NEW DATA REVEALS THE LONGEST-LASTING AUTOMOBILES. 14 OF THEM.
A new study by iSeeCars, which examines the vehicles that have lasted the longest and reached 200,000 miles, is a real eye-opener to potential car buyers. This study could be a great help to anyone looking for a new car. This study not only includes SUVs, pickups and sedans but also provides insight into the most durable luxury cars and sports vehicles. The study concludes that, while modern vehicles benefit from technological and manufacturing advances, some are simply superior to others.
SUVs are, for instance, among the most reliable cars today.
Julie Blackley, iSeeCars Communications manager, explained that “a few patterns emerged when we completed this research.” The first is that full-size SUVs are dominated by body-on frame or truck-based platform. The American vehicle market is also strong, with six full size SUVs earning the title of longest-lasting vehicles.
If you think that a car can only go 200,000 miles, then the study includes the vehicles with the highest probability of reaching 300,000. Yes, these cars do exist. There are cars out there, running more miles than Forrest Gump during a depression-fueled run binge. Take a closer inspection.
Combining Data
The study covered over 13.8 millions cars sold in the past year. iSeeCars analyzed the data and found that 14 cars were most likely to surpass the 200,000 mile mark. The average vehicle nameplate only has.8% vehicles that reach 200,00 or more miles, but shoppers can improve their chances by choosing one of the 14 cars on the list.
Blackley stated that this is an important topic because most car buyers want a durable and reliable vehicle, regardless of whether they plan to keep their car for 200,000 mile. It’s crucial that consumers have accurate information to make informed decisions, so we studied over 13,000,000 listings.
The Big SUVs are a Standout.
The Toyota Sequoia is the full-size SUV that takes the top spot. According to the study, 7.4 percent have driven 200,000 miles or more. The Chevy Suburban is tied for second place with the Ford Expedition. The GMC Yukon XL (4%) is followed by the Toyota 4Runner (3.9%), Chevy Truck (3.8%) and Toyota Highlander Hybrid (3.1%).
The list continues with the Honda Ridgeline (3.0%), GMC Yukon (2.8%), Toyota Tacoma (2.6%) and Tundra (2.6%). Included are also the Toyota Avalon and Honda Odyssey.
iSeeCars analyzed 13.8 million cars sold in 2018 and found the ones that are most likely reach 200,000 miles. In the top 14, at least 2.2 % (almost 3 times the average) of vehicles have reached 200,000 miles. The data shows that SUVs are the most durable vehicles.
Pickup trucks are the longest-lasting vehicles
According to this study, the top 5 trucks are the Honda Ridgeline (3.1%), Toyota Tacoma or Tundra (2.6%), Chevy 1500 Silverado (1.9%), Ford F-150 (1.8%). Nissan Titan, GMC Sierra 1500 Ram 1500, Chevy Denver, and Nissan Frontier are all at the bottom of the list. We find it strange that the Silverado is ranked higher than the Sierra since they both come from the Fort Wayne, Indiana, assembly line. Both trucks are identical mechanically, but they’re marketed to different customers.
Blackley added, “We too were surprised.” The GMC Sierra is marketed as a more luxurious truck. “The Chevrolet Silverado, on the other hand, is more of a work truck.” The Silverado is more likely to log more miles because it’s used more often for work.
A Steel Horse
The Honda Ridgeline stands out on this list of rugged workhorses. It’s the only vehicle with a unit-body, or car-like platform. It is the top truck in this study, beating out its rugged body-on frame competitors.
Blackley stated that “while we were not surprised to see Honda’s Ridgeline on the list, as Honda is known for its reliability,” it was interesting to note that the Ridgeline unibody pickup had the longest lifespan.
Honda Ridgeline uses six grades of steel including ultra-high strength and high-strength in the unit body. The aluminum hood, front bumper reinforcement beam and cast-magnesium steer hanger beam combine to form a strong unit-body. Honda says that the materials used and their placement was determined by safety, strength and overall performance. The new Ridgeline is 28 percent more rigid than the previous generation.
Blackley said that the success of the Ridgeline had paved the path for other automakers in developing similar pickup trucks. These vehicles fill a gap by appealing to a consumer that wants the functionality of a pick-up truck but with the comfort of a cross-over.
Six different steel grades are used in the Honda Ridgeline, which contributes to its durability. Photo: Honda North America.
Toyota’s Pudding: The Truth
Six of the fourteen vehicles included in this study are Toyotas. The study was conducted by iSeeCars and focused on the ownership of cars. It looked at which vehicles were kept for 15 years or longer by original owners. iSeeCars analyzed over 750,000 cars sold in the past year and found that Toyota owners were loyal to their vehicles. These findings are not unique to iSeeCars’ research. Toyota cars are still the best in similar studies.
Blackley stated that Toyota performed well in many of our studies related longevity and reliability. Blackley said that “these rankings are consistent with other vehicle rankings for reliability from other companies such as J.D. “These rankings are consistent with other vehicle reliability rankings from other companies like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports.”
Tom Blackman is the Parts Director of Olathe Toyota Parts Center, located in Olathe Kansas. “Honestly, I believe this is more about resale values than anything else. Reliable cars have a greater resale price, all other things being equal.” “I think older Toyotas have a higher resale value because they are more valuable to the owners.”
Kelley Blue Book praised Toyota for its reputation of building high-quality cars. The Tacoma was ranked first in KBB’s resale list.
You don’t throw away an old Tacoma if it needs some work. Blackman said that the same cannot be said about an old Ford Ranger, Chevy Colorado or Chevy Colorado. If you buy a $1,200 Ford Taurus and it requires $1,000 in repairs, it’s probably best to scrap it. But if you purchase a $3,500 Toyota Camry and it only needs $1,000, it is worth fixing.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Engineering Innovations and Customer Commitment
Toyota’s commitment towards quality and innovation is perhaps one of the reasons why it tops iSeeCars’ study (and similar studies). Toyota, for instance, opened its $80 million 235,000-square-foot Production Engineering and Manufacturing Center in Georgetown, Kentucky, in 2017.
This facility is home to more than 600 Toyota Production Engineers. The desk space and collaborative area are split 50/50. The engineers meet regularly with other teams and all desks are stand-up. What is the goal? The goal?
Jim Lentz is the Chief Executive Officer at Toyota Motor North America. He said, “Our production engineers have the best skills and are helping shape the future of Toyota.” They push the limits of what’s possible every day in manufacturing, to produce better vehicles.
Blackman is convinced that Toyota will “sweat the little things” and always go the extra distance.
He said, “I have worked in the auto industry for over 30 years and Toyota is the only company I know that sends out engineers to the field. “If there is a problem with a Toyota part or vehicle, Toyota engineers go to the site and see it for themselves. They listen and ask questions. “Most of the brands I have worked with were too cheap or arrogant to send out engineers to look at something.”
Blackley said that the incident was not just a reflection of the quality and reliability of Toyota cars, but also the customers who purchase them.
PEMC has a number of support teams, including indirect purchasing, strategic business management and human resources. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Longest-Lasting Vehicles: Sedans, Hybrids & Minivans
iSeeCars analyzed passenger cars, eco-friendly vehicles, and minivans. Toyota again dominated the list. Toyota Avalon, Honda Odyssey, Accord and Toyota Sienna are the top five. The Honda Civic, Ford Taurus and Toyota Camry and Hybrid round out the top 10. Toyota Highlander Hybrids, Lexus RX 450hs, and Lincoln MKZ Hybrids also made it to the list.
It’s not surprising to see Impalas and Tauruses here. Both are rental cars or fleet vehicles and will likely rack up more miles. Honda is the winner when it comes to family cars.
Blackley stated that the Honda Odyssey is most often associated with family hauling. If they decide to buy a minivan to last a long time, the Odyssey is the most likely choice.
Tips and Advice: Keep it Simple
Newer cars are generally considered to be less likely to break down than older vehicles. With proper care and maintenance, any vehicle can reach 200,000 kilometers. Despite the fact that Toyota is the clear winner in this iSeeCars survey, you can take steps to ensure your car runs smoothly, no matter what make or model it is. Regular oil, fluid and filter changes and checking tire pressure and tread depth are essentials to your vehicle’s long-term health.
Blackley stated that “no matter if they were on the list or not, all vehicles today have the potential to achieve 200,000 miles if properly maintained and cared for.” Regular oil changes and adhering to the recommended maintenance schedule by the manufacturer can extend a vehicle’s life.
Seasonal Factors and the Power of DIY
Weather conditions can also impact the lifespan of your car. Certain parts of your car can wear out faster as the seasons change. You should be prepared for the unexpected by being aware of seasonal car repair. You can extend the life of your vehicle by learning more about maintenance.
Blackman’s advice was always the same. “Do the scheduled maintenance. Drive it as if you want it last forever. Do as much work yourself as you can,” he said. It can be difficult to replace spark plugs or change your oil, but this helps you keep on top of the situation.
Blackley also added, “Do not forget to use regular car washes.”