How long-distance driving in WA affects car value

Long distances are part of driving in Western Australia, but higher kilometres do not automatically make a car a poor value. Age, make and model, service history, condition and current demand all influence your car’s value in Perth and what a buyer may be willing to pay.

This guide explains how long-distance driving affects a car's value in WA and why the odometer reading is only one part of the assessment.

Yes, long-distance driving can affect resale value because buyers often use the odometer as a quick way to assess wear, remaining lifespan and possible repair costs. The effect is usually greater when a newer vehicle has travelled many kilometres in a short period.

That said, a high-mileage car is not automatically a bad car. Regular servicing, reliable mechanical condition and strong demand for the make and model can help protect its value.

What we've seen from valuing vehicles across WA

Across the vehicles assessed by 1800 Salvage, there is no clear evidence that WA cars lose more value simply because they are driven longer distances. The odometer matters, but buyers and valuers still look at the full vehicle, including its age, make, model, condition, service history and likely repair costs.

Long-distance driving isn't the whole story

A car used for regular highway trips may accumulate kilometres quickly without experiencing the same stop-start stress as a vehicle driven mostly through city traffic. That does not make the mileage irrelevant, but it means two cars with the same odometer reading can have very different levels of wear.

A well-maintained regional vehicle may present better than a lower-kilometre car with missed services, accident damage or ongoing mechanical problems.

Why kilometres matter more than where they're driven

Most buyers cannot verify how every kilometre was travelled. As a result, they tend to use the total odometer reading as a simple measure of use, remaining lifespan and potential repair costs.

Highway kilometres may be gentler on the engine, brakes and transmission in some conditions, but a buyer will still compare the reading against the vehicle’s age and similar cars on sale.

The biggest trends we've observed

The impact of high kilometres depends heavily on the vehicle:

• Older, lower-value cars: The difference may be relatively small. A 2004 Honda Jazz with 80,000 km could be worth only a few hundred more than one with 350,000 km, depending on condition.
• Newer vehicles: The gap can be much larger. A 2022 Toyota Camry with 300,000 km may be worth thousands less than one with 80,000 km.
• Popular, reliable models: Strong demand, accessible parts and a good reputation can help a high-kilometre vehicle retain more value.
• Less sought-after models: A vehicle with weaker demand or costly parts may depreciate faster, even when its kilometres are similar.

For example, a Toyota RAV4 and Peugeot 5008 of the same age with 100,000 km may receive different valuations because brand reputation, parts availability and buyer demand also influence value.

How higher kilometres affect resale value

Higher kilometres usually reduce resale value because buyers expect more wear, a shorter remaining lifespan and a greater chance of upcoming repairs. The effect is not fixed, though. It depends on the vehicle’s age, make and model, maintenance history and overall condition.

Why odometer readings influence buyer confidence

The odometer gives buyers a quick way to assess how heavily a vehicle has been used. A higher reading can raise questions about the engine, transmission, suspension, brake discs and other components that may be costly to replace.

A complete service history can reassure buyers that the car has been properly maintained, but it may not eliminate the price difference between high- and low-kilometre vehicles.

The relationship between age and kilometres

Age and kilometres need to be considered together. A newer car with unusually high mileage may experience a larger drop in value because buyers can compare it to similar vehicles that have travelled far less.

An older car may already have depreciated substantially, so extra kilometres may make a smaller difference in dollar terms. Condition and reliability can become more important once a vehicle reaches the lower end of the used car market.

When high kilometres become a concern

There is no single high-mileage threshold that applies to every car. Buyers usually become more cautious when the odometer is well above the average for vehicles of a similar age, especially if maintenance records are incomplete or major components are nearing replacement.

High kilometres are more likely to affect value when the vehicle also has:

• overdue servicing
• oil leaks or engine issues
• worn suspension or brakes
• transmission problems
• visible interior or exterior wear
• a limited remaining warranty
• weak demand in the used car market

A high number of kilometres does not automatically make a vehicle a poor purchase. Some models retain strong appeal because buyers trust their reliability, parts are readily available, and there is steady demand in the used car market. A well-looked-after vehicle may also be worth more than a lower-kilometre car with damage, missed servicing or costly mechanical issues.

The importance of make and model

Make and model can have as much impact on depreciation as mileage. A popular petrol or diesel SUV may hold its value because buyers understand its likely longevity and know that replacement parts are easy to source.

By comparison, a less common model may attract a lower valuation because parts, servicing or repairs could cost more. This is an important consideration for anyone buying a used car on a set budget.

Brand reputation and reliability

Buyers often pay more for brands with a strong reputation for reliability. A good car with higher kilometres may still feel like a safer purchase than an unfamiliar model with lower kilometres.

The same principle can apply to electric vehicles. Buyers assessing EVs may check battery health, warranty coverage, repair options and expected component lifespan rather than focusing only on the odometer. As the supply of electric vehicles grows, these factors may increasingly shape resale value.

Demand for popular vehicles

Supply and demand influence what a private buyer, dealer or vehicle owner can expect when selling. Our guide to Perth car market trends explains which vehicles tend to retain stronger local demand. Vehicles with a strong reputation, practical features and broad appeal can attract interest even when the odometer is above average.

A 2023 SUV used for long-distance driving around Perth and regional WA, for example, may still hold reasonable value when:

• Its service history is complete
• Wear and tear are consistent with its age
• The engine and transmission are in good condition
• There is strong buyer demand
• Comparable cars on sale are in limited supply

Market statistics can help show broader trends, but the car you’re interested in still needs to be assessed on its individual condition.

Real-world examples of value differences

The effect of higher kilometres becomes clearer when similar vehicles are compared:

These examples show why comparing mileage alone can be misleading. Higher kilometres matter, but the final value depends on the vehicle, its condition and what buyers are willing to pay.

The type of driving can influence how a vehicle wears over time. A high number of kilometres doesn’t always mean a car has experienced harsher use, especially when most of those kilometres were travelled on open roads. A well-maintained highway vehicle may have less brake, clutch and transmission wear than a lower-kilometre car used mainly in heavy traffic.

Highway driving and vehicle wear

Long-distance driving usually involves steady speeds, fewer gear changes and less frequent braking. This can reduce stress on some components compared with repeated short trips.

However, highway use still adds kilometres and can contribute to:

• tyre wear
• stone chips and windscreen damage
• longer engine running time
• suspension wear on rough regional roads
• more frequent servicing based on distance travelled

City driving and mechanical stress

Stop-start city driving can place more strain on brakes, transmissions, cooling systems and engines. Short trips may also prevent the engine from reaching its ideal operating temperature, which can contribute to wear over time.

A city car with lower kilometres may therefore have experienced more frequent acceleration, braking and idling than a vehicle used for regular highway travel.

Why buyers ultimately focus on total kilometres

Although driving conditions matter, most buyers cannot confirm where or how each kilometre was travelled. The odometer remains one of the easiest ways to compare similar cars and estimate future maintenance needs.

A clear service history and strong mechanical condition can help explain that a high-kilometre vehicle has been well looked after, but buyers may still adjust their offer based on the total distance travelled.

Long-distance driving will add kilometres, but a careful driver can still protect the vehicle’s condition and resale appeal. The goal is to show buyers that the car has been maintained properly, even if it has travelled more than the average new car of a similar age.

Stick to your servicing schedule

Follow the manufacturer’s servicing intervals and book maintenance based on time or distance, whichever comes first. Long-distance drivers may reach kilometre-based service intervals sooner, so keeping up with oil changes, filters, fluids and inspections is especially important.

Keep detailed maintenance records

Save service invoices, inspection reports and receipts for replacement parts. Clear records give buyers confidence that the vehicle has been maintained consistently and can help explain why a high-kilometre car remains in good condition.

Address repairs early

Small faults can become more expensive when left unresolved. Repair warning lights, fluid leaks, worn tyres, brake issues and unusual noises before they cause further damage or reduce buyer confidence.

Get your vehicle valued before selling

A professional valuation can help you understand how mileage, age, condition and demand affect the price. It can also give you a more realistic figure than relying only on lower-kilometre listings for similar vehicles.

Before requesting a valuation, gather:

• the current odometer reading
• service and repair records
• details of any damage
• registration information
• the make, model and year
• recent photos of the vehicle

This gives the valuer a clearer picture of the car and helps reduce surprises during the selling process.

Does highway driving reduce a car's value?

Highway driving can reduce value when it leads to a high odometer reading, but it may cause less stop-start wear than city driving. Buyers still consider the total kilometres, age, condition, service history and make and model before deciding what the vehicle is worth.

Are high-kilometre cars harder to sell?

They can be, particularly when similar vehicles are available with lower kilometres. A complete service history, good mechanical condition and strong demand for the model can make a high-kilometre car easier to sell.

Is a well-maintained high-kilometre car worth buying?

It may be, provided the purchase price reflects the mileage and the vehicle passes appropriate checks. Review the service records, inspect its condition, complete an Australian Government PPSR vehicle search and consider arranging an independent mechanical inspection before buying.

What matters more: age or kilometres?

Neither factor works alone. A newer car with extremely high kilometres may have lost substantial value, while an older car with unusually low mileage can still show age-related wear. Valuers assess age, kilometres and condition together.

Which vehicles hold their value best with higher kilometres?

Popular vehicles with a reputation for reliability, readily available parts and strong market demand often perform better. Certain SUVs, utes and established petrol or diesel models may retain more appeal, but value still depends on condition and maintenance.

Long-distance driving can lower a vehicle’s value when it results in much higher kilometres, but mileage never tells the full story. Make and model, age, mechanical condition, service history and current demand all help determine what a car is worth.

A well-maintained high-kilometre vehicle may still attract solid buyer interest, especially when it has a strong reputation for reliability and readily available parts. By keeping up with servicing, maintaining clear records and addressing repairs early, WA drivers can help protect resale value even when regular travel adds kilometres quickly.

For a clearer idea of what your vehicle may be worth, a professional valuation can provide a more complete picture rather than relying on the odometer alone.