In fact, if you consult the honest john website on the subject of high mileage you will find that he argues that a car that has been used a lot/high mileage is better than one that has been parked for most of its life. Cars are - he says - built to be used. Obviously you wouldn't want to get one with VERY high mileage but 10K a year is good, 4K a year is not good. Even if it's one lady owner! See this Honest John Q&A on the subject: Q Is low mileage good on a used car? My wife insists on low mileage, but I consider average, say 10 to 12,000 per year, is best. Who's right and why? A You are right because low mileage usually implies a life of short runs from cold starts during which the engine never gets to full running temperature and condensation is not evaporated off, leading to oil contamination and high engine wear.