What is considered high mileage for a Honda?
For Honda vehicles, high mileage is commonly viewed as 100,000 miles or more. With diligent maintenance, many Hondas reach 150,000 to 200,000 miles, and some exceed 250,000 miles.
Milestones that shape how owners think about mileage
These benchmarks help gauge where a Honda stands in terms of wear, maintenance needs, and expected remaining life.
- 100,000 miles: A widely recognized milestone. At this point, owners often anticipate major maintenance items (such as belts, water pumps, and spark plugs) if they haven’t been addressed already, but many Hondas remain reliable well beyond this point with proper care.
- 150,000 miles: A common target for ongoing maintenance needs like suspension components, cooling system checks, and potential exhaust or wear on ancillary parts. Well-maintained Civics and Accords frequently pass this mark with fewer surprises.
- 200,000 miles: A strong indicator of durability for many Honda models. Regular fluid changes and part replacements during this interval can keep the engine and drivetrain humming, though individual parts (transmission, timing components, or hybrids’ Battery/ inverter) may begin to show wear.
- Beyond 250,000 miles: While less common, it is achievable, especially with a documented maintenance history, careful driving, and timely repairs. The likelihood of costly, large-scale repairs increases if preventive care has been neglected.
Maintaining a clear maintenance log, following the owner's manual, and addressing issues early are essential to achieving these milestones.
Model-specific expectations and considerations
Different Honda models have different longevity profiles. While all benefit from good maintenance, some designs hold up particularly well under certain usage patterns.
Honda Civic
The Civic is commonly cited for longevity and resilience. It often reaches 200,000 miles or more with routine maintenance. Typical high-mileage concerns in older Civics include wear on suspension components, CV joints, and the potential need for transmission service in higher-mileage automatics. Engine health tends to be strong when oil and fluids are changed on schedule.
Honda Accord
The Accord is renowned for long-term reliability. Many examples surpass 200,000 miles with diligent maintenance, especially when timing belts (where applicable) are replaced on time and transmissions receive proper service. Interiors and electronics may show wear earlier if driven aggressively, but powertrains commonly remain dependable with a solid service history.
Honda CR-V and other SUVs
Compact and midsize SUVs like the CR-V often accumulate high mileage on highway-heavy use. Engines can run long with consistent maintenance, but AWD systems and cooling components may require extra attention. Suspension and brake wear can become more noticeable as mileage climbs.
Maintenance and care to maximize Honda longevity
Adopting disciplined maintenance and considerate driving habits can significantly extend a Honda’s life and help it reach higher mileage milestones.
- Follow the factory maintenance schedule: regular oil changes, filter changes, coolant flushes, brake fluid replacements, and tire rotations are foundational.
- Understand timing components for your engine: older Hondas may use timing belts that need replacement at specific intervals, while many modern engines use timing chains that typically require less frequent attention—verify with your manual.
- Use quality parts and fluids: opt for OEM or reputable equivalents and the correct viscosity as recommended by Honda for your year and model.
- Drive smart: highway driving tends to reduce certain stresses on the engine and transmission compared to frequent stop-and-go city driving; avoid aggressive acceleration and prolonged idling.
- Address issues promptly: unusual noises, warning lights, or noticeable drops in performance should be inspected promptly to prevent secondary damage.
- Keep records: maintain a clear service history to track what’s been done and to inform future buyers if you decide to sell or trade-in.
With consistent maintenance and mindful use, Hondas have a track record of delivering reliable service well past the 200,000-mile mark.
What buyers should consider today
When evaluating a high-mileage Honda, assess service history, evidence of timely belt/chain work, transmission and brake maintenance, and the condition of critical wear items like tires, shocks, and suspension components. A well-documented, properly maintained vehicle can offer many more miles of dependable service, even as the odometer climbs.
Summary
In summary, high mileage for a Honda typically starts around 100,000 miles. With diligent maintenance and careful driving, many Hondas reach 150,000 to 200,000 miles, and some exceed 250,000 miles. The key is a documented service history, timely replacement of wear items, and proactive problem solving. Model type matters, but consistent care reliably pushes longevity limits across the brand.
Is 70,000 miles a lot for a 10 year old car?
No, 70,000 miles is not a lot for a 10-year-old car; in fact, it is considered low mileage for its age. The average American driver puts on about 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year, meaning a 10-year-old car would typically have between 120,000 and 150,000 miles, so 70,000 is well below average. This indicates a car that may have been driven less than average or used for primarily shorter trips, making it potentially a good value, though you should still check its maintenance history.
Why 70,000 miles is considered low mileage
- Average annual mileage: The average car accrues around 12,000 miles per year.
- Expected mileage: This would place a 10-year-old car in the 120,000-mile range.
- Low mileage calculation: Since 70,000 is significantly less than 120,000, it is considered low mileage for a car of this age.
Other factors to consider
- Maintenance history: A car with low mileage but a poor maintenance record may have more problems than a car with higher mileage that was meticulously maintained.
- Driving conditions: The type of miles is also important. Stop-and-go city driving is harder on a car than long highway miles, even if the total mileage is lower.
- Age-related wear: While the mileage is low, components can still wear out due to age. Be sure to inspect things like tires, belts, and fluids, especially if the car has been sitting for a long time.
Can a Honda last 400,000 miles?
The Lifespan of a Honda Civic
That's not an exaggeration. Many civic owners have reported hitting high numbers on their odometer, sometimes reaching 400,000 miles with regular maintenance. It's common to find used Honda Civics on the market with well over 150,000 miles on them and still running strong.
Is 250k miles a lot for a Honda?
The mileage of a Honda CR-V largely depends on how well it is maintained and how it is driven. A well-maintained Honda CR-V can last between 250,000 and 300,000 miles, which is an impressive feat.
Can a Honda last 500,000 miles?
An adequately maintained Honda vehicle can continue driving for up to 500,000 miles, and our team at Honda Van Nuys is here to share how. Learn about best practices to help your pre-owned Honda vehicle meet this milestone with support from our expert team.
