While some drivers want to change their cars every few years so they can always have the latest model, others form a bond with their vehicles and want to keep them for as long as possible. Even if you plan on replacing your car in a few years, having a model with a strong reputation for being reliable will likely help you get a good price for it.
The average life span for a passenger car in the U.S. is around 12 years. Getting a reliable and durable car will not only help you exceed this average if you want to, but it will also save you from the stress and expense of constantly needing to repair an unreliable vehicle. Keep reading to learn more about what makes cars last for a long time and which cars last the longest on average.
A car that runs well even after many years and hundreds of thousands of miles usually isn’t just good fortune. Some specific factors often contribute to which cars last the longest before needing to be replaced or repaired.
Build Quality and Engineering
The most important factor that determines a car’s reliability over time is how well it was built and engineered. Cars that are built to last use high-quality materials to minimize wear and tear over time. From the metals used for the engine and chassis to the plastics and fabrics used for the interior, the better their quality the more likely they are to stand the test of time. Because they also must be assembled precisely and correctly, the engineers involved in a car’s manufacturing process play a major role in its reliability.
Maintenance Practices
A car staying in good shape for many years isn’t just the manufacturer’s responsibility. Any vehicle needs to be properly taken care of by its owner. We recommend you change its oil and top up all other essential fluids at manufacturer-recommended intervals. You should also constantly check tire pressure, as a low-inflated tire can damage the suspension and steering systems. Replace the brake discs and calipers when they deteriorate, as well as some belts and hoses. As a general rule, the sooner you address a maintenance issue, the lower the chance it spreads to other components.
Innovations in Automotive Technology
Vehicle manufacturers are constantly working on tech features that can extend their vehicles’ lifespan. All modern gas-powered vehicles use special computers to manage aspects such as fuel injection and ignition timing, making their engines last longer than traditional carburetor-based ones. Synthetic oils do a better job than natural ones, and a wide variety of sensors can instantly detect a minor issue before it turns into a major one. New cars also have active safety systems that help prevent accidents.
Comprehensive Round-Up of Cars Known for Their Longevity
While all manufacturers aim to build high-quality and long-lasting vehicles, some do a better job than others. If reliability and longevity are important to you when choosing a car, you should consider the following makes and models.
The Unyielding Toyota Collection: Prius, Camry, Tundra, and More
The automotive brand with the best reputation for building reliable vehicles is arguably Toyota. From small and economical cars to large family haulers, it has been setting the standard for decades and newer models follow this trend. A recent study analyzing the longest-lasting vehicles currently on the market has no less than nine Toyota models in its top 30 most reliable. They’ve analyzed over 402 million cars to determine which models are most likely to exceed 250,000 miles and the first five models are all Toyotas: the Tundra, Sequoia, 4Runner, Tacoma, and Highlander Hybrid.
This level of domination isn’t an accident, and Toyota’s exceptional reliability is down to a few key reasons. It all starts during the manufacturing process, and Toyota uses high-quality materials assembled with great attention to detail. Toyota also tests its vehicles rigorously at multiple stages of the manufacturing process and constantly tries to improve the way it does things to maintain its high-quality standards.
Honda’s Durable Duo: Accord and Civic
Honda vehicles also have a strong reputation for being highly reliable. Although this applies to most of its models, the Civic and Accord stand out. As with Toyota, quality materials and excellent engineering are the cornerstones of Honda’s excellent reliability. Another factor is Honda’s exceptionally well-built powertrains. Both the Civic and Accord come with VTEC engines, an innovative technology that makes them operate smoothly for a long time.
Honda also makes it easy to keep your car in good condition by having a strong network of dealerships and repair shops that can help you. This greatly impacts their longevity, as you can resolve minor issues quickly.
Ford’s F-Series: America’s Lasting Choice
Not all long-lasting vehicles come from across the Pacific. The Ford F-Series has been America’s best-selling truck for almost half a century, and you can’t have such long-term popularity without a strong reputation for being reliable. Since many people use their Ford F-series trucks for work, reliability becomes an even more important issue. Quality materials, well-built engines, and heavy-duty metal frames help F-Series Ford trucks last a long time, even when towing and hauling large loads daily. Newer models also use special alloy metals that reduce chassis weight without affecting durability.
Make Sure You’ll Enjoy Your Car for Many Years by Choosing the Right Insurance
Even if your car has a strong reputation for being reliable, you never know what could happen on the road. If you live in or near Chicago, Illinois, and want to be financially covered in case an unfortunate accident occurs, consider choosing American Auto Insurance. We’re committed to offering you the lowest possible prices, with rates that start as low as $14 per month. We also offer 24/7 roadside assistance and instant proof of coverage. Contact us today to get a quote.
white SUV on beach by Kyle Grozelle is licensed with Unsplash License
