These Used Cars Last Longer Than 200,000 Miles

 

These Used Cars Last Longer Than 200,000 Miles

Given the turbulent economy over the past five years, finding a car that lasts more than 200,000 miles isn’t a matter of pride — it’s a near-essential financial planning necessity. Fortunately, cars today last much longer than they did years ago, but that doesn’t mean some used cars don’t outperform new models.

As Forbes noted, the average age of a car from 1970 was about 5.7 years, and it was retired near the 100,000-mile mark. Today, the average lifespan of a passenger car in the United States is about 12.5 years, and many vehicles can last between 200,000 and 300,000 miles. That’s if they’re maintained regularly throughout their lifespan.

According to Consumer Reports (CR), “Almost any car can go 200,000 miles and beyond if you put enough money into it. The best strategy is to start with a model that has proven itself safe, has high road test scores, has a proven reliability record, and has been properly maintained.”

If true, why do only 1 percent of cars manufactured yearly exceed the 200,000-mile mark? Sure, most vehicles die before they reach 200,000 miles because their owners don’t follow maintenance schedules, but some used models are built to last.

CR recently released a list of 12 trouble-free new cars, pickup trucks, vans, and SUVs that are most likely to go 200,000 miles or more. Except for the Ford F-150, every one of the vehicles included was a Toyota or Honda.

Some brands are truly reliable, but when it comes to used cars, it’s best to consider iSeeCars’ analysis of more than 2 million vehicles that have been in production for at least 10 years from the last 20 models.

Ten models will likely outlast the average new car, ranked by their highest mileage.

Toyota Sequoia

Potential life expectancy: 296,509 miles

Whether it’s Consumer Reports or iSeeCars’ studies, Toyota dominates the reliability ratings wherever you look. Surprisingly, the Sequoia is at the top of the iSeeCars rankings and is a good bet to exceed 300,000 miles on the odometer.

Toyota Land Cruiser

Potential Life Expectancy: 280,236 miles

Three hundred thousand miles is a lot for any vehicle, but the Land Cruiser is known for its durability, and getting a used model with 100,000 to 200,000 miles on it shouldn’t deter any potential buyer.

Chevrolet Suburban

With a potential mileage of more than 265,000 miles, the Suburban is one of the longest-lasting SUVs, more reliable than its rivals, the Ford Expedition, Dodge Durango, and Jeep Wagoneer.

Toyota Tundra

Potential Life Expectancy: 256,022 miles

Trucks subject to heavy use are more likely to suffer structural or mechanical problems when they reach high mileage readings, but this consistently good-selling Toyota has a well-deserved reputation for reliability and durability and can easily go over 250,000 miles.

GMC Yukon XL

Potential life expectancy: 252,360 miles

The Yukon XL ranks fifth in iSeeCars’ rankings of the best cars with the longest life expectancy, easily lasting two decades.

According to MotorBiscuit, owners of the giant SUV have reported problems with the car’s electronics, powertrain, and structural integrity, but engine, transmission, and fuel system performance are rare.

Toyota Prius

Potential life expectancy: 250,601 miles

When will people learn? According to MotorBiscuit, the Prius is economical and reliable, and it’s easily the best compact car on the market, with “virtually unbeatable” batteries.

The distant future may be electric, but the near future is hybrid. CR ranks the Prius as the best compact car for reliability, price, and customer satisfaction.

Chevrolet Tahoe

Estimated Lifespan: 250,338 Miles

RepairPal doesn’t rank the Tahoe particularly highly for reliability and repairability (ranking 21st out of 26 for midsize SUVs), but the Chevrolet Tahoe gets plenty of miles and will outlast many of its competitors in lifetime mileage.

Honda Ridgeline

Estimated Lifespan: 248,669 Miles

“For those who want the practicality of a truck and the performance of a car,” the Ridgeline should last up to 300,000 miles with careful driving and regular maintenance, according to HotCars.

Toyota Avalon

Estimated Lifespan: 245,710 Miles

A used Avalon owner can rest assured that they’ll own it for at least a decade or more, according to MotorBiscuit.

The durable Avalon was discontinued in 2022 and consistently ranks among the highest-mileage vehicles on the used car market.