Back when new-vehicle leasing accounted for around a third of all transactions, it seemed as if the automobile business would eventually take the same path as mobile phone ownership, with motorists regularly changing vehicles every two or three years. But that has not come to pass, as the typical length of ownership among new-car buyers is reportedly 6.5 years, with the average vehicle on the road currently being 12.1 years old. The typical ride was 5.5 years old back in 1997.
Clearly new vehicles are built far better than they were in the decades preceding the millennium, with drivers holding onto them for longer periods, if for no other reason than the average new-car transaction price has skyrocketed to an unaffordable $48,200. New-car shoppers who intend to hold onto a vehicle well into the next decade or longer should look for one that can go the distance without breaking the bank in repeated repairs, and remains pleasing to drive after many miles on the odometer.
The online auto marketplace iSeeCars.com has compiled a list of the 20 vehicles projected to last for more than 200,000 miles, based on an analysis of over two million cars produced and sold for at least 10 of the past 20 model years.
As it turns out the longest-lasting cars aren’t cars at all, with 15 of the top 20 models in this regard being either pickup trucks or SUVs, with burly full-size models accounting for nearly half that number. Those looking for a family-minded model should take note that the list includes eight three-row SUVs and two of the last four remaining minivans on the market. And for shoppers looking to save money at the pump and/or reduce their carbon footprints, three models on the list are fuel-frugal hybrids.
“What we see is a list of highly-durable vehicles, capable of more than a quarter-million miles of use if properly maintained,” explains iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer. “And to be clear, this study isn’t reporting the maximum lifespan of these vehicles. This is simply a measure of current odometer readings. Most of these cars are still in use and going strong.”
Among automakers, Toyota leads the pack among long-distance runners, placing 10 vehicles among the top 20. The big Toyota Sequoia and Land Cruiser SUVs take the number one and two spots, with potential projected lifespans that approach the once unheard-of 300,000 mile mark.
Though some vehicles tend to be problematic than others and eventually cost more than they’re worth to cover a major repair, proper maintenance is the key to extending the useful life of just about any make or model. This includes cosmetic as well as mechanical upkeep to preserve its appearance, both for pride of ownership, and also to help retain its resale value when it eventually comes time to move on to a newer model.
By the way, the highest mileage car on record is a 1966 Volvo P1800S, with over three million miles on the odometer, owned from day one by the late Irv Gordon, that still looks as good as the day it rolled off the assembly line.
Here are the 20 vehicle iSeeCars.com predicts will return the most miles for the money, with projected longevity for each noted:
- Toyota Sequoia: 296,509 miles potential lifespan
- Toyota Land Cruiser: 280,236 miles
- Chevrolet Suburban: 265,732 miles
- Toyota Tundra: 256,022 miles
- GMC Yukon XL: 252,360 miles
- Toyota Prius: 250,601 miles
- Chevrolet Tahoe: 250,338 miles
- Honda Ridgeline: 248,669 miles
- Toyota Avalon: 245,710 miles
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 244,994 miles
- Ford Expedition: 244,682 miles
- Toyota 4Runner: 244,665 miles
- Toyota Sienna: 239,607 miles
- GMC Yukon: 238,956 miles
- Honda Pilot: 236,807 miles
- Honda Odyssey: 235,852 miles
- Toyota Tacoma: 235,070 miles
- Nissan Titan: 233,295 miles
- Ford F-150: 232,650 miles
- Toyota Camry Hybrid: 230,547 miles
You can read the full report, which includes projected lifespans for models in each market segment here.
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