The phrase “it’s not the years, it’s the mileage” is often used to convey the idea that experience and wear-and-tear can be more significant than the amount of time something has existed. This expression is frequently associated with cars, where the number of miles driven (mileage) often indicates how much wear and tear the vehicle has experienced, rather than just its age.
In a broader context, the phrase can apply to people and their experiences. It suggests that the experiences one has had, the challenges faced, and the lessons learned (the “mileage”) can be more important than simply how long someone has been alive (the “years”).
For instance, someone might have lived a long life but not have had many significant experiences or challenges, while another person might have lived a shorter life but faced numerous challenges that contributed to their growth and wisdom.
Overall, the phrase highlights the value of meaningful experiences over the mere passage of time.