and Honda's reputation for longevity in a more accommodating package.
Honda Civic (DTT: 34.92 days)
Average Price: $12,637
Average Age: 9.34 Years
Why You Should Drive One: The Honda Civic is so reliable and popular that finding one is never a problem–there are tons available on CarGurus. Fun, reliable, and economical, it's a beloved choice that represents one of the safest bets when buying a vehicle with 100,000+ miles.
For All Car Buyers
New Car Buyers: If you’re planning to hold onto your vehicle for a long time or anticipate high mileage, our "High-Mileage Heroes" demonstrate that certain models remain desirable and reliable even late into their lifespan.
Used Car Buyers: Don’t let a high odometer reading deter you. These models are in demand for a reason—they offer great reliability and value even after surpassing 100,000 miles.
While finding a nearly new car can be tough and pricey, there are plenty of high-mileage vehicles out there that offer reliability and value. These “High-Mileage Heroes,” as identified through our thorough data analysis, show that longevity and desirability aren't mutually exclusive.
Methodology Behind the Rankings
To identify these "High-Mileage Heroes," CarGurus reviewed sold cars with a minimum of 100,000 miles, priced between $10,000 and $15,000. The analysis required a minimum of 500 sales for each model between January and May 2025. Days to Turn (DTT) is a CarGurus metric representing the weighted average time a vehicle spends on a dealer's lot before being sold to a consumer. This calculation specifically excludes dealer-to-dealer transactions and other non-retail departures, thereby focusing on true consumer sales velocity.
