Buying a brand-new car means not having to worry too much about reliability, as it’s covered under warranty. However, new cars aren’t an option for everyone.
If you can’t, or won’t, buy a car fresh off the showroom floor, there are plenty of used options available, and many have a proven track record for reliability.
Methodology
We’ve scoured websites such as CarSurvey, RepairPal, YouTube, and Reddit to find some used vehicles that can keep running for decades with just regular maintenance. The cars on this list range from classics to nearly new, but all are capable of lasting half a million miles, with some even smashing through the million-mile barrier.
1st-Gen Toyota 4Runner
Toyota introduced the 4Runner in 1984, and since then, this midsize SUV has earned a reputation as one of the toughest vehicles ever made. It’s made to conquer practically any terrain, making it a fan-favorite among 4×4 and overland enthusiasts.
Provided you can find one in good condition, it’ll keep chugging along with nothing more than basic servicing. If it’s not well-maintained, prepare to change some wear and tear parts to keep it running, but that’s standard for any vehicle. Toyota offered it with a variety of engines, ranging from 2.0 to 2.2, 2.4, and 3.0-liter gasoline units, and a couple of 2.4-liter diesel mills, but the 2.2 is the best. One owner on CarSurvey claims his 1st-gen 4Runner had 1,442,300 miles on it, and several others report hundreds of thousands of miles on the odometer.
4th-Gen Honda Accord
Like Toyota, Honda has a reputation for building near-bulletproof cars that’ll run for decades. The Accord is one of their top sellers, and there’s a reason for that — it’s practically unkillable! Well, at least if it doesn’t start to rust.
Multiple owners on CarSurvey report that their fourth-gen Accord has rolled over 200,000 miles, with some even making it past the 300,000-mile mark. TFLclassics on YouTube got their hands on one that’s covered a whopping 1,003,440 miles.
Lexus LS 400
In 1989, Lexus, Toyota’s luxury division, launched the LS 400, a flagship sedan built to compete with Europe’s finest. The LS 400 didn’t just compete with them, it outperformed them in practically every way that counts — especially in terms of reliability!
Car journalist and YouTube personality Matt Farah owns a million-mile Lexus LS 400, and that car has not been babied. Farah bought it with 897,000 miles on the odometer, and says the last two owners before him didn’t take care of it at all. Since he bought it, it’s been passed around among his media friends and has become something of a celebrity in its own right.
12th-Gen Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 has been the best-selling vehicle in the US for decades , and with good reason. Sure, not all the F-150s were solid, but Ford seemingly got it right with the 12th generation, as Porterville Ford reports many owners put between 300,000 and 400,000 miles on theirs.
YouTuber Jack Fletcher is one such owner. In fact, his F-150 has over one million miles on the odometer! I guess that’s what they mean when they say “Built Ford Tough?!” Those looking for a reliable vehicle that can haul heavy loads should definitely check out this one!
5th-Gen Hyundai Elantra
If we take a 25-year step back in time, nobody would’ve guessed that Korean cars would be reliable. However, they made reliability a priority in the early 2000s, and it really shows. CarEdge reports there’s only a 5% chance that the Elantra will need major repairs during its first five years, and that’s 18% better than other cars in the segment.
One owner who took the 5th-gen Elantra’s reliability to the extreme was delivery driver Farrah Haines. She drove her 2013 Elantra an incredible one million miles in just five years, and Hyundai joined in on the celebrations.
3rd-Gen Honda CR-V
Those in the market for a cheap and reliable compact SUV could do a lot worse than the 3rd-gen Honda CR-V. It offers a spacious and comfortable interior, decent equipment, and great fuel economy. However, the biggest selling point may be its excellent reliability track record.
Several Reddit users report that their CR-Vs have rolled past the 400,000-mile mark, and the owner of a 2007 CR-V posted a picture of his car nearing one million miles — having covered 998,275 miles, to be exact. Not bad for a car that costs an estimated $407 in annual maintenance, according to RepairPal.
Lexus CT 200h
Lexus is always ranked in one of the two top spots in Consumer Reports’ reliability rankings. In 2011, the Japanese luxury brand introduced the CT 200h hybrid hatchback, and it’s a real jack of all trades, offering great handling, excellent fuel economy, practicality, and unrivaled build quality. In fact, Redditors claim it may just be the most reliable Lexus, ever, which speaks volumes.
Its powertrain comes straight out of the Toyota Prius and consists of a 1.8-liter gasoline engine and two electric motors, generating a combined 134 hp. Power-wise, there’s nothing impressive about that, but one user on the Club Lexus Forum posted that their CT200h courier vehicle has covered 600,000 miles, and that’s extraordinary!
4th-Gen Toyota Prius
Since we mentioned the Lexus CT200h, we may as well cover the Toyota Prius, too. Plenty of gearheads don’t like the Prius, largely because of its image, and the fact that it was the vehicle of choice for virtue-signalling Hollywood celebs. That said, there’s no denying the fact that it’s super-reliable and economical — especially the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th-gen models.
In its 4th-gen guise, it’s also packing all the modern safety features, making it a great choice for families. Reddit users are raving over it, with one claiming theirs has covered 350,000 miles, and CCV TV on YouTube has a video of a clean example with half a million miles on the odometer.
4th-Gen Toyota Camry
There was absolutely no way we could leave the Camry off this list. For the last 4-5 years, people have reported that it’s almost impossible to get their hands on a reasonably priced Camry, and when they do pop up, they sell immediately. Why is that? Because it’s known to be one of the most reliable cars ever! Its comfortable ride and reasonably powerful engines also help.
Toyota’s 4th-gen Camry has a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine with 134 hp as standard, but a 3.0-liter V6 with 194 workhorses is available. Either unit should be capable of covering half a million miles, like the one ABC Action News reported on, and Redditors claim to have smashed through the 400,000-mile mark with ease.
5th-Gen Toyota RAV4
In 2019, Toyota launched the 5th-gen RAV4 SUV, and it’s still going strong today after a 2021 facelift. If you want a relatively new, used vehicle, it’s hard to argue against this compact SUV, as it delivers all the modern amenities, plenty of space, and decent power. Not to mention reliability!
The Toyota RAV4 has proven itself as one of the most reliable vehicles money can buy, and there are still plenty of old, high-mileage examples on the road. Redditor UnstoppableMileage posted a story when his 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE sailed past the 450,000-mile mark, proving these vehicles will keep going forever as long as they’re properly serviced.
Cars That Stand the Test of Time
Whether you’re looking for a rugged off-roader, a fuel-sipping commuter, or a reliable family hauler, the used market has plenty of options that won’t let you down. The cars on this list prove that with proper maintenance, a well-built vehicle can last for hundreds of thousands—or even a million—miles.
Reliability isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns; it’s about getting the most out of your investment. These vehicles showcase the craftsmanship and engineering that make long-term ownership a reality. So, if you’re in the market for a used car, don’t just look at the odometer—look at the track record. With the right choice, your next car could be the one that goes the distance.
