It can be somewhat risky to buy a vehicle that has racked up more than 100,000 miles. Even if it's well-maintained and has about 100,000 miles left in it, such a car is already past its prime. Generally, vehicles are likely to start experiencing problems after the 100,000-mile mark.

In 2026, modern engineering has pushed the "trouble threshold" for cars significantly higher than in previous decades. Most well-maintained vehicles now run reliably until the 100,000 to 120,000-mile mark (160k–190k km). This is often called the "psychological cliff," as this is when major wear-and-tear components like timing belts, water pumps, and suspension bushings typically require their first expensive replacements. For 2026 EVs (Electric Vehicles), the concern isn't mechanical parts but "battery degradation," which usually starts becoming noticeable after 150,000 miles, though most retain 80% of their range. If a car has reached 150,000+ miles, you can expect "cascading failures" in sensors and seals. However, a car's "operational age" (how it was driven) matters more than the odometer; a 2026 car with 80,000 highway miles is often in better health than one with 30,000 miles of "stop-and-go" city traffic.