Everyone loves that new car smell, but the car buying process can be a little daunting. Switching from one dealership to another is really tiring after a while and don’t even start negotiating the price. Unfortunately, car shopping is a necessary evil if you need a new set of wheels. Since the process of buying a car is very painful, you want to know that the vehicle you choose will last a long time. That’s why Parade contacted the mechanics to understand his brain cars that are almost guaranteed to last over 200,000 miles.
As always, nothing in life is guaranteed, and even the most reliable vehicle needs regular maintenance to keep it in tip-top shape. This means keeping up with oil changes, monitoring factory recalls, and promptly addressing any issues that arise throughout the life of your vehicle.
But the mechanics we interviewed say they’ve come across a few car models that really outperform the competition, making them a worthwhile investment.
Ready to get your money’s worth when you go to the dealership? Consider investing in one of these reliable cars that mechanics swear by.
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How many miles does the average car drive?
All car models and brands are built differently, so it’s no wonder that their average mileage can vary. But 175,000 miles is a solid average when it comes to the life of a car.
“Some will go more, others less,” he says Jonathan Bemislead technician at VIP Auto in Maine.
Alex KachThe owner of Accurate Automotive in Colorado notes that regular maintenance is critical to keeping your car healthy. Changing the oil every 5,000 miles is an easy way to avoid problems.
“The hard part is understanding that you can change the oil every 10,000 miles without jeopardizing the engines and the life of the vehicles,” he says.
As people wait longer for oil changes, Kacsh and his team noticed a number of cars with “early damage to engines and timing chains.”
If you’re lucky, you can get 200,000-250,000 miles on some cars. Rare gems can last even longer.
“With Toyotas, Subarus and Hondas, 250,000 miles is only half the life of the vehicle,” he shares.
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7 cars that are “almost guaranteed” to reach more than 200,000 miles. miles according to mechanics
1. Toyota 4Runner
Kacsh calls the Toyota 4Runner “one of the most reliable vehicles that holds its value.”
As for the 4Runner’s engines and transmissions, he says they “rarely fail.” Aside from routine maintenance and operational issues, 4Runner owners generally don’t need to invest large sums of money in maintaining their vehicles.
2. Honda Accord
Kacsch says Hondas have “one of the biggest fan bases” for one main reason: reliability.
“You’ll have to look out for the Hondas with the VTEC system, but other than that, the Honda is a great, reliable vehicle that’s the same across all generations,” he shares.
3. Subaru (Outback and Impreza)
Kacsch describes Subarus as “strong, reliable vehicles” that are built to withstand “any climate.” He admits the brand is known for head gasket problems, which can be expensive, but says it’s “rare” that the problem reoccurs after an initial repair.
“[A] Subaru’s natural environment is the Colorado winter. That’s why Boulder is the capital of Subaru, he explains. “They’ll get you where you need to go. I’ve seen Subarus run oil-free without any engine problems.” I can’t say that about any other car.”
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4. Jeep Wranglers
Compared to other vehicles, Jeep Wranglers are more cost-effective when it comes to repairing common car problems, Kacsh says.
“Even with modifications, suspension issues, and the notorious ‘death wobble’, Jeep Wranglers – as long as they are repaired – are one of the strongest vehicles the US should be proud of,” shares the mechanic.
5. Toyota (Corolla and Camry)
The engine and transmission are two potentially expensive repairs that some car models face more often than not. But that’s not the case with the Toyota Corolla and Camry, according to Bemis, who says these auto parts “last forever.”
“With regular maintenance, both car models easily cover 250,000 miles and more,” he explains.
6. Chevy (2500 and 3500)
With proper maintenance and upkeep, Bemis says these Chevy models “will all certainly pass the 200,000 mark.” He also has personal experience with a previously owned Chevy 2500.
“My last 2,500 miles was 252,000 miles when I sold it. It’s still running. I saw it a few days ago,” he shares.
Bemis says these Chevy models are “mostly well built” and are a solid choice if you’re not going for a diesel, which can be very high-maintenance due to “known injector issues and fuel issues.”
7. Honda CR-V
Bemis has seen a lot in his time as a mechanic, but he hasn’t seen “any major faults” with most of the Honda CR-Vs he’s come across, making them one of his top picks for a reliable car that won’t cost you an arm or a leg to own.
“Regular maintenance makes them great candidates for the 250,000-mile club,” he shares.
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Sources:
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Alex Kacsch is the owner of Accurate Automotive in Colorado.
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Jonathan Bemis is the Chief Technician at VIP Auto in Maine.
This story was originally reported by Parade in 2025. on November 19, where it first appeared in the Life section. Add the parade as a preferred resource by clicking here.