What is the longest life of a car?

10 of the Longest Lasting Cars on the Road

In this new-is-better, what’s-hot/what’s-not world, seeking the longest-lasting cars on the road might seem like an old-fashioned exercise. But is saving money old-fashioned or just plain smart? If you answered the latter, you’ll want to seek out a long-lasting car, because that is just what the smart money does. Buying or leasing a car every couple of years is a very expensive way to obtain transportation. Instead, the old investment strategy of buy-and-hold works equally well for personal transportation.

Purchase a good car that promises longevity; pay it off as soon as you can, and then reap the benefits of that car ownership for years (decades?) into the future. Dave Ramsey would be very proud. Of course, the first step is to choose a car that’ll be long-lasting, and we have you covered there. The following list draws on respected owner research and the advice of master mechanics.

Photo Credit: Toyota

2019 Toyota Camry

Word around the water cooler is if you want a reliable car, buy a Toyota Camry. While we can’t vouch for the veracity of the word around the water cooler on other subjects, it nails this one. A well-maintained example of this immensely popular mid-size sedan has a significant useful life.

Compared to competing mid-size cars, the Camry is “overbuilt” to offer that extra level of reliability and, importantly, serviceability that others don’t. Because of the way it is designed and assembled year after year, we are confident in putting it at the top of our list. The good news is you don’t have to sacrifice for longevity. The Camry offers a roomy interior, comfortable ride, and these days it is better looking than ever inside and out.

Photo Credit: Honda

2019 Honda Accord

The Honda Accord has a reputation for reliability that rivals that of the Camry, and for good reason. For decades it has been one of the best-built cars in America. Those seeking reliability and creature comforts will find what they want in the Accord… and probably a lot more.

First, the Accord is more fun to drive than any mid-size sedan this side of the BMW 3 Series has any right to be. Creature comforts abound. And if you change the oil regularly, the Honda Accord will be a car that easily outlasts your monthly car payments. And that’s the idea.

Photo Credit: Toyota

2019 Toyota Prius

With fuel prices relatively low, today’s car buyers have a tendency to overlook the Toyota Prius. But for buyers seeking vehicle longevity, they’d be missing a very good bet if they did. We don’t have to tell you the Prius delivers off-the-charts fuel economy — can you say 58 miles per gallon in the city?

But what might be a little under-sung is its longevity. All our sources point to the Prius as a great vehicle for the long haul. No, it isn’t the quickest car on the planet, but this is yet another case of slow-and-steady winning the race. You might have pause regarding its battery-pack life, but Toyota has been so ultra-conservative in its engineering that battery packs typically last the life of the car.

Photo Credit: Honda

2019 Honda Civic

The Honda Civic would be a terrific car to buy even if it didn’t offer excellent longevity. It is economical to purchase and inexpensive to operate; comfortable to ride in yet fun to drive. Toss in its stellar record for staying on the road, and you have a major hit.

The Civic comes in various configurations, but the go-to for greatest longevity is the conventional gasoline-fueled in-line four-cylinder engine with automatic transmission. Depending upon trim level, the Civic can be equipped with a wide variety of features including a multi-speaker audio system, steering-wheel-mounted controls, and Bluetooth. The Civic’s safety story is solid, too — antilock brakes, electronic brake distribution, traction control, stability control, and multi-stage airbags.

Photo Credit: Toyota

2019 Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla has been one of the most popular vehicles in the world for decades. The reasons? Quality, reliability, and dependability. You can count on the Corolla to roll its odometer over at least once and maybe twice. All you need to do is feed it clean fuel, oil, and coolant on a regular basis. There are no built-in flaws or hidden booby traps. Mechanics say it is robustly engineered and well-constructed.

The Corolla won’t bowl you over with its interior design, but it does feature air conditioning, remote keyless entry, power windows, antilock brakes, stability control, and half a dozen airbags. In fact, Toyota’s standard SafetySense suite of active safety devices is one of the best in the world.

Photo Credit: Lexus

2019 Lexus ES

Enthusiast auto writers might scoff at the Lexus ES five-passenger luxury sedan because it is no sporty BMW 3 Series. Well, let them scoff at you as you’re on the way to the bank to make another big deposit. The ES isn’t just a good-looking, supremely comfortable luxury car; it is also a longevity champion.

Under the hood is a 302-horsepower V6 engine driving the front wheels via a solid eight-speed automatic transmission. The ES never feels like is straining, and the shifts are smooth as whipped cream. With a luxurious interior and a rich array of features, the ES is a keeper that will continue to provide satisfying transportation for years and years.

Photo Credit: Hyundai

2018 Hyundai Elantra

The Hyundai Elantra is proof that the Korean automaker has emerged into the top level of vehicle quality. J.D. Power gave the 2018 Elantra its highest marks for Overall Quality, and Consumer Reports gives it a top score for “predicted reliability.”

The Elantra’s base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that delivers 147 horsepower. The Elantra Eco has a 128-horsepower 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, while the Elantra Sport is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 201 horsepower. Because of its copious interior room, the EPA classifies the Elantra as a mid-size car even though it typically competes with compact cars in price.

Photo Credit: General Motors

2019 Chevrolet Impala

Okay, the Chevrolet Impala isn’t the flashiest large sedan on the market. But if you are looking for staying power, the Impala has the goods. It is a perennial mention on J.D. Power’s list of the most dependable large cars. These days, the Impala offers two engine choices — standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder and optional 3.6-liter V6.

Niceties include an available 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, and OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity plus a Wi-Fi hotspot. Ten standard airbags and a rear-vision camera system help keep things safe. Exterior styling offers an upscale aura, and the Impala has plenty of interior room and trunk space. This is a car you and your family can grow into.

Photo Credit: Buick

2018 Buick LaCrosse

For the past several years Buick has been cruising along as one of the most dependable brands out there. This year J.D. Power named Buick its “highest rated dependability brand.” One of the key models carrying water for Buick is its flagship LaCrosse. This five-passenger premium sedan offers attractive exterior styling, rich interior treatments, and a solid, comfortable ride.

There is also a degree of innovation in Buick’s mild-hybrid four-cylinder powertrain. It offers good drivability and startling 29 mpg combined fuel economy rating. Another choice is the conventional 3.6-liter V6, and that might be a better bet for extreme longevity. Either way, luxury is there to enjoy for years with amenities like standard dual-zone automatic climate control and an infotainment system with an 8-inch-diagonal color touchscreen.

Photo Credit: Kia

2018 Kia Rio

The Kia Rio doesn’t take its segment in a new direction; it doesn’t offer startlingly new powertrains or radical styling. What it delivers is good, reliable transportation that you can count on for the long haul. The subcompact Rio was redesigned for the 2018 model year, but the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine wasn’t new — and for those seeking longevity that is an advantage. The 130-horsepower engine got enhancements, but it remained the solidly reliable propulsion-provider that it had come to be.

Standard safety features include six airbags, side-impact door beams, electronic stability control, anti-lock brake system, hill-start assist control, and vehicle stability management. In the Kia tradition, it also offers a rich feature set that will keep you comfortable as the years fall off the calendar.

How Long Do Jeeps Last? What To Know About Lifespan

CoPilot Compare makes it easy to compare trim packages & features across Jeep year models. See exactly what features vehicles’ have — and which they lack.

Jeep is an iconic American brand that made some of the most popular off-roading vehicles, including the legendary Wrangler. With the slogan “Go Anywhere, Do Anything,” Jeep continues its legacy of off-roading excellence with no signs of slowing down.

Whether you’re a current Jeep owner or a potential buyer of a new or used off-road Jeep, one of the many questions you have is likely: How long do Jeeps last?

Jeeps are designed for rugged performance and traversing the most challenging terrains, so it’s easy to think it’s durable enough to last a long while. But is that the case with the venerable Jeep?

Today’s post will highlight the reliability and longevity of Jeep. Just how many miles can you squeeze out of your Jeep? Is Jeep a reliable brand? Which Jeep models should you buy if you’re searching for longevity? We’ll answer these questions and more.

How Far and Long Can You Drive a Jeep?

How long do Jeeps last? In general, a Jeep’s longevity depends on numerous factors. Having said that, the more reliable Jeeps can easily reach 200,000 miles with reasonable care and maintenance. Many Jeep owners claimed they could put north of 300,000 miles on their vehicles. However, the keyword here is “reliable” because not all Jeeps can be counted on to reach such high mileage.

According to a new study of iSeeCars.com, the Jeep brand doesn’t even make it into the top 15 longest-lasting cars, SUVs, and trucks – these are models capable of hitting 200,000 miles. As you might expect, the top 15 are populated by vehicles from Toyota, Honda, GMC, Ford, etc.

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However, that doesn’t mean that Jeeps won’t last you a long while. One of the most reliable Jeep models out there is the legendary Wrangler. Although most vehicles will have troubles within five years, and that’s when most warranties expire, the Wrangler generally breezes through the dreaded 5-year mark. According to many Wrangler enthusiasts, it typically reaches 280,000 miles, with a few models reaching up to 400,000 miles and 20 years of service.

Off-road junkies expect their Wranglers to take a beating and still work, allowing them to rack up more miles than most off-road vehicles. However, ultra-high mileage is only possible with responsible ownership, which means staying on top of maintenance and repairs.

Jeep Reliability Ratings

How long do Jeeps last? If you want to squeeze more miles out of your Jeep, you need to look at reliability. A reliable vehicle means less likely to have significant problems and rack up more miles on the road.

So, is Jeep a reliable car brand? It’s a mixed bag.

Jeep has a reliability rating that’s slightly ahead of the pack. According to RepairPal, Jeep has a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, with a 15th ranking out of 32 car brands. Meanwhile, Consumer Reports listed Jeep as one of the most unreliable brands in the market. One particular model dragged Jeep to the bottom – the Jeep Wrangler. According to Consumer Reports, the Jeep Wrangler SUV earned an overall score of 28 out of 100.

Jeep performed better in the frequency of repairs, scoring an average of 0.3 shop visits annually. Also, 13% of Jeep repairs are considered severe, slightly higher than 12% for all car models. In addition, Jeep owners can expect to pay an average of $634 per year for unscheduled repairs.

Common Issues With Jeep Vehicles

No make or model is without its issues, and Jeeps are no exception. Below are some of the most common problems with Jeep vehicles:

• Death wobble: The “death wobble” is perhaps the most infamous problem in the Jeep community. It’s a body integrity issue where the Jeep’s steering wheel will shake and vibrate violently while driving at high speeds, especially when hitting a bump. Despite the ominous name, there were no reported deaths from this issue.
• Exhaust leaks: Certain model years of the Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Wrangler suffered from exhaust leaks. Apparently, the exhaust manifold was prone to developing cracks after many cycles of heating and cooling. Replacement manifolds were installed to prevent these leaks.
• Clogged fuel injectors: Many Jeep owners complained about clogged fuel injectors, which can disrupt fuel flow and lead to misfires and engine “stumble.” A standard solution is to use fuel additives to clean the injectors.
• Transfer case failure: The Jeep uses the transfer case when shifting between 4WD and 2WD. The transfer case was reportedly prone to leaks due to wear and tear. This issue prevents drivers from engaging the 4WD, which defeats the purpose of owning a Jeep.

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Gap insurance can prevent you from making payments on an already-totalled car, but is gap insurance worth it? We break down what gap insurance is, if it’s worth it, and more — simply and with plenty of examples.

Which Jeep Models are the Most Reliable?

As mentioned, reliability and longevity go hand in hand. If you want to buy a new or used Jeep model that will last, consider the following models:

Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Grand Cherokee is an American icon and is one of the more reliable Jeeps you can buy. With the new 2022 version, the Grand Cherokee comes in a new grown-up, elegant design, all the latest tech features, an upscale interior, and the option of a hybrid model. Moreover, the Grand Cherokee consistently scores higher on the reliability scale.

The Grand Cherokee was built with durability and longevity in mind. Earlier Grand Cherokees have lasted more than 200,000 miles and up to 20 years in service. Some reports indicated that the 2011 Grand Cherokee managed to hit more than 300,000 miles.

Jeep Gladiator

Commonly referred to as the pickup version of the Wrangler, the Jeep Gladiator is a relatively new vehicle but has found a niche. As expected, the Gladiator excels in off-roading but has surprising on-road driving dynamics. While it doesn’t exactly add anything new to the table, the Gladiator is a fun option in the midsize pickup truck segment.

Like most modern vehicles, the Gladiator can reach up to 200,000 miles and 14 years with proper care and maintenance.

Jeep Wrangler

The Wrangler is available in many iterations; unfortunately, many of them are not known for reliability. Some of the newer Wranglers have decent reliability ratings. In combination with its strong off-road performance and iconic styling, the Wrangler presents a solid choice in terms of reliability.

According to Motor and Wheels, the Jeep Wrangler has an average lifespan of 10-15 years and between 100,000-280,000 of mileage. However, several Wrangler owners boast that their SUV has reached 400,000, which is impressive. A good candidate for a reliable Wrangler is the 2018 model year.

THE BEST USED LUXURY CARS ON THE MARKET

Buying a used or CPO luxury car is one of the smartest buys you can make — you can get a lot of car for not much money. You can pick up a three-year-old luxury car for about half of what you’d pay new. Check out this list of the best used luxury cars on the market to find the best deals.

Improving Your Jeep’s Longevity

How long do Jeeps last? The longevity of your Jeep largely rests in your hands as the owner. Jeeps aren’t the most reliable vehicles out there, so they need all the help to stay on the road. This means staying on top of your vehicle repairs and maintenance services, including oil changes, tire rotations, fluid exchanges, and more.

The Jeep’s longevity depends on your style of driving as well. Being a more conservative driver can extend your car’s lifespan. This doesn’t mean you should drive ultra meticulously, but gentle driving and consideration can go a long way.

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The best part? CoPilot is built using the same technology that dealerships use to buy and sell their inventories, so we have more info on each vehicle than competitors. CoPilot doesn’t work with dealerships, so there are no sponsored posts or other shady practices — just the most info on the best cars. Check out our About Us page to see how CoPilot works.

10 States Where Cars Last The Longest

You’re going to have to head south of the Mason-Dixie line if you’re want to stretch out your car’s longevity. Kentucky rolls into the number 10 spot – tied with Kansas – with the average age of vehicles on the rock clocking in at 13 years.

9. Kansas – 13.0 Years

Next on the list is Kansas in America’s heartland. Here , the average age of cars on the road is 13 years . The state’s mild climate likely contributes to keeping cars on the road longer.

8. South Dakota – 13.1 Years

Heading north will get you to South Dakota where cars last just a tad older on the road compared to the rest of the country , clocking in at 13.1 years old .

7. Wyoming – 13.2 Years

Moving west , and the average age of cars on the road goes up in Wyoming ever so slightly . Here , cars average 13.2 years on the road .

6. Alabama – 13.2 Years

Alabama ties Wyoming for vehicle longevity at 13.2 years, beating the national average by two years. If you don’t like the wide-open skies and sprawling vistas of Wyoming, then you can head to the deep south.

5. Oregon – 13.5 Years

The Pacifica Northwest is prominent on this list . Oregon clocks in as the fifth best state for vehicle longevity with the average age of cars on the road clocking in at 13.5 years .

4. Washington – 13.6 Years

Washington barely squeaks past Oregon, with an average of 13.6 years . The mild Pacific Northwest climate certainly helps .

3. Alaska – 13.6 Years

Alaska takes the third spot , which seems like the odd one out on this list . The average age of cars on the road in Alaska is 13.6 years old . The state ‘s outlier status could be a result of the low number of registered vehicles in the state – just 668,000.

2. Montana – 14.3 Years

Montana has some of the oldest cars on the road , with the average age hitting 14.3 years . Strangely, Montana does not require safety inspections or emission testing .

1. Idaho – 14.3 Years

Idaho crushes the national average of average vehicle age of vehicles by 3.1 years . With its 1.59 million registered vehicles on the road , the Gem State joins others in the region with above average vehicle longevity .

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Automobile longevity is a fickle monster to nail down, especially when you’re trying to break it down by each state because what makes a car last longer isn’t necessarily tied to where you live. It can certainly help when you factor in climate and the quality of the infrastructure. But little beats proper vehicle maintenance and care. A garage, frequent car washes – especially during those winter months in states that use road salt – and regular oil changes can go a long way in keeping a car on the road longer.

To figure out in which state your car will last the longest, we compiled data from Auto Alliance, an advocacy group for the automotive industry. Now, moving to these states won’t magically make your car last longer, but these are the states with the oldest vehicles on the road on average. These beat the national average age of vehicles on the road, which was 11.2 years in 2016 when the data was compiled. Click through to check out the 10 states where your car will last the longest.