Is Buying a Used Car with 100,000+ Miles Worth It Today?

I’ve noticed that a lot of people automatically avoid any car that has crossed the 100,000-mile mark, but I’m not sure that’s always the right approach. Modern vehicles are built to last much longer than they used to, and I think maintenance history matters far more than the number on the odometer.

I’ve seen plenty of high-mileage cars that have been incredibly reliable because they were serviced on time, while some lower-mileage vehicles ended up needing expensive repairs due to poor maintenance. That’s why I’m curious to hear what everyone else thinks.

A few things I always check before considering a high-mileage car:

A complete service history with regular oil changes.
Signs that major maintenance has already been completed, such as timing belt or water pump replacement if applicable.
Suspension, brakes, and tire condition.
Evidence of accident damage or poor-quality repairs.
Whether the engine and transmission feel smooth during a test drive.
Overall ownership history rather than just the mileage.

I’ve also noticed that many Japanese second hand cars for sale have a reputation for staying dependable well beyond 100,000 miles when they’ve been properly maintained. That doesn’t mean every example is a good buy, but it does make me pay closer attention to condition instead of dismissing the mileage outright.

Of course, buying a high-mileage vehicle still comes with some risk, and budgeting for future maintenance is always a smart idea. If the price reflects the mileage and the vehicle has been looked after, I think it can still offer excellent value.

What has your experience been? Would you confidently buy a car with over 100,000 miles, or do you have a mileage limit that you won’t go beyond? I’d love to hear your thoughts and any real-life experiences.