Purchasing a car is not just about driving off the lot with something new and shiny. It is about making a smart, lasting investment in a vehicle that will reliably serve you for years to come.
If you are searching for a car that will stand the test of time, here are five vehicles known for their ability to last 300,000 miles or more when properly maintained. These are the cars you can count on.
1. Toyota Corolla
There is a reason why the Toyota Corolla has been a household name for decades. Its reputation for dependability is unmatched in the compact car segment.
The Toyota Corolla is powered by a small yet efficient 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that prioritizes longevity over complexity.
With no turbochargers or unnecessary mechanical complications, the Corolla’s engine is designed to be simple and reliable.
Many owners have driven their Corollas well past 300,000 miles, thanks to its conservative engineering and durable drivetrain.
The secret to the Corolla’s longevity lies in regular maintenance. Oil changes every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, routine brake checks, and basic care of wear-and-tear components can easily extend the lifespan of this vehicle.
2. Lexus ES 350
The Lexus ES 350 offers the refinement of a luxury vehicle while maintaining Toyota’s legendary reliability. Built on the same platform as the Toyota Avalon and Camry, the ES 350 benefits from shared components known for their durability.
Under the hood is a 3.5-liter V6 engine renowned for smooth operation and minimal maintenance issues. It is not unusual for a well-maintained Lexus ES 350 to surpass 250,000 miles, with many owners comfortably reaching 300,000 mileswithout major mechanical failures.
What sets the ES 350 apart is that it delivers luxury without sacrificing reliability. Its interior quality holds up remarkably well over time, and maintenance costs are lower than what you might expect for a luxury sedan.
Regular oil changes, transmission fluid replacements, and occasional suspension refreshes are all it takes to keep an ES 350 running like new for hundreds of thousands of miles.
3. Honda Accord
The Honda Accord has been a staple of dependability for generations. Year after year, it ranks among the most reliable midsize cars on the market.
Most Honda Accords are powered by a rock-solid 2.4-liter inline-four engine, although V6 options were available in some model years.
The inline-four, especially the K24 engine, is celebrated for its durability. It is common to see Accords with 300,000 miles on the original engine and transmission, particularly when routine maintenance is performed.
Key maintenance items include timely oil changes, valve adjustments every 100,000 miles, and replacing the timing belt on older V6 models.
Owners who keep up with fluid changes and basic repairs often report their Accords feeling just as strong at 200,000 miles as they did at 50,000 miles.
The Honda Accord is a rare example of a family sedan that can deliver dependable service for two decades or more.
4. Ford Crown Victoria
Few cars have a reputation for toughness quite like the Ford Crown Victoria. Built as a body-on-frame sedan with a robust 4.6-liter V8 engine, the Crown Victoria earned its stripes serving as police cars and taxis across North America.
The same rugged qualities that made it a fleet favorite also make it an outstanding choice for private owners seeking long-term reliability.
Although the Crown Victoria is no longer in production, its durability continues to impress. Many former police interceptors and taxi models routinely clock 300,000 to 400,000 miles.
These cars were built to withstand extreme conditions, including high-speed pursuits, heavy idling, and rough urban roads.
With routine oil changes, coolant flushes, and attention to minor repairs like intake manifold leaks or suspension wear, the Crown Victoria can easily remain on the road for decades.
Its simplicity and abundance of replacement parts make it one of the most cost-effective long-lasting cars you can own.
5. Acura TSX
The Acura TSX blends sportiness with Honda’s well-known dependability. Sharing its 2.4-liter i-VTEC engine with other reliable Honda models, the TSX delivers a fun driving experience without compromising on longevity.
Owners frequently report TSXs surpassing 250,000 to 300,000 miles with no major engine or transmission failures. Some high-mileage examples have even reached 350,000 miles while retaining solid performance.
The secret to its longevity lies in routine care: consistent oil changes, transmission fluid replacements, and keeping an eye on valve timing actuator wear on higher-mileage vehicles.
Beyond reliability, the Acura TSX holds strong resale value and offers an upscale feel compared to other midsize sedans.
Its well-built interior, solid powertrain, and reasonable maintenance costs make it an outstanding choice for anyone wanting a long-term vehicle with a sportier edge.
Summary Table: 5 Cars Built to Last 300,000 Miles
| Vehicle | Engine Type | Estimated Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Corolla | 1.8L I4 | 300,000+ miles |
| Lexus ES 350 | 3.5L V6 | 300,000+ miles |
| Honda Accord | 2.4L I4 | 300,000+ miles |
| Ford Crown Victoria | 4.6L V8 | 300,000+ miles |
| Acura TSX | 2.4L I4 i-VTEC | 300,000+ miles |
These five cars have proven that reliability is not a myth. With routine maintenance, they are capable of serving you for well over 300,000 miles, offering incredible value and peace of mind.
Whether you prioritize luxury, practicality, or performance, you can trust these models to stay with you mile after mile.