In the current market where new car prices remain high and used car prices are not low either, purchasing a long-lasting used vehicle is crucial for managing a household budget. Fortunately, with advancements in automotive technology, some used cars on the market now have a lifespan that even exceeds that of typical new cars.
According to the automotive trading website Edmunds, the average transaction price (ATP) for new cars in 2025 reached $48,402, a significant increase from $37,310 in 2019. This means that what was affordable six years ago as a new car now requires an extra $11,000, marking a 30% rise.
Similarly, the prices of used cars have also surged. In 2025, it became nearly impossible for Americans to purchase a three-year-old used car for under $20,000. A report from the automotive data website iSeeCars.com revealed that the proportion of used cars three years old or younger priced below $20,000 had plummeted from nearly 50% in 2019 to just 11% at present.
On the other hand, considering the volatile economic situation and enduring inflation, owning a vehicle that can surpass 200,000 miles driven is almost essential in family financial planning. Luckily, the lifespan of vehicles today far exceeds that of the past, yet it does not necessarily mean that some used cars cannot outperform new models in terms of durability.
According to Forbes magazine, cars produced in 1970 had an average lifespan of about 5.7 years, often being scrapped with odometer readings around 100,000 miles. Now, the average age of passenger cars in the United States is approximately 12.5 years, with many vehicles reaching 200,000 to 300,000 miles driven, given they receive proper maintenance throughout their usage.
Consumer Reports (CR) states that with sufficient investment, nearly any car can reach 200,000 miles or even further. However, the wiser choice is to initially opt for models that have proven safety and reliability, perform excellently in road tests, maintain a good track record of reliability, and are properly maintained.
Why is it then that only 1% of vehicles produced each year actually reach the milestone of 200,000 miles driven? Indeed, most vehicles are scrapped before hitting that mark, often due to owners neglecting proper maintenance; nevertheless, there are certain used car models inherently designed with exceptional durability.
CR recently released a list of the 12 most hassle-free and likely vehicles to reach over 200,000 miles (including sedans, compact trucks, pickups, and SUVs). Apart from the Ford F-150, all models on the list are from Toyota or Honda, brands known for their reliability.
While some brands are indeed renowned for their reliability, when buying a used car, referring to iSeeCars’ analytics could be more beneficial. Additionally, purchasing a used car aged 3 to 5 years is most cost-effective, avoiding the steepest depreciation period of new cars while ensuring stable condition and mechanical performance.
The following is a compilation by the Gobankingrate website, listing 10 models of used cars that could potentially outlast ordinary new cars, ranked by the vehicles on the list with the highest mileage data.
Estimated Lifespan: 296,509 miles
Whether consulting Consumer Reports or iSeeCars’ research data, you would find Toyota leading the reliability rankings.
Impressively, the Sequoia tops the iSeeCars ranking and is very likely to reach over 300,000 miles driven.
Estimated Lifespan: 280,236 miles
For any car, reaching 300,000 miles is remarkable, but the Land Cruiser is known for its durability. Even a used vehicle with mileage between 100,000 and 200,000 miles should not deter potential buyers.
The Suburban has an estimated lifespan of over 265,000 miles, making it one of the longest-lasting SUVs, with better reliability than competitors like the Ford Expedition, Dodge Durango, and Jeep Wagoneer.
Estimated Lifespan: 256,022 miles
Pickup trucks, often subjected to heavy loads, tend to experience structural or mechanical issues after high mileage. However, as a popular Toyota model, the Tacoma is highly regarded for its reliability and durability, easily surpassing 250,000 miles driven.
Estimated Lifespan: 252,360 miles
On iSeeCars’ list of “Longest-Lasting Cars,” the Yukon XL ranks fifth, with a lifespan easily reaching 20 years.
As reported by MotorBiscuit, owners of this large SUV have cited issues with onboard electronics, electric components, and body integrity, with minimal problems affecting engine, transmission, and fuel system performance.
Estimated Lifespan: 250,601 miles
The Prius is both economical and reliable, considered one of the best compact sedans on the market. According to MotorBiscuit, this car’s battery system is “extremely durable.”
Despite the abundance of electric vehicles on the market, the near-term future still belongs to hybrid cars. Consumer Reports rates the Prius as the number one choice among all compact sedans for reliability, pricing, and customer satisfaction.
Estimated Lifespan: 250,338 miles
Although RepairPal does not give Tahoe high marks for reliability and repair frequency, ranking it 21st in the midsize SUV category, the Chevrolet Tahoe is an extremely durable “long-runner,” often surpassing many competitors in total mileage driven.
Estimated Lifespan: 248,669 miles
For consumers seeking the practicality of a pickup truck with sedan-like driving performance, the Ridgeline is an ideal choice.
As per HotCars, with proper driving habits and regular maintenance, the Ridgeline can easily reach 300,000 miles driven.
Estimated Lifespan: 245,710 miles
As reported by MotorBiscuit, buyers of a used Avalon can be confident that the vehicle can last another decade or even longer.
Though discontinued in 2022, this durable model remains one of the highest-mileage vehicles in the used car market.
Estimated Lifespan: 244,994 miles
This midsize three-row crossover SUV is renowned for its exceptional reliability.
According to RepairPal, assuming no significant damage from prolonged severe weather conditions, the Highlander Hybrid is expected to reach at least 300,000 miles, with an average annual maintenance cost of around $489.