Most car buyers are looking for a vehicle that will last them years, but some consumers are seriously in it for the long haul. If you’re looking for a vehicle that will last you ten years or more, these five models are the place to start. From models that are no stranger to high mileage to models that don’t spend much time at the mechanic, these cars have a fantastic track record for reliability and dependability.
Toyota Prius
According to responses from consumers, 28.5% of Prius owners hold onto their vehicle for ten years or more. On the one hand, this statistic is a bit surprising, since gas-electric hybrid technology is still new, relatively speaking. It’s not unusual for drivers to uncover issues that can affect reliability during the early years of a model’s run. Luckily, the Prius hasn’t run into any of these common problems.
On the other hand, it’s absolutely no surprise this car made the list, since it’s produced by Toyota. They’re a brand that consistently ranks high on surveys about vehicle reliability.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid debuted over a decade ago, and since then, about 32.1 % of owners have kept their vehicle. There’s no other model on the market that can boast of numbers that high—in fact, that number is twice the national average.
In addition to the mechanical reliability that the Toyota brand offers, Highlander fans may also be holding onto their vehicles for so long because of versatility. Its size makes it a perfect fit for new and growing families, and its status as an SUV makes it a good choice for both urban and rural environments.
Honda Pilot
There’s just something about Japanese car makers that inspires confidence, and Honda, like Toyota, is a brand associated with reliability. Their Pilot model is proof of that, with 27.2 % of buyers keeping theirs for ten years or more.
As with the Highlander, versatility plays a major role in why consumers are so reluctant to let go of this vehicle.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is the reigning champion when it comes to vehicle repairs. According to a 2017 study, it was ranked as least likely to need repairs related to the check engine light. It’s true that some check engine problems are minor and easily fixed, but others can be major, costly, and can render the car useless. So, this should be an encouraging sign for consumers looking for a vehicle that can last them a decade or more.
Ford Expedition
The Ford Expedition tops the list of vehicles still on the road after 200,000 miles. A full 5.7% of these SUVs were on the road after hitting this mileage milestone. The average number of miles driven in a year is 12,000, which means you’re not likely to come close to the 200k mark, even after a decade of driving.