Which car has the longest lifespan
HotCars
We all want a car that was built to last, but that is not always the case. There are some that have a life span of fewer than five years, and others are known for their constant costly repairs. You deserve something that will get you the most for your money so it doesn't feel like you are flushing it down the drain every time you even look at your car.
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We have compiled a list of cars that are guaranteed to give you years and years of pleasant bliss. You might have to make some minor adjustments here and there if you properly maintain your vehicle, but that is expected. Keep reading to learn about ten cars with the longest life spans!
10 10.Toyota Sequoia
Toyota has proven itself in the car industry as an empire that makes long-lasting cars. The average maintenance cost is $464 per year, but that is not bad seeing as you are guaranteed a car that will last you more years than you can count.
It is a great SUV that you can take camping, use for your commute, or even just for a drive around the block. It is as sharp as the engineers who made this and it is one purchase you won't ever regret.
9 9. Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango has been a staple in the American car economy as people go on unbelievable adventures in this vehicle. It has enough room to carry supplies to last you a couple of weeks, as well as the ability to add a roof rack to its design.
The major plus comes in when you discuss its reliable life span. These cars were built to last, which is why so many are still seen today. The miles you put on your odometer won't matter because it can withstand any test time seems to throw in its direction.
8 8. Honda Odyssey
The Honda Odyssey is a timeless vehicle that has been around since 1995, and it is still going strong despite its age. It has managed to survive the test of time as it takes every season in stride and still continues to outlast its fellow competitors.
The van itself may have seen changes as the years have passed, but its integrity and history of longevity have remained intact. It is a warrior in a sea of vans and its high mileage is the reason why it is the perfect vehicle for you and your family.
7 7. Lincoln Navigator
This was one car brand you didn't expect to see on this list, but Lincoln managed to make the cut with this vehicle. It is a luxury vehicle, which is all the more reason why it should last longer than other more average vehicles on the market.
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Unfortunately, that is not always the case, but it is part of the reason why this SUV should be on your list for your next vehicle. It does come with a hefty price tag of $75,000, but it is well worth the cash as it lasts longer than anyone would have ever expected.
6 6. Honda Civic
You can plan on spending an average of $293 per year on repairs in the Honda Civic, but if taken care of properly it will last an eternity. It has been proven time and time again that these cars were built to last as several of them have made it well into 200,000 miles and beyond.
They were made to withstand the daily commute and provide you with a reliable ride that will keep you safely on the road for longer than you could have ever imagined. There are some who say the best years to buy are those between 2006 and 20011, and avoid buying the 2012 version at all cost.
5 5. Chevrolet Suburban
This is the first vehicle to ever reach 75 years of continuous production, and it owes part of its success to the fact that it has such a long lifespan. This large SUV is the perfect car to raise a family with as it has plenty of room to store your kids, their friends, and bags of their things. You won't know how to live without this staple in your life when it finally does go after it hits its ending point over a decade later.
4 4.GMC Yukon XL
This beast is relatively cheap to repair at $260 per year on average, which is why there should be no question when it comes to your next vehicle. They are undeniably reliable and it might even be better to buy a used model if you don't feel like dishing out the $53,400 for the 2020 model.
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Itmight not be in the luxury category, but it should be, especially if you buy the upper trim packages. The design is sleek and will make you feel like royalty, especially as you stockpile up on all the money your friends are spending when their cars day years before yours does.
3 3. Ford Taurus
Production of this vehicle may have stopped back in 2006 due to a decline in sales, but it is a great buy for anyone interested in a used car. It is surprising seeing as this car had a reputation for lasting well beyond its years, but with the development of similar Japanese cars at the time, it lost its touch. The maintenance is a bit high at $543, but keeping this car in tiptop shape will guarantee it stays healthy and fine-tuned for years after its supposed expiration date.
2 2. Toyota 4Runner
This vehicle is known for its ability to live above and beyond the 200,000-mile mark as people have reported reaching over 320,000-miles in their own personal vehicles. The repairs can be a bit costly with an average of $556 per year, but when you have the possibility of hitting miles beyond your years it makes every cent worth it. If you are in the market for an SUV then look no further than this long-lasting beast because everyone likes keeping their money inside of their wallets.
1 1. Chevrolet Impala
This infamous car made its first appearance back in 1958, but just this year they have decided to discontinue making the model. It is a shame because this car has such a long life span it is actually passed down through multiple generations of drivers.
The look has drastically changed as the years have passed but that has no hold over its impressive age and high mileage. This car reaches for the stars as it surpasses the competition year after years to help save its drivers some of their hard-earned cash.
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These are the longest-lasting car brands for 2020
- Automotive search engine iSeeCars.com analyzed more than 15.8 million car sales in 2019 to identify which brands build the longest-lasting cars.
- The company found that models from Toyota, Honda, and GMC were the most likely to last for at least 200,000 miles.
- German luxury cars from Porsche, Audi, and BMW were some of the least likely to be sold with 200,000 miles on the odometer, according to iSeeCars.com.
- Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.
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Shoppers looking for a reliable, durable, and long-lasting vehicle may want to prioritize SUVs and pickups from five key brands, according to a study from the automotive search engine and research outfit iSeeCars.com.
The company looked at more than 15.8 million used-car transactions from 2019 to identify the makes and models that are most likely to last for at least 200,000 miles. It found that on average, only 1% of used cars sold last year had at least 200,000 miles on the clock, but some brands and models proved longer lasting than the rest.
It should be noted that mileage alone is not the only metric by which you can measure reliability. Additionally, there are plenty of vehicles on the road that are reliable but may never reach 200,000 miles simply because they aren't driven enough.
According to iSeeCars.com's research, five brands Ford, GMC, and Honda among them build cars that are more likely to chug along for at least 200,000 miles than the average vehicle. The longest-lasting models are primarily SUVs and pickups, but some sedans and minivans were in the mix as well.
See the full list of the longest-lasting car brands below:
EV Lifespan: Do They Last as Long as Gasoline Cars?
Just as gasoline and diesel engines were once new technology and poo-pooed by the horse-driven public, modern battery electric vehicles (EV) are facing the same criticisms. Will electric vehicles be on the road as long as gasoline cars and diesel vehicles? Absolutely, and automakers are already delivering.
Myth Busted: Neither EVs nor Gasoline Cars Are Infallible
Since the first automobile went from production to daily driver to a cube at the junkyard, car and truck lifespan has been increasing. Notwithstanding a few outliers, such as Irv Gordons 3.2-million-mile 1966 Volvo P1800S and Matt Farahs million-mile 1996 Lexus LS400, the increasing life of the typical car is encouraging. In 1977, the average American car was just 5.5 years old. By 1995, it was 8.4 years, and in 2020, the average reached 11.9 years.
That says a lot about todays typical driver expectations and the technical advances implemented to meet them: People want cars that last. EV or gasoline-powered, they expect any car they buy today to be safe, efficient, and reliable years down the road.
Still, where and how any vehicle is driven and maintained has a significant impact on lifespan, regardless of how well an auto might be built. Harsh driving, overloading, corrosion, and neglect will destroy any vehicle before its prime, but well-maintained vehicles are no longer considered worn-out until theyve reached at least 150,000 miles.
No vehicle is infallible but there are some things that tend to give EVs a better shot at a longer lifespan.
EV Key Component Life Expectancy
When youre trying to decide between buying an electric vehicle or a conventional vehicle, there are several shared components to take out of the lifespan comparison. Both types include the following similarities:
- Modern vehicle frame and body construction last the life of the vehicle, depending on environmental factors.
- Electrical systems, such as the radio, navigation system, headlights, taillights, and power windows, generally last upwards of 10 years.
- Steering and suspension components typically last 6 to 10 years.
- Tires generally last 4 or 5 years, depending on driving habits and alignment maintenance.
- Wipers and cabin filters are typically replaced every 6 to 12 months, depending on environmental factors.
- The 12-V battery is also the same, lasting typically 5 to 7 years in typical driving.
- Brake hydraulics and calipers are the same, typically requiring service every other year.
On the other hand, major differences do exist between conventional vehicles and electric vehicles. While modern conventional powertrains, with proper maintenance, are proven to last, electric vehicle batteries and motors arent often given a fair look, mostly because of the expense of critical components like batteries.
Even so, major electric vehicle components are at least as good as their gasoline-chugging counterparts.
Motor
Electric motors typically have a single moving part, in comparison to several hundred parts in an engine. Electric motor maintenance is limited to coolant changes every 100,000 miles. Engines, in addition to coolant, require regular oil changes, air filters, and likely spark plugs in that time. Both motors and engines are proven to last upwards of 20 years.
Transmission
Since electric vehicles usually arent equipped with a transmission, just a single gear reduction, theyre the clear winner in the transmission lifespan comparison. For modern conventional vehicles, manual and automatic transmissions typically last upwards of 15 years, requiring fluid services at least every 100,000 miles.
Battery
Lithium-ion battery packs are expensive, but they last a long time. So far, the typical EV battery has been proven to last about 200,000 miles, nearly 20 years. Tesla is rumored to be developing an EV battery that will last 1,000,000 miles, much longer than the average vehicle, currently 11.9 years. Major EV makers report few battery replacements in the last decade.
Brakes
Brake services offer an interesting comparison. Because electric vehicles use regenerative braking to slow the vehicle, the hydraulic brake system isnt used as much. While conventional vehicle brakes last 25,000 to 65,000 miles, depending on vehicle type and driver habits, hybrid and EV pads and rotors are known to last much longer. Some hybrid and EV owners report their brakes lasting over 100,000 miles.
EV Maintenance Matters!
Electric vehicles simpler powertrains require less service, which actually makes required services more critical. How you drive, charge, and maintain your electric vehicle will play a big part in how long it lasts, just like it does with a gasoline-powered vehicle. There are two key areas to pay attention to.
Cooling System Checks
Cooling system maintenance is important. A combination of active and passive heating and cooling keep the battery pack around 70 F for best lifespan. Pay close attention to cooling system maintenance, such as coolant or air filter replacement.
Battery Charging Practices
Charging practices are critical. While the battery management system (BMS) manages charge rates to protect the battery, you can do your part by charging mainly on Level 2 chargers. You can use Level 3 charging stations on trips, but regular consistent usage of these high-power chargers will impact battery life.
EV Life Expectancy Is at Least Equal to Gas Cars
Given technological advances in both conventional and electric vehicles in the last decade, neither seems to have longevity issues. With responsible driving and maintenance habits, both should last at least a decade, if not much longer.
Government and automaker confidence seems to reflect the desire, if not the reality, of EV longevity. To help encourage confidence in EVs, federal rules now require automakers to cover major components, like the battery and electric motor, for eight years or 100,000 miles, while California extends that to 10 years or 150,000 miles. Some EV automakers even offer a lifetime guarantee, something practically unheard of in conventional vehicle warranties.
If youre shopping for a new vehicle, its good to know you can choose any car that suits you best. Eventually, as pricing and availability become more competitive, its likely that not choosing an electric vehicle will seem like a risky bet.