Choosing a high-mileage vehicle: how long can a car last?

As drivers ponder the question of how many miles a car can last, this article explores statistics regarding which car brands and models have the longest lifespan to help you choose the most reliable used cars.

While there are no exact mileage figures that definitively label a car as too old, auto industry experts recommend considering 200,000 miles as an upper limit. Beyond this point, even the most reliable cars may start showing indications of usage and deterioration. Consumer reports note that while the typical lifespan of a new vehicle is approximately 8 years or 150,000 miles, well-maintained vehicles can surpass 15 years and overcome 300,000 miles.

• Regular service and major maintenance history

A history report is a comprehensive overview of all publicly accessible information regarding a vehicle, including details about owners, maintenance, accidents, and various other events impacting the vehicle's value and operational condition.

At Clement Pre-Owned, we offer a free Carfax report with a history of maintenance and reparation services for cars in our inventory.

• Make and model

Conducting research on the make, model, and production year is crucial for understanding problems of particular car series, especially issues with engine, transmission and/or electronics, as well the recalls.

In terms of reliability, Asian automakers stand out as leaders, as reported by Consumer Reports. Japanese and Korean vehicles demonstrate exceptional reliability with only 12 problems per 100 vehicles on average. U.S. manufacturers have made notable progress, reporting a mean of 18 issues per a hundred autos, narrowing the gap with their Asian counterparts. In contrast, European manufacturers face challenges, earning the label of being the least reliable overall, with 21 problems per 100.

• Warranty coverage

Certain manufacturers offer warranties that extend up to 100,000 miles, signaling a commitment to reliability and inspiring confidence. For instance, Mitsubishi provides a 2-Year/30,000-Mile Limited Maintenance, which includes coverage for 3 Oil & Filter Changes, 3 Tire Rotations, and  Cabin Filter replacement. Additionally, they offer a 10-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, providing extended coverage. 

Checklist for the best used car buying results

With the average vehicle having an 11.8% chance of reaching 250,000 miles, our experts conducted evaluations on the most reliable cars and identified those that last the longest. Most reliable sedans are:

1. Toyota Avalon: 230,000 - 250,000  miles
2. Chevrolet Impala: 210,00 - 230,000 miles
3. Honda Accord:200,000 - 225,000 miles
4. Toyota Camry:200,000 - 223,000 miles
5. Lexus GS 350:190,000 - 208,000 miles

1. Toyota Sequoia:230,000 - 300,000 miles
2. Toyota Land Cruiser: 250,000 - 280,000 miles
3. Chevrolet Suburban: 230,000 - 266,000 miles
4. GMC Yukon XL - 230,000 - 252,000 miles
5. Chevrolet Tahoe: 220,000 - 250,000 miles

1. Toyota Tundra:230,000- 256,000 miles
2. Honda Ridgeline:220,000 - 249,000 miles
3. Toyota Tacoma:210,000 - 235,000 miles
4. Nissan Titan:200,000 - 233,000 miles
5. Ford F-150: 200,000 - 232,000 miles

Toyota emerged as the leading brand, securing the top position in the most reliable sedans, SUVs, and pickup trucks category. To learn more about Toyota's reliability and durability, check out our article 'Toyota vs. Honda.

The notion of a car being past its prime at 100,000 miles is outdated. Thanks to technological advancements and proper maintenance, modern vehicles can exceed these limits without major issues. 

• Older vehicles, when properly maintained, can endure for a remarkably long time. Their robust powertrains and simplicity make them easier to maintain. 
• Having a reduced number of electronic components in a vehicle translates to fewer issues that can potentially immobilize the auto and necessitate expensive repairs at a specialized service center.
• Opting for a used car from the listed above models, offers a balance between reliability and cost.

At Clement Pre-Owned, you can find an extensive collection of over 1000 vehicles,  including Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) cars. Each auto in our inventory has undergone rigorous inspection, ensuring quality and reliability.

Experience the convenience of flexible financing options tailored to suit your needs. Whether you're considering a trade-in, we have exclusive discounts and incentives to enhance your purchasing experience. Visit us today at our St. Charles and Florissant locations. 

Clement Pre-Owned's inventory of used cars