Once upon a time, cars were quite simple. Four wheels, an engine, and a pair of seats were all that you needed to get comfy. These days, however, automobiles are steadily gaining in complexity. New tech such as multimedia systems, driver aids, and not to mention countless gizmos, highly complex components, and so on. One wonders then, are there are cars that last 300 000 miles anymore?
After all, adding intricacies to anything should undoubtedly result in there being more things that are liable to going wrong, right? Well, not technically. See, the bulletproof dependability of a car relies on a lot more than whether or not it has an abundance of electronics in it. We have to look at how that car is built, the attention to detail put towards its design, generational refinement, and more.
It’s also not wrong, mind you, to blame the wrath of modern technology for making cars age a lot less reliably. There have been cars out there, made in recent years, that could barely last 100 000 miles before something big goes wrong that causes you to scrap it. Although, peer deeply enough into the automotive market, and you can certainly find cars that last 300 000 miles or far more.
- How Long Do They Hold Up?
- What Can You Do?
- Different Factors
- The Longest-Lasting Cars
- Final Thoughts
How Long Does A Car Last… More Than 300 000 Miles, Or Far Less?
We’ve written up a guide not too long ago on so-called ‘million-mile’ cars with over, you guessed it, 1 000 000 miles or more on the odometer. It’s not impossible, therefore, that our four-wheeled friends aren’t made to die easily. The concept of cars that last 300 000 miles or greater isn’t an impossibility. Though, it takes the right eye to find them amidst a sea of cars that may otherwise conk out sooner.
But what are the factors underpinning cars that last 300 000 miles? Plus, what are the variables that come into play to decide if a car can – or can’t – last any more than just 100 000 miles? Well, studies undertaken by Consumer Reports show that the average lifespan of a modern car is around 8 years or 150 000 miles. That’s alarmingly brief – just half, in fact – of cars that last 300 000 miles.
Thankfully, this 150 000-mile figure is the average across millions of cars running around the globe. And, it doesn’t take into account what you’re willing to do to keep it running for longer. It’s proven that preventive maintenance, a modest driving style, and tender loving care make all the difference in how long a car lasts. It may be a jalopy out of the factory, but YOU are what matters.
This is on top of cars that are already robust out of the gate. The myth that fancy electronics breaks cars into a state of planned adolescence has been busted. Cars these days are far more reliable and durable, with components that take longer to wear out. In addition, they require less babying from you. Thus, it’s not uncommon to find modern cars to soldier on for 15, 20, or even 30 years.
What Can You Do To Make Cars That Last 300 000 Miles Or More?
What exactly then, can you do, to make cars that last 300 000 miles or more a reality? The average American drives their cars for around 15 000 miles a year. Within that mileage, your car undergoes steady wear and tear which affects its overall lifespan. Nonetheless, there are ways in which you could mitigate or offset this…
1. Practice Regular Maintenance To Make Cars Last 300 000 Miles (Or More)
Every vehicle needs a regular tune-up every now and then. Fluids, crucially, need changing. Typically, this would be the motor oil, coolant, brake fluids, transmission fluids, and so on. These too, if you’re comparing them with old cars, are already relatively long-lasting. Older engine oils are usually worn just 3,000 miles in. Today’s synthetic oils, on the other hand, could happily last 10 000 miles or greater.
On top of that, take note of your car’s tires, and get it rotated, balanced, or swapped out properly when it’s due. The same goes for the brake pads. Continually driving on poorly maintained brakes and tires, consequently, wear our the suspension, steering, among others, much sooner. Should you maintain a close eye on your car’s servicing, that alone could bump up its life-cycle immensely.
2. Pay Close Attention To Problematic Symptoms To Make Cars Last 300 000 Miles (At Least)
You should never ignore whatever odd behavior your car throws at you. The peculiar vibrations or noises here and there could indicate that something’s wrong. The steering wheel might feel weird, or there might be a sudden loss of power in the acceleration. Haven’t noticed this before? Then don’t push aside your gut feelings to simply keep calm, and drive on as if nothing happened.
Get it checked out as soon as the symptoms appear. Nowadays, cars make it easier to warn you of issues with a Check Engine Light. Remember, car problems snowball rapidly over time. If you choose to ignore the symptoms earlier on, it’ll catch on and affect other parts of the car. What might at first be a faulty suspension will eventually wear out the brakes, steering, tires, drivetrain, and more.
3. Don’t Be Cheap On Running Costs To Keep Your Cast Lasting 300 000 Miles (Or Greater)
Cars aren’t cheap to buy or to run, that’s a given. What isn’t okay, however, is to be cheap when it comes to keeping your car going. While it may keep your wallet happier in the short term, it can be quite bad for the car down the line. That’s especially if you’re keen to get cars that last 300 000 miles or higher. Always spend the extra on high-quality spare parts or fluids that can last longer.
Using low-quality fluids, for instance, could adversely affect a component’s lifespan. Or, how using generic parts that may or may not fit your car could, in the long term, cause your vehicle to wear out even faster. Always opt for well-made spare components and fluids. You don’t even have to splurge on first-party OEM parts either when there are plenty of great aftermarket components out there.
4. Drive It With Modesty To Make Sure Your Car Lasts 300 000 Miles (Or Better)
No matter how well you maintain it, driving your car hard can more than easily undo every touch of love and care you’ve put into keeping it going. Exuberant driving styles, such as doing burnouts or kicking the back-end into a smoky drift every so often are guaranteed to wear our parts quicker. When that happens, it’ll naturally make a gargantuan dent in your car’s otherwise decent longevity.
This applies to how you use your car, as well. Frequently carrying heavy loads, towing haulage in the back, or frequently spending your time going off-road will wear it out. The weather, too – not that it can be easily controlled – will have an impact. Hot and humid climates can break a car just as quickly as spending long hours in the bitter frost. So, do pay attention to how, when, and where you drive it.
What Are The Key Factors In Choosing Cars That Last 300 000 Miles?
In the 1990s, it’s fairly commonplace for cars to be practically nearing the end of their life once it gets past the 100 000-mile mark. Nevertheless, we’ve mentioned earlier that carmakers have gone the extra mile in making cars more durable. Indeed, there are a few quick ways where you can decide and analyze if that particular vehicle is among the cars that last 300 000 miles…
- Pick Cars With Advanced Vehicle Management Systems – These computers do a whole lot more than merely decide when to change gears or time the ignition. A tool like this can actively diagnose the health of your car in real-time. Some cars can even change their operational parameters on the fly if it senses something amiss. Moreover, it can alert you when things are about to go wrong.
- Find Marques That Offer Extended Warranties – Okay, so a longer warranty doesn’t mean that a car can last 300 00 miles. Although, it can at least help you cover unforeseen expenses, like repairs or component replacements. Doing so has encouraged folks to patch their cars up while the warranty is in effect. Rather than wait any longer, this habit could, in theory, extend your car’s lifespan.
- Choose Vehicles With Active Assists – Most brand new cars already have this, by default. These aids encompass tech such as automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assists, or cross-traffic alerts. Altogether, they work wonders in outright preventing collisions, which otherwise may have written off your car. Moreover, they also train you to be a better, more cautious driver.
What Are Some Of These Cars That Last 300 000 Miles?
Most experts will say that a particular car is quite reliable once it makes it to 200 000 miles. Well, it doesn’t mean that you have to settle for less now, do you? Buying a car can be a complex process. It takes you in loop dee loops to pick the right model, color, trim, accessory, tech, and so forth. But if longevity is what you’re after, here are some cars that last 300 000 miles, in no particular order…
20. Honda Ridgeline
If you don’t need a big pickup truck, and only stuffing things in the bed for the occasional use, then the Honda Ridgeline is a good pick. Its compact nature makes it economical to run, with a V6 that’s happy to keep on cruising reliably and comfortably. Plus, you get that typically Honda build quality, with a luxurious interior paired with a truck that makes 300 000 miles look like an easy threshold.
19. Subaru Legacy
They’ve been known for their durability, but none that’s more appealing than Subaru Legacy. They’re a reliable choice, which is nonetheless sensible, practical, good-looking, and also offer a dash of the performance one might find in a WRX. It also features pretty decent fuel economy, as well as a CVT that shifts smoothly. On top of all this, the Legacy is long-lasting, at ease even with 300 000 miles.
18. Lexus LS400
This isn’t just the first Lexus ever made, but it’s also the first Lexus ever sold in the US-of-A. Made for the American market, in particular, no expense was spared by Toyota in making a luxury car that can best the Europeans. The Lexus LS400 is one example where its typically Japanese build quality and a diligent approach to design can make it last not just 300 000 miles, but at least a million miles.
17. Honda Civic
Once upon a time, the Civic was a cheap, compact, economy car that’s made purely to get you places and not much else. But over time, Honda’s Civic has grown in size and capability. These days, it’s one of the best-selling cars in the US, and for a good reason. It brings excellent fuel economy, with a set of creature comforts that’ll make your ownership a joy. The fact that it lasts long is also quite good.
16. Toyota Camry
Toyota’s Camry is one of their most luxurious models, with upscale appointments made to appease the higher end of the market. You’ll find an abundance of technology to keep you entertained and comfy behind the wheel. What’s also rather neat is the fact that it can waft along in silence for quite a long time. More Camrys can last at least 200 000 miles, but with good care, it can easily top that.
15. Honda Accord
So, you’ll find many Japanese cars on this list, and the Honda Accord is only a small part of it. Albeit, it’s not a particularly petite car. For the price, you’re getting one of the most well-conceived cars in its class. You can expect a potent powertrain, with leather trim aplenty, and bountiful nice-to-haves. In addition, it’s also kitted with a long lifespan, with million-mile Accords not out of the ordinary.
14. Toyota Corolla
What’s this, another Nipponese sedan? Sure, the Toyota Corolla isn’t as feature-packed as some of its rivals in this price point. However, the fact that millions of Corollas have been sold throughout its history is a testament to its robustness. For its owners, this means low running costs, few issues, as well a satisfied wallet. It’s one of the most reliable vehicles that can survive for decades, at least.
13. Chevy Suburban & GMC Yukon XL
Chevrolet’s Suburban and GMC’s Yukon are close siblings, and they’re quite alike in many ways. This uncanny nature extends to its sumptuous interior – which could easily fit 7 people – as well as quite a lot of tech as standard. It rides beautifully on or off the road and is fairly handsome. Best of all, long-lasting reliability comes by default, with plenty of them seen with 300 000 miles on the clock.
12. Ford Expedition
If you thought it can’t get any bigger, then prepare yourselves for the Ford Expedition (make sure you also know the best year for Ford Expedition). Being able to fit 9 people and cruise them in opulence is a must for Ford’s uber-luxe SUV. Additionally, it also comes with a beefy V8 engine – or an equally excellent V6 – with an impressive off-road ability given its size. With all that being said, it’s also very dependable, handily driving past 300 000 miles, at least.
11. Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra
With a hardy pickup truck, one of its most prized traits is being able to last for quite some time. The Chevy Silverado and its twin, the GMC Sierra, are among the best ones in this regard. Durability comes on top of excellent performance, making it a perfect work truck that can take a beating. Regardless, it comes with a neatly appointed interior, as well as a machine that can keep running endlessly.
10. Toyota Land Cruiser
If we’re going to the top-end of the spectrum, then how can we not mention the Toyota Land Cruiser, the brand’s pinnacle of SUVs? Then again, it can do so much more than ferrying around your family in absolute luxury. Even without any tweaks, the Land Cruiser can more than hold its own on tougher terrain as a fantastic off-roader. Moreover, it’ll manage these hundreds of thousands of miles later.
9. Ford F-150
Seeing that it’s one of the best-selling vehicles of all time kind of gives it away, no? Ford’s F-150 has gained its reputation as a fantastic truck for a few key reasons. Primarily, it has the chops to haul a bed-load of stuff in the back, have ample performance off the beaten path, while still showering you with a well-appointed cabin. Yet, it also remains to be among the most reliable vehicles ever made.
8. Toyota Sequoia
Be prepared to see more Toyotas in this list, as the Toyota Sequoia is an incredibly long-lasting SUV-slash-off-roader. Sure, it can feel rather old-fashioned compared to many other new-fangled models from competing brands. They may have better gadgets and athletic driving dynamics. But if you’re keen about off-roading in luxury and do it for 300 000 miles, the Sequoia is as good as it gets.
7. Toyota Tacoma
Aha, but what if you want a Sequoia, but with a large bed to haul stuff with? In that case, a Toyota Tacoma is what you need. Similarly, one can complain of its comparatively old-school nature and its rather poor fuel economy. But in return, you’ll get a rugged go-anywhere truck that’s comfy on even the harshest of landscapes. Plus, it’s quite fun to drive too, even after lasting for 300 000 miles.
6. Toyota 4Runner
Oh, but what if you want a Sequoia, but with an even more gruff off-road nature to it? Then, you’ll be happy with a Toyota 4Runner, instead. It trades luxury for a mighty V6 atop a chassis, suspension, and steering built from the ground-up to do well off-road. Think of driving over rocky trails or wading through deep water. It can do all that, while also being the one car most will keep for 300 000 miles.
5. Ford Crown Victoria
You’ll most likely have seen these driving around as cop cruisers or yellow cabs. The fact that Ford’s Crown Victoria can work as reliably for the police or as a taxi is high-praise for reliability. This means that if you come across one in the second-hand market – without the sirens – it’ll most likely have at least 300 000 miles (often more) on the odometer. Better still, it has a muscly V8 hiding under the hood.
4. Mercedes-Benz W123
Europeans cars, while awe-inspiring in every regard, aren’t the most long-lasting of the bunch. One does stand out, however, in the case of the Mercedes W123. This was back when Mercedes let their engineers take the ropes, usually over-engineering its cars. They were built to put others to shame, offering luxury and performance, but continually refusing to die even after a million miles.
3. Volvo P1800
Okay, so the Merc shouldn’t be the only European on this list, as the Swedes are more than happy to challenge its Germanic build quality. To my eyes, Volvo’s P1800 is definitely the best-looking car on this list, by a country mile. Built for the aspirational and affluent in mind, it can also soldier on much further than a mere 300 000 miles. Take care of it, and 2 million miles is a more realistic benchmark.
2. Porsche 911
To be specific, look towards some of the earlier air-cooled Porsche 911s. Suffice it to say, but they’re endlessly fun, engaging, and thrilling as a pure driver’s car should be. And, it can turn heads like few others in this list could. But despite the dynamism and oft enthusiastic driving style of its owners, air-cooled 911s are also surprisingly solid. Some don’t need major rebuilds until at least 300 000 miles.
1. Mazda MX-5 Miata
To end it with a bang, we’ve chosen what is undoubtedly the most cheerful one here, Mazda’s MX-5 Miata. It’s cute, and with dynamics fine-tuned specifically to put a smile on your face. It may not be as fast in a straight line, but throw it into the corners, and not as many cars in today’s world are as fun to drive as the MX-5. 300 000 miles is child’s play, with some rolling over a million miles easily.
Toyota Dominates the List of Cars with Longest Potential Lifespan: 10 Need-to-Know Facts
- Iseecars.com analyzed 2 million cars, trucks, and SUVs to determine which ones had the potential to last the longest on the road.
- Large SUVs and trucks lasted the longest in the survey, with Toyota vehicles leading the list.
- The Toyota Sequoia topped the list with a potential lifespan of almost 300,000 miles, followed by the Toyota Land Cruiser and the Chevrolet Suburban.
- The study does not guarantee that a particular model will last a quarter-million miles or more, but it suggests they could last that long if properly maintained.
- Six of the top 10 vehicles and 10 of the top 20 are Toyota vehicles, although none are Lexus.
- Three sedans made the list: the Toyota Prius, Toyota Avalon, and Toyota Camry Hybrid.
- The Toyota Tundra, Honda Ridgeline, and Toyota Tacoma were the top three trucks with the longest potential lifespan.
- The Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Kia Sedona were the top minivans with the longest potential lifespan.
- The Tesla Model S and Nissan Leaf were the only two electric vehicles in the study.
- To maximize a vehicle’s longevity, buyers should consider a model’s potential lifespan when shopping for their next car and follow the maintenance recommendations in the owner’s manual.
Cars That Last 300 000 Miles – Our Final Thoughts
In all, the Japanese have dominated every single chart out there for long-lasting vehicles. Toyota and Honda, in particular, make some of the best ones. In addition, you’re not sacrificing much just to get cars that last 300 000 miles from them, either. Trailing very closely behind are the hardiest American trucks and SUVs out there. Practicality isn’t only what they’re good for, as they too are dependable.
Europe’s most recent crop of cars could definitely learn a thing or two about simplistic engineering and design from its forefathers. Decades later, many of them are still found in peachy conditions. As we sign off, it’s fairly easy – thankfully – to find a lot of cars in today’s market that can at least make it over 150 000 miles. With a spot of sympathy on your end, 300 000 miles should be a piece of cake.
