National Motorists Association Blog

By Lauren Fix, The Car Coach

The average age of cars on the road keeps getting older, as technological advancements in today’s cars make them increasingly durable. Drivers who switch cars every few years probably don’t worry about the “how long do cars last?” question. But shoppers looking to maximize their vehicle’s longevity should consider a model’s potential lifespan when shopping for their next new car or new-to-them used or old car.

While nobody can guarantee the lifespan of a specific vehicle, the typical lifespan of a newer car at the top of these lists will almost certainly be longer than vehicles ranked lower. The highest mileage car on record is a 1966 Volvo P1800S, with over 3 million certified miles. That’s obviously an extreme case regarding vehicle life, but everything from driving habits to following the proper maintenance schedule (as outlined in the owner’s manual) will extend a car’s lifespan while reducing long-term wear and tear.

When car shopping for a new or used vehicle, buyers should also remember that, even if they don’t plan on testing a car’s lifespan by hitting the 200,000-plus mile mark, durable and reliable cars also tend to hold their resale value better than the average car. So, which vehicles are in the top 20 greatest potential to survive the longest?

iSeeCars.com did a study to find the top 20 models that have the greatest potential lifespan in six categories. The complete lists are on their website.

Overall the top 20 models with the greatest potential lifespan include 10 Toyotas and three Hondas, along with two Chevrolets, two GMCs, two Fords, and one Nissan. Three-row SUVs make up half of the list, the top two models are both full-size Toyota SUVs, the newer, more refined Sequoia edges out the iconic and rugged Land Cruiser in potential lifespan.

The top 20 models with the greatest potential lifespan include 10 Toyotas and three Hondas, along with two Chevrolets, two GMCs, two Fords, and one Nissan.

Passenger cars, including the Prius, Avalon, and Camry, earn three slots on the list, while the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey minivans, two more highly utilitarian vehicles, snag two.

Trucks are the second-most common vehicles to achieve over 230,000 miles of potential lifespan. However, despite the dominance of domestic trucks in annual sales volume, Japanese trucks show the greatest lifespan potential, making up four of the five trucks in the top 20.

The average passenger car age is currently around 12 years in the United States. Choosing a well-built make and model can help extend your car’s longevity. Routine maintenance, quickly completing small repairs, regular washing, and careful driving habits also make a difference to making your car last.

Several factors affect how long a car will run. Some car makes and models are known for being built to last. Vehicle technology advancements, including better computers, have also helped improve longevity for newer cars. Driver-assistance systems and vehicle management systems can extend the car’s life by warning about maintenance issues and helping drivers avoid accidents.

The biggest thing you can do is to check the maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual for your specific vehicle and follow the recommendations. Adjust your service plan accordingly if your driving qualifies for a severe-use or extreme-use maintenance schedule.

Remember that high mileage alone won’t necessarily cause your car to die. An accident, neglected maintenance, deferred repairs, rust, and corrosion are all more likely to cut your car’s lifespan short. Hard driving, repeated contact with potholes, and extreme weather can also accelerate wear and tear.

A serious accident, a flood, a fire, and extensive rust are all indicators that your vehicle has reached its end. A repair that would cost more than your car’s current value also means it’s probably time to let go. If you’re unsure whether your mileage is too high or if the car is still safe to drive, ask a qualified mechanic to inspect the car.

If you’re considering buying a high-mileage vehicle, you’ll want to get a vehicle history report to check for past accidents and identify if any major repairs, including a timing belt replacement or transmission service, have already been performed. A pre-purchase inspection by a certified ASE mechanic can spot underbody grime and corrosion, as well as the status of the car battery, tires, and other parts that commonly wear out. If the check engine light is on, the mechanic can identify the cause and likely provide an estimate to address it.

While it’s great to follow these high mileage vehicle maintenance tips, your car might be at a point where it’s beyond repairs. In other words, if your high mileage car is already dealing with major problems in the transition or the engine, it might not be worth your time and effort trying to make it work. That’s why I recommend selling the vehicle and using its money to purchase a better car. Never invest more in a car than its worth.

There is so much more to discuss on this, put your comments below and let’s start the conversation.

The opinions expressed in posts to the NMA Blog belong to the author and do not necessarily represent the National Motorists Association. The content of the NMA Blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. No representations are made regarding the accuracy of NMA Blog posts or links found within those posts.

Lauren Fix, The Car Coach®, is a nationally recognized automotive expert, analyst, author, and television host.  A trusted car expert, Lauren provides an insider’s perspective on a wide range of automotive topics and aspects, energy, industry, consumer news, and safety issues.   

Lauren is the CEO of Automotive Aspects and the Editor-in-Chief of Car Coach Reports, a global automotive news outlet. She is an automotive contributor to national and local television news shows, including Fox News, Fox Business, CNN International, The Weather Channel, Inside Edition, Local Now News, Community Digital News, and more. Lauren also co-hosts a regular show on ABC.com with Paul Brian called “His Turn – Her Turn” and hosts regular radio segments on USA Radio – DayBreak. 

Lauren is honored to be inducted into the Women’s Transportation Hall of Fame and a Board Member of the Buffalo Motorcar Museum and Juror / President for the North American Car, Utility & Truck of the Year Awards.  

Check her out on Twitter and Instagram @LaurenFix.