In the past, keeping a car on the road beyond the 200,000-mile mark was unusual, to say the least. However, in recent years there have been tremendous improvements in lubricants, rust prevention, and powertrain technology that make this an achievable goal for many cars, with proper care.
We’re going to talk about some of the models that have the most reliable track records in a moment, but here are some things you can do to improve the odds of driving your new car for 10 years or more:
- Keep up with routine oil and oil filter changes.
Even one missed oil change can cause damage and contribute to premature wear on your engine.
- Have your tires rotated at every oil change.
This prevents your tires from wearing unevenly and keeps you safer on the road.
- Don’t skimp on replacement parts.
Buying cheap parts and fluids will cost you more in the long run and could even void your vehicle’s warranty.
- Get familiar with your user’s manual.
Follow the maintenance schedule recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
Whether you’re shopping new or used, the make and model of the vehicle you choose is going to play a key role in the longevity of your car. Here are 10 of the most reliable cars on the road.
1. Ford Expedition
The Ford Expedition is a smooth riding, full-sized SUV that offers spacious third row-seating, along with good handling and plenty of cargo room. The 2018 models are lighter in weight to improve gas mileage and come with some fantastic safety upgrades like automatic braking and blind spot mirrors. According to reviewers, the fuel pump and alternator may need to be replaced after 100,000 miles.
2. Toyota Camry
Toyota Camry is a snazzy midsize sedan with a comfortable interior and agile handling. Camry is known for its history of being reliable, safe, and a good value. It comes with a standard 2.5 liter, four-cylinder engine for plenty of power and superior gas mileage. Standard safety features include forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
3. Toyota Corolla
Corolla has a reputation for being one of the longest lasting cars on the road, as long as you keep up with routine maintenance. This compact sedan offers excellent fuel economy with a smooth-running engine and dead-simple transmission that lasts forever. It has a roomy back seat to provide a comfortable ride and a nice, quiet interior. Corolla’s handling is responsive, and it comes with multiple safety features including lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking, which is unusual for a car at this price point.
4. Toyota Avalon
Toyota Avalon is a full-sized, comfortable cruising sedan that offers luxury at a price that won’t break the bank. Avalon comes standard with a gutsy and smooth V6 engine for quick acceleration. Avalon is known for reliability and reviewers report hitting the 200,000-mile mark with only routine maintenance needed.
5. Honda Odyssey
Honda Odyssey minivan offers excellent fuel economy and a V-6 engine that provides ample power, and the nine-speed transmission is unobtrusive and long lasting. It’s a comfortable, quiet ride with a flexible interior that allows you to slide the second-row seat sideways. The Odyssey is one of the longest lasting cars on the road and it often clocks more than 200,000 miles.
6. Subaru Legacy
For a sedan that’s just as reliable as Outback, you can’t beat the Subaru Legacy. The Legacy offers the same all-wheel drive capabilities as Outback and it comes with 2.5 four-cylinder engine that returns 26 miles per gallon. It’s also quieter and roomier than many mid sized sedans. Just beware of head gasket issues in older four-cylinder models.
7. Nissan Maxima
The full-size Nissan Maxima is known for rolling the odometer well past the 200,000-mile mark. It’s available with a powerful, yet efficient, V6 engine and a continuously variable automatic transmission. The average lifespan of a Nissan Maxima is 150,000 miles, but that could easily be extended with proper care and maintenance.
8. Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback comes with standard all-wheel drive and off-road capabilities that make its longevity surprising. This midsize crossover-like wagon is offered with either four or six-cylinder power trains paired with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). However, there is one thing you need to watch out for if you’re shopping for a used Outback – older four-cylinder models tend to have head gasket issues.
9. Toyota Prius
Toyota Prius is all about efficiency and superior gas mileage (52 miles to the gallon is pretty impressive!), but that’s not all it has to offer. Prius provides a comfortable ride with responsive handling and a super quiet engine. This hybrid compact has a roomy interior and hatchback convenience at a great price. Even better, the battery is warrantied for up to 150,000 miles.
10. Ford Crown Victoria
Although the Crown Vic hasn’t been manufactured for several years, you still see it everywhere. In fact, it’s a car that’s frequently chosen by police departments and taxi fleets. So, what makes the Crown Victoria so dependable? It utilizes tried and true design principles, like a simple pushrod V8 engine and a body on frame setup. This simplistic design results in a car that’s easy and affordable to service and will keep running as well as the day you got it for 200,000 miles or more.
With proper maintenance and some smart shopping, there’s no reason you can’t keep your vehicle on the road for 200,000 miles and beyond.
