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Best High-Mileage Cars to Trade in 2025
Discover top-performing cars with high mileage: Insights on reliable models, resale value and performance across European markets for diverse dealership strategies.
Are you looking to expand your fleet with some cars that hold their value with high mileage? Smart move. You are surely familiar with the old rule: don’t drive your car for more than 4-5 years – instead, sell it while it still has value, buy a newer one, and you’ll always have a relatively new car, without actually spending too much money. Maybe you have the same system, and it’s a good system, but for private owners.
As a car trader, you may need to look at the other end of the spectrum: cars that are good for long-term ownership. Most durable used cars have strong resale value, reliable market demand in many European markets and low depreciation rates.
Understanding the value of high-mileage vehicles may be crucial for maximising profitability, so read on to learn about the best cars to sell with high mileage.
Brands known for reliable, high-mileage vehicles
There are certain brands that simply inspire confidence and consistently deliver high-mileage performance:
- Toyota: Renowned for reliability and endurance
- Volkswagen: Consistent quality across multiple models
- BMW: Premium vehicles with robust engineering
- Volvo: Known for durability and long-term performance
- Mercedes-Benz: Exceptional build quality and longevity
- Audi: High-performance vehicles with excellent maintenance potential
- Honda: Excellence in engineering and consistently high reliability ratings
- Subaru: All-wheel drive durability and strong engine longevity
- Lexus: Toyota's luxury brand with outstanding reliability records - maybe
High-mileage cars with a strong resale value for car traders
While there are some variations among automotive dealers when it comes to their target customers, niche or region, high-mileage cars that retain value are usually a safe bet.
Higher mileage does not mean lower quality. In fact, a reliable car with a good reputation will sell fast even if it has a lot of kilometres on the clock, and it will often sell better than a much less used car that is known for needing a lot of attention.
High-maintenance cars are almost always reserved for enthusiasts who are in love with the brand for some specific reasons, and these are not customers that you are aiming for, anyway.
Below are some top-performing cars with high mileage, including (both) higher-end cars for buyers looking for more premium features and popular top-sellers.
Porsche Cayman
Let’s start off with a luxury car that may be a good investment for car traders. This is an entry-level Porsche sports car with strong trading potential, with base models providing better profit margins. As with all luxury cars, depreciation tends to be quite steep in the first few years, after which it slows down and the value stabilises.
If you sell to clients in the Netherlands, for example, expect premium pricing due to their taxation structure. Cars sourced from Germany will usually have a full service history.
- Exceptional market value retention
- Popular among collectors and performance enthusiasts
- Strong demand in luxury and sports car segments
Mercedes-Benz GLE
This car is in high demand in Southern European markets (Spain, Italy), easily performing in the 100,000+ km range. Traditionally the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been the dominant choice for taxis in Germany and there is a strong market for ex-lease units, with diesel variants holding value better.
- Robust SUV with consistent market performance
- Attractive to rental companies and fleet managers
- Higher acquisition cost balanced by a stable depreciation curve
Audi A3
A classic model popular across many European countries, with diesel variants particularly strong in France and Germany. It also has a lower entry point compared to other premium brands.
- Compact premium segment leader
- High demand in urban markets
- Excellent fuel efficiency and low maintenance costs
BMW 3 Series
This model is very popular in Germany, and German-sourced vehicles are usually easy to resell due to good maintenance practices. Diesel variants again maintain value better in high mileage.
- Consistently strong resale value
- Popular among business and private buyers
- Wide range of engine options increasing market flexibility
Volkswagen Passat
Popular in many European countries and a volume seller, the Passat is a trusted and one of the most reliable high-mileage cars. Passat was one of the best sellers in Germany in May 2024.
- Fleet favorite across European markets
- Reliable for long-distance operations
- Cost-effective maintenance
Volkswagen Golf
Another beloved classic with a universal appeal across all markets. The GTI and R variants hold their value best.
- Consistent sales performance
- Versatile model appealing to multiple market segments
- Strong second-hand market presence
Skoda Superb
The Superb has lower acquisition costs than the VW equivalent, and there is a good profit margin on ex-fleet units. Estate versions are particularly popular in Germany.
- Cost-effective premium option
- Popular with taxi and rental companies
- Spacious design increasing utility value
Volvo S60
Volvo’s strong safety reputation assists resale. It's traditionally popular in Northern European markets, but demand is growing in Southern Europe as well. It’s a competitor against German premium brands, and its hybrid versions are gaining popularity.
- Safety-focused design
- Strong performance in corporate fleet markets
- Strong certified pre-owned program
Toyota Corolla
Toyotas are some of the best high mileage used cars to buy. (The author of this article drives a 2004 Toyota Avensis that has clocked over 350,000 kilometres, and is still going strong.)
The Corolla’s long-standing first place as the world’s best-selling car may be taken over by Tesla, but its incredible popularity and great resale value remains.
- Global reputation supports resale
- Low maintenance costs
- High demand in multiple market segments
Toyota Yaris
This compact city car with excellent fuel efficiency is a strong urban market performer. It’s very popular as a first car, if you happen to be selling to private customers.
An attractive car for traders due to low running costs. The Spanish market in particular loves Toyotas.
- Hybrid versions command premium
- Popular among urban taxi and rental services
- Good margins on ex-rental units
Toyota RAV4
A growing SUV segment leader with a strong hybrid variant demand, the RAV4 is popular across Europe, in both private and fleet sectors. Again, its Toyota reputation helps push resale.
- Hybrid options increasing market appeal
- Strong residual values
- Attractive to eco-conscious businesses
Record-breaking mileage achievements
Now let’s look at some real stars who have proven their reputation and undoubtedly made their makers (and owners) say: This car is forever. These are some of the longest-lasting used cars ever.
1966 Volvo P1800S
Famously driven over 3 million miles, this vehicle is the highest mileage car in the world, demonstrating extraordinary durability. The original owner, Irving Gordon, showcased how meticulous maintenance can extend a vehicle's lifespan far beyond typical expectations.
1976 Mercedes-Benz 240D
A testament to Mercedes-Benz's engineering, this diesel model is known for its robust construction and ability to withstand extensive use. Diesel models from this era are particularly valued for their longevity, and this one withstood 2.8 million miles.
1990 Honda Accord
This particular Honda Accord, owned by Joe LoCicero from Maine, crossed the million-mile mark (1.6 million kilometres) in 2011. The owner used the vehicle for his daily commute as an auto parts delivery driver, and the car reached this milestone with its original engine, demonstrating Honda's engineering excellence of that era.
Factors impacting vehicle’s lifespan
When it comes to cars, mileage and age of the vehicle may be the first thing we think about, but it’s the maintenance that counts. Here are some important factors to consider when purchasing used cars with the best resale value:
- Maintenance history: Comprehensive service records dramatically increase value
- Previous usage: Ex-lease and ex-rental vehicles often provide excellent trading opportunities
- Maintenance quality: Regular, professional servicing extends vehicle life
- Driving conditions: Urban vs. highway miles impact wear and tear
For car traders, ex-lease vehicles represent a strategic investment because they are typically well-maintained with documented service history. This means you are getting top resale value cars with predictable wear and condition.
At eCarsTrade, most of our cars have complete service records, many come with appraisal reports, so you can be sure you are buying a quality vehicle that has been taken care of really well. A safe and hassle-free purchase.
A worthwhile investment
When evaluating high-mileage vehicles, car traders should consider universal factors like market demand and sales volumes in target European markets, as well as some other factors like strong service records, brand reputation and even seasonality.
Focus on vehicles with proven reliability, and high-mileage cars with low depreciation may well prove a worthwhile investment.
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