• More than a third of dealers (35%) say there is a growing market for used cars with more than 100,000 miles on the clock
• 40% believe the quality of modern cars means they often have a lot of life left at 100,000 miles-plus
• However, 38% think buyers often see 100,000 mile-plus cars as too much of a risk, says July’s Startline Used Car Tracker

July’s Startline Used Car Tracker shows 40% believe the quality of modern cars means they often have a lot of life left at 100,000 miles-plus.

Also, 32% of dealers say buyers of cars with over 100,000 miles are pragmatic, and 15% report these cars typically sell well.

However, 38% say motorists often see 100,000-mile-plus cars as too much of a risk, 35% that the condition of these vehicles varies widely, and 23% that some brands wear better at this mileage than others.

Also, 28% say 100,000 mile-plus cars need too much money spending to be made saleable and 28% that more comprehensive warranties are needed to sell cars at this mileage.

Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “We carried out this research after recent reports showed that while there were now six million cars on UK roads with more than 100,000 miles, only one in four people would consider buying a car with this kind of mileage.*

“Also, the average used car has been getting older and higher mileage since the pandemic and we thought it would be interesting to get a dealer perspective on the situation.

“What we’ve found is that a significant minority of dealers seem to feel positive about 100,000 mile cars, saying they often carry their wear well, have plenty of life left, and that there is a definite group of pragmatic buyers for these vehicles.”

The Startline Used Car Tracker also showed that 68% of dealers would be willing to sell cars with over 100,000 miles, but only 23% with over 150,000 and just 8% with over 200,000.

Paul said: “It’s interesting to see the drop off here. While most dealers see at least some 100,000-mile cars as a good buy, interest quickly declines as mileage increases, and relatively few will retail cars with 200,000 miles.”

Compiled monthly by APD Global Research – well-known in the motor industry for their business intelligence reporting and customer experience programs – the Startline Used Car Tracker this month questioned 300 consumers and 60 dealers.

*RAC and eBay