Some of the most important factors when purchasing a new or used car include reliability and maintenance cost. Different vehicles have varied running costs. A super sleek sports car is more expensive to run than a massive family SUV, from fuel consumption to parts and repair costs. And while it is hard to know whether the vehicle is easy to maintain, it is rather challenging to determine how durable a car is. Buying a zero-mileage vehicle with hopes of driving it past 250,000 miles takes hope.
Updated March 2023: The automotive market is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. It has been for ages. And in such a competitive market, it is only normal for every player to strive to unleash their best builds to stay ahead of the competition. Unfortunately, not every supposedly good vehicle is that good. To that end, we have updated this article with incredible rides built well enough to last almost forever.
Of course, automotive history is rich with information to help buyers to make the right choices. Manufacturers like Toyota are famous for the reliability and durability of their models, but there are many other brands that boast longevity and durability. That said, here are 15 cars durable enough to break the 300,000-mile mark and keep moving.
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15 Volvo P1800
Volvo is well known for making safe, solid, and reliable cars. And while many don't know this about them, the automaker has also manufactured impressive sports cars. It shouldn't be surprising that even their sportier models come with the renowned Volvo reliability.
The P1800 is one of the coolest Volvo classics available today. It may not be as recognized as it should be, but Irv Gordon, having driven his 1966 model until 2018, when he passed on, is enough sign that the car is excellent. As of 2018, the P1800 had recorded over 3.25 million miles on the odometer.
14 Porsche 356
Here is another piece of steel, the Porsche 356. First introduced in 1948, this small, agile, rear-engined sports car got built in four different series; there's the original "pre-A" model, followed by the 356 A, 356 B, and finally, the 356 C. The air-cooled pushrod flat-four engine in the Porsche 356 was actually built on the VW Beetle's engine case. Porsche added new cylinder heads, camshaft, crankshaft, and intake – they also added new exhaust manifolds and fitted twin carbs. The result was more than double the Beetle's horsepower.
The Porsche 356 has proven beyond doubt that it's one of the best classic cars for daily driving. As a testament to the 356's durability, Mr. Guy Newmark has driven a 1964 Porsche 356C that his father purchased with zero miles on the odometer in 1964 for over 1 million miles. The car has three engine rebuilds and one transmission rebuild. The good part? Even though it has recorded over a million miles on the odometer, it's still moving.
13 Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is one of the best-selling vehicles of all time. Evidently, the car is an excellent daily driver, it's durable, and its maintenance and repair costs are minimal. While it isn't the most beautiful car on the road, the Toyota Corolla can travel forever without giving up. It has appeared among the most reliable vehicles in Consumer Reports from 2007 until the present.
For buyers looking for a car that'll go past 300,000 miles and keep going, the Toyota Corolla is arguably the best option to go for. And with proper maintenance and responsible driving, the Corolla can stay on the road for decades.
Related: 5 American Performance Cars That'll Last You 200,000 Miles (5 That'll Crumble)
12 Honda Accord
According to Consumer Reports, Honda has a reputation for building some of the longest-lasting vehicles, and the Accord is one of them. It is also quite possibly the most well-rounded and highest-quality family sedan in its price range, or even outside the range. It comes with a powerful base engine, a comfortable and upscale-looking interior, and a reputation for incredible reliability.
The Accord's life expectancy is over 20 years and can easily beat the 300,000-mile mark. If the car receives proper maintenance, it can outlive the owner, even when it's a daily driver.
11 GMC Yukon XL
The GMC Yukon XL is a massive automobile. It is highly functional with amazing high-tech features and provides drivers with the best driving experience. It offers incomparable drivability and comfort. The XL features a standard 5.3-liter V8 paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle produces plenty of power, handles great, and offers amazing safety features.
Besides the excellent performance, the GMC Yukon is among the best vehicles that could outlive their owners. Using it as a regular vehicle with the required maintenance promises 250,000 to 300,000 miles on the odometer. However, with extra care, as several owners have shared in various forums, the Yukon can also hit 400,000 miles and over.
10 Toyota Camry
Honda has the Accord, and Toyota has the Camry. Both are competing for the same segment and are close, or even, regarding how reliable they are. The Camry is ideal for buyers aiming for a budget sedan with all the tech and comfort, and like the Corolla, the Camry offers the reliability and durability of Toyota. As such, the Toyota Camry can stay on the tarmac for over 300,000 miles. And with extra care, the car can comfortably drive forever.
Related: These Used Cars Are Good For At Least 300,000 Miles
9 Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser is arguably the most reliable SUV in history. It is also the longest-running series in Toyota's history. The SUV is well-rounded – it is a roomy family vehicle that also doubles as a rugged off-roader.
One of the biggest wins of the Land Cruiser is its ability to keep going despite the mileage on the odometer. The vehicle is specially designed and engineered to last over 25 years and can go for over 300,000 miles or more. It is an iconic beauty that has wowed Toyota fans for over 60 years.
8 Ford F-150
What can we say about the F-150 that most consumers don't already know? The vehicle lives up to its sublime reputation every year. And besides being the bestselling vehicle in the U.S. for more than 45 years, the truck provides excellent off-road capability, space in the cabin, and heavy hauling capacity. It's smooth on the road and one of the best trucks to take off-road.
The only problem that F-150 owners have to worry about is keeping the vehicle safe. Notably, the F-150 is one of the most stolen vehicles in the U.S. and also one of the most reliable. Regarding its life expectancy, the Ford F150 can last on average between 150,000 and 300,000. And having been in production for many decades, some F-150 models have lasted beyond 300,000 miles.
7 Mercedes-Benz 300 SDL
Buying a car from Mercedes-Benz is one of the best choices consumers can make. Mercedes cars are comfortable. They feature luxurious cabins, appealing exteriors, and powerful engine options. The best part about buying a Mercedes-Benz is that it doesn't have to be new to be reliable or durable.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SDL is one of the best models from this manufacturer. Placed in the right hands, this vehicle can last over 500,000 miles and still run strong.
Related: 20 Cars That Will Last More Than 200,000 Miles
6 Lexus RX350
Lexus, Toyota's premium car manufacturing division, has raised the bar by providing vehicles that perfectly infuse durability with luxury. One of its best builds, the RX350 is a reliable SUV capable of lasting for over 300,000 miles.
The RX350 is impressive with its dashing exterior and elegant interior that fascinates the market. The 2013 model had a refresh with styling changes, including Lexus' signature spindle-shaped front grille. The V6 engine will ensure performance, while the interior provides ultimate comfort.
5 Subaru Legacy
Although Subaru is well known for producing speed demons such as the WRX, it also caters to consumers who are conscious about buying reliable vehicles. And the company has a reputation for unleashing long-lasting cars. The Legacy, for instance, is an excellent vehicle that can provide buyers with thrilling drives for over 20 years.
While the manufacturer promises 300,000 miles before the Legacy throws in the towel, well-maintained models have proven to go close to 400,000 miles, according to Subaru High-Mileage Club members. The Legacy is actually based on the Outback and is a high-rated sedan. Considering that the car has been in production for many years, consumers should have peace of mind knowing that the Legacy is a worthwhile purchase. And besides its durability, the car has dashing looks and a comfortable interior.
4 Toyota RAV4
Everyone knows that Toyotas are reliable, and the durable, built-to-last design of the RAV4 enables it to go beyond 300,000 miles, as evidenced by many high-mileage examples on the road.
Reliability aside, the RAV4 combines a roomy interior with abundant cargo space, generous standard features, a straightforward infotainment system, and a wide array of advanced driver assistance systems so that you can drive with peace of mind at all times.
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3 Hyundai Elantra
Since the early 2000s, reliability has been a major focus of Hyundai, and this shows in the dependability of its vehicles. Undeniably, the Elantra is among those cars keeping Hyundai at the forefront of consumers' minds when it comes to solid build quality.
RepairPal ranks the Hyundai Elantra an impressive 4.5/5 on average for reliability. With an annual repair cost of $588, the Elantra also has a lower maintenance cost than the industry average. Furthermore, the chance of the Elantra needing significant repairs in its first 10 years of service is low, at just 17.73 percent.
2 Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is one of the most compelling compact SUVs out there, thanks mainly to its ability to marry solid build quality and a comfortable interior with lots of space, technologies, plenty of equipment, and excellent fuel economy. It is, of course, durable, too, with an average reliability rating of 4.5/5 from RepairPal. And with thorough, regular servicing and maintenance, this SUV can exceed 300,000 miles.
1 Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is a practical, reliable, compact car that seeks to satisfy those who desire a sedan or hatchback that looks and feels sporty with a flexible interior, excellent fuel economy, and spirited performance.
The Civic is also an economical car to run, with an average repair cost of $368 per year.