How many miles do cars usually last?
How Many Miles Can a Smart Car Last?
With proper care and maintenance, your Smart car can last between 150,000 and 450,000 miles and up to 20 years.
Written by Jason Tushinski
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Updated on Nov 14, 2022 published date: Jul 12, 2022
Table of Contents
- How many miles can a Smart car last?
- How many years do Smart cars last?
- How reliable is a Smart car?
- Are Smart cars expensive to maintain?
- How to prolong the lifespan of your Smart car
- Saving on car insurance on your Smart car
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While it depends on the model year and its condition, a
Smart
car can last anywhere from 150,000 to 450,000 miles and up to 20 years in moderate climates, so long as you take excellent care of it.
While Smart cars have been around for a little more than two decades, the brand has made a name for itself with its super-small, nimble, and urban subcompact cars. Smart cars are also known to be relatively reliable. However, your Smart car’s reliability will ultimately depend on a few factors, including how well you take care of it.
Jerry
car insurance
comparison
super app
, has put together everything you’ll need to know to maximize your Smart car’s lifespan, including information on how long they typically last, the most- and least-reliable Smart models, and maintenance estimates. We’ll also give you tips on how to prolong your Smart car’s time on the road.
How many miles can a Smart car last?
With proper care, a Smart car can last anywhere from 150,000 to 450,000 miles.
No matter what car you drive, factors such as its mileage, condition, and age can determine how long it stays on the road. According to Smart Car, the average vehicle should last at least 150,000 miles. While it is more rare, there are Smart cars that have lasted past 450,000 miles. Of course, for your Smart car to last this long, you’ll need to follow its maintenance schedule to a “T”.
MORE:
Basic car maintenance schedule
How many years do Smart cars last?
According to the manufacturer, Smart cars will likely last longer in moderate climates —possibly as long as 20 years .Just like when you’re estimating the mileage, you’ll likely be able to estimate how long your car will live according to its age, mileage, and condition. Proper care is essential to keep your vehicle lasting for the long haul.
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How to do summer maintenance
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How reliable is a Smart car?
A car’s reliability can depend on both its owner and issues outside an owner’s control. Here are the most and least reliable Smart cars that have hit the road so far.
Most reliable: 2016 Smart Fortwo
The 2016 Smart Fortwo received a solid 77/100 rating from J.D. Power, leaving it just three points shy of a reliability rating of great .RepairPal gave the Smart Fortwo a grade of 4.0/5.0 —not bad, even if it was ranked 16th out of 21 subcompact cars.
Still, the 2016 Fortwo got high praise when it comes to safety, receiving the coveted Good rating across the board from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This grade was better than most SUVs on the road back in 2016. Besides safety, Smart drivers weren’t taking their miniscule rides into
repair shops
nearly as often as other drivers.
Least reliable: 2009 Smart Fortwo
The 2009 Fortwo had two major problems that seriously damaged its reliability ratings—one on the inside and one on the outside.
The Fortwo’s automatic transmission was notorious for malfunctioning , and drivers frequently complained about trouble switching from one gear to the next.
On its exterior, the Fortwo suffered from crazing , or the appearance of hairline cracks in the Fortwo’s two-tone paint, and delamination, which occurs when the clear coat peels away from the layer of paint beneath it.
Are Smart cars expensive to maintain?
Smart cars can be expensive to repair, with the average yearly maintenance bill hovering around $827— significantly more than the average repair bill for an average sedan.
Of course, all repair and maintenance costs will depend on several familiar factors, including the vehicle’s age, mileage, and the condition it’s in.
Brakes
brake pads
on a Smart car typically last between 25,000 and 30,000 miles , which is significantly less than the average of 40,000 miles for the average car.
You may need to change them more often, though. Various factors can impact how long your brake pads last, including how aggressively you drive and brake, and whether your commute involves lots of stop-and-go driving, which can wear down brake pads.
Tires
The tires on a Smart car should last between 30,000 to 50,000 miles .
As a general rule, all-season tires should be replaced every three to four years .If you drive aggressively or have performance tires on your vehicle, you’ll want to replace those tires sooner.
MORE:
How to read a tire
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Transmission
Smart cars boast automatic transmissions , which usually last an average of 7 years .
To properly care for your Smart car’s transmission, get in the habit of regularly checking your transmission fluid. Be sure to allow your Smart car to warm up for a minute or two before driving—this can help the transmission as well.
Spark plugs
Spark plugs on a Smart car should last around 30,000 miles .
That being said, there are a few telltale signs that spark plugs need replacing, including sluggish acceleration or your engine running rough or misfiring .
MORE:
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How to prolong the lifespan of your Smart car
The best way to prolong the life of your Smart car is to properly take care of it. Here are a few tips on how to do just that:
Follow a schedule: And not just any schedule—the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule !Read over your Smart car’s owners manual, which will give you the lowdown on how best to care for your car, and when it will need tire rotations, oil changes, etc.
Buy quality parts: We know it’s tempting to cut corners and buy cheaper parts to save some money, but being cheap can cost you down the road in the form of bigger, unexpected problems cropping up. Buy parts that meet Smart’s specifications to avoid headaches down the road.
Pay attention to engine alerts: If you see a warning pop up on your dash, such as the
Check Engine Light
, don’t ignore it! That light tells you there’s a problem, so if you see it, make an appointment to get your Smart car looked at, and nip a nascent problem in the bud.
Key Takeaway With proper care and following your maintenance schedule, you should be able to go 150,000 miles with your Smart car, if not more!
Saving on car insurance on your Smart car
It’s no secret that insuring a car—even one as little and cute as a Smart car—can be expensive. But that doesn’t mean you should have to spend an arm and a leg for car insurance. When you’re using
Jerry
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Sign-up takes just 45 seconds, and then Jerry gets to work comparing quotes from more than 50 top insurers to ensure you get the best policy at an even better price. Once you pick your new policy, Jerry signs you up and helps you cancel your old one.
Best of all? The average Jerry user saves more than $800 per year on car insurance!
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Jason Tushinski · Expert Insurance Writer
Jason Tushinski is an insurance writer with a background in journalism and over seven years of experience in freelance writing. Jason specializes in insurance and combines a wealth of skills obtained throughout the publishing industry to create useful, easy-to-understand content for car owners. Jason has written over 1,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from insurance company offerings to DMV processes to car model specifications. Before joining Jerry, Jason worked as freelance video content creator, news writer and editor for the Sun News Network, and researcher for CBC. His writing is published in Maclean’s and This Magazine.
Editorial Note: This article was written by a paid member of Jerry’s editorial team. Statements in this article represent the author’s personal opinions and do not constitute advice or recommendations. You should consult with an insurance professional about your specific circumstances and needs before making any insurance decisions.
How Many Miles Does a Car Last? [And When is it Considered Junk?]
When you’re thinking about selling or trading your car, it’s important to know how many miles it has on it. The more miles a car has, the less it’s worth. But when does a car become considered “junk?” And what should you do if you have a high-mileage vehicle?
This article will answer questions and more about how many miles a car last. We’ll also provide tips on what to do if you have a junk car or a car with many miles on it.
Today’s Cars
Manufacturers today tend to produce durable cars that are made to last compared to cars made even 20 years ago. Car parts, too, have become more durable and long-lasting. That means fewer maintenance and repair costs for you as the owner.
When in the market for a car, buyers highly consider a car’s mileage. But, other factors such as how the car was driven and maintained, the make and model of the car, and even where the car was driven (city streets vs. highways) all play a role in how long a car will last.
On average, a car’s annual mileage is playing between 12,000 and 15,000 miles. That means a 5-year-old car would have somewhere between 60,000 to 75,000 miles.
How Many Miles Does a Car Last?
The answer to this question is complicated because so many variables affect a car’s lifespan. This includes (but is not limited to), as mentioned above, the make and model of the car, how it’s driven, where it’s driven, and how well it’s maintained.
In general, though, most cars will last between 200,000 and 300,000 miles. Of course, there are always outliers to this rule. For example, some people have driven their car for over 400,000 miles! According to Autotrader, vehicles on the road are just over 11 years old on average and approaching 12 years.
Keeping a car for over 12 years seems to have a lot of benefits on your pocket, even if it means ignoring all the car commercials which tell you that you need a new car every three years or so. It is estimated to save as much as $30,000 when driving the same car for 15 years which is the average lifespan of a car these days. However, driving habits, weather conditions, and maintaining your vehicle will all play a role in just how long it lasts.
The car makes and model plays a big role in how long a vehicle lasts as well. Many car manufacturers produce vehicles known to last for over 200,000 miles. These include (but are not limited to) Honda, Toyota, Subaru, and Volvo. Of course, there will always be lemons no matter the make or model. But if you’re looking for a car built to last, you can’t go wrong with these brands. More importantly, make sure to research a car before you buy it to ensure that it has a good track record for lasting a long time.
Tips On How Making Your Car Last Longer
There are many proven ways to help make your car last longer. Perhaps the most important tip is to take good care of it simply. This includes changing the oil regularly, getting tune-ups, and rotating the tires.
Here are some of the most important tips for making your car last longer:
Get yourself an advanced safety systems
When you are looking for your next car, consider getting one that has advanced safety features. This is not just for your safety but also to help avoid accidents. Cars with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot detection, and lane departure warnings are less likely to be in accidents. And, as you know, accidents can cause a lot of damage to your car.
With an advanced safety system, you are not just protecting your car but also yourself and other people on the road.
Pay attention to the vehicle management system
Many newer cars come with a vehicle management system. This is a great feature that can help you keep track of your car’s performance and maintenance. It is a powerful tool that can help to implement fleet efficiency, manage the driver’s performance, and track vehicle data. VMS is also designed to monitor and control fuel consumption.
That being said, you should still keep track of your car’s maintenance and performance even if it doesn’t have a VMS. This is because no system is perfect, and things can still go wrong.
Scheduling routine maintenance
One of the best ways to make your car last longer is to simply take good care of it. This includes things like changing the oil regularly, getting tune-ups, and rotating the tires. Changing oil differs for every car, but you should generally do it every 5,000 miles or so.
Tune-ups are also important, and you should get one every 30,000 miles or so. This is to ensure that your car is running smoothly and efficiently. Rotating your tires is also important as it helps to distribute the wear and tear evenly.
Address problems
Being aware of potential problems with your car is also important. If you notice something that doesn’t seem right, don’t ignore it. Get it checked out by a professional. Ignoring a problem will not make it go away, and it could end up costing you a lot of money in the long run.
Get a good mechanic
Having a trusted mechanic that you can go to is also important. Knowing that you have someone, you can trust to take care of your car is important. They should be someone who is honest and doesn’t try to upsell you on things that you don’t need. Consider experience, reputation, and cost when looking for a mechanic.
Keeping your engine clean
One way to help extend the life of your car is to keep the engine clean. This can be done by using a quality engine cleaner. There are several brands on the market, so be sure to read reviews to find one that is right for you.
Your car’s engine is the heart of the vehicle, and keeping it clean will help to ensure that it lasts a long time.
Invest in parts that are built to last
There are some aftermarket parts that you can buy for your car. But, not all of them are created equal. Some are made with cheaper materials and construction, which won’t last as long. When buying aftermarket parts, be sure to invest in ones that are built to last. This will save you money in the long run as you won’t have to replace them often. Original parts are always the best, but if you can’t find them or can’t afford them, be sure to get aftermarket parts of good quality.
When it comes to making your car last longer, there are many things that you can do. Be sure to take good care of it and invest in quality parts. This will
Watching for indicator lights
It is important to be aware of the indicator lights on your dashboard. These lights are there for a reason, and ignoring them can lead to serious problems. If you see the light come on, be sure to take your car to a mechanic to have it checked out.
Some of the parts that these lights indicate include the battery, oil, and brakes. As soon as you see the indicator light come on, take action. Don’t wait until it is too late.
Make sure you are driving safely at all times
This may seem like common sense, but it is important to drive safely if you want your car to last. This means things like obeying the speed limit, not tailgating, and using your turn signals. All of these things will help avoid accidents that can cause a lot of damage to your car.
Accidents are not the only thing that can damage your car. Poor driving habits can also lead to unnecessary wear and tear.
Final Thoughts
Making your car last longer is not that difficult if you are willing to put in the effort. By following the tips above, you can be sure that your car will serve you well for many years to come. Ensure to keep track of your car’s maintenance, get regular tune-ups, and be aware of potential problems. Investing in quality parts will improve your car’s performance and make it last longer.
The most important thing is to drive safely. Be aware of your surroundings and your car’s performance. If you feel something is wrong, don’t hesitate to get it checked. Your car is a major investment, and you should do everything you can to protect it.
