Cars that maintain their performance, reliability, and comfort after reaching the milestone of 250,000 miles are a testament to excellent engineering, proper maintenance, and durable design.
While many vehicles face significant wear and tear as the odometer climbs, certain models consistently prove their longevity and value.
These cars offer peace of mind to owners who depend on their vehicles for daily commutes, long trips, or work-related travel, knowing they can trust their dependable performance for years on end.
This article will highlight nine cars notable for running like new even after logging a quarter-million miles.
By examining each vehicle, we will explore what makes them stand out in terms of engine durability, build quality, ease of maintenance, and owner satisfaction.
Whether you are considering a long-lasting car purchase or are curious about which models have earned reputations for high mileage endurance, this detailed overview will shed light on the attributes that contribute to impressive lifespan and reliability in the automotive world.
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1. Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser has long been recognized as the epitome of durability and reliability on and off the road.
Known for its rugged build and powerful engine options, the Land Cruiser is designed with endurance in mind, capable of handling everything from harsh terrain to daily driving demands while maintaining exceptional reliability.
One of the core strengths of the Land Cruiser is its robust engine lineup. Many models come with a V8 engine that combines power with reliability, delivering smooth performance with minimal mechanical issues.
These engines, paired with a solid frame and heavy-duty suspension, contribute to the Land Cruiser’s ability to keep running smoothly well beyond the 250,000-mile mark.
The vehicle’s drivetrain and transmission systems are engineered to withstand years of tough use, often requiring little more than routine maintenance to keep them in optimal shape.
Owner reports and automotive experts frequently praise the Land Cruiser for its hassle-free longevity.
Some examples have been documented to exceed 300,000 miles with original engines and transmissions intact, which speaks volumes about Toyota’s quality control and engineering philosophy.
The interior, while built to be comfortable, emphasizes durability over luxury, employing materials that resist wear and tear, making the cabin as resilient as the vehicle’s mechanics.
Additionally, Toyota’s extensive network of service centers and availability of parts contribute to the Land Cruiser’s long life.
Regular servicing, such as oil changes, brake inspections, and timely replacement of wearable parts, are straightforward and ensure the vehicle remains roadworthy very late into its life cycle.
For owners who value a vehicle that can go the distance without major overhauls, the Land Cruiser remains a top choice, combining reliability with off-road capability and class-leading endurance.
The Toyota Land Cruiser continues to be a benchmark for vehicles designed to last. Its blend of engineering, maintenance ease, and driving performance makes it a trusted companion for those who expect their cars to perform like new after a quarter-million miles or more.
2. Honda Accord
The Honda Accord has built an unwavering reputation for enduring quality and mechanical resilience.
Owners and mechanics alike frequently report Accords reaching well beyond 250,000 miles with only modest maintenance and the occasional replacement of common wear parts. Much of this longevity can be traced to Honda’s meticulous engineering approach and the use of tried-and-true components.
One of the principal reasons the Accord achieves such longevity is its carefully tuned engine. Honda’s four-cylinder engines, particularly those from the eighth and ninth generations, are celebrated for their reliability.
Many Accords equipped with manual transmissions or well-maintained automatics experience minimal serious issues, even after years of daily use.
Timing chains instead of belts in some models help further reduce major maintenance events, and the general simplicity of the Accord’s mechanical layout keeps repairs straightforward.
Another aspect contributing to the Accord’s high mileage reliability is its resilient chassis and suspension components. Even when exposed to demanding road conditions, the structure remains tight, and the ride quality doesn’t degrade significantly.
Owners often note that, aside from typical wear items like brakes, tires, and suspension bushings, the vehicles require little in the way of major repairs.
Inside the Accord, the focus on durability is clear. Fabrics, plastics, and controls hold up to years of use, while features such as the comfortable seating and sound insulation help the vehicle feel fresh and enjoyable, even at higher mileages.
Many drivers remark that, with vigilant routine care, their Accords still drive and sound almost new on the highway, demonstrating how little aging affects well-maintained examples.
Routine oil changes, timely fluid replacements, and basic preventive care are usually all it takes to keep an Accord on the road for the long haul.
Honda’s broad dealership support and the long-standing popularity of the Accord mean that parts are readily available and affordable.
For drivers who value a practical, fuel-efficient, and enduring sedan, the Accord remains a prime choice, excelling at providing nearly new performance and reliability deep into its lifespan.
3. Lexus LS 400
The Lexus LS 400, especially from the 1990s and early 2000s, is often cited as a luxury car that redefines what people expect from long-lasting vehicles. When Lexus debuted the LS 400, their goal was to set a new benchmark in both quality and longevity, and they undoubtedly achieved it.
At the heart of the LS 400’s reliability is the revered 4.0-liter V8 engine, which is renowned for its smoothness and near-bulletproof construction.
Combined with a perfectly matched automatic transmission, this powertrain can handle immense mileage without losing its trademark refinement.
Many proud LS 400 owners have reported crossing 300,000 or even 400,000 miles with only routine maintenance, a feat that puts it in a rarefied company of vehicles.
Another component of the LS 400’s durability is the painstaking build quality Lexus employed.
Each car was assembled with exceptional attention to detail, resulting in a chassis and interior that resist the common pitfalls of luxury vehicles, such as squeaks, rattles, and premature wear.
The materials used in the seats, dashboard, and controls are as resilient as they are comfortable, helping the LS 400 retain a feeling of newness well into its life.
Mechanics often describe the LS 400 as over-engineered, meaning many aspects of the car were designed to surpass their expected service life spans.
Suspension parts, steering components, and braking systems all tend to last much longer than average before needing replacement. When those repairs are necessary, Lexus made both access and part availability far more straightforward than many competing luxury vehicles.
Regular maintenance such as transmission fluid changes, timing belt replacements, and attention to the cooling system, are all that’s typically required to keep the LS 400 running at peak performance. Thanks to a global community of enthusiasts and strong parts support, these cars can be kept in prime condition for decades.
For those seeking a refined, comfortable sedan that refuses to show its age past a quarter of a million miles, the LS 400 stands as a testament to what thoughtful engineering and craftsmanship can achieve.
4. Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is synonymous with toughness and reliability, qualities that have drawn legions of loyal followers in the truck community.
Designed to tackle demanding workloads or adventurous off-road trails, the Tacoma is also known for its uncanny ability to run and feel like new far after the odometer turns over 250,000 miles.
Toyota engineered the Tacoma’s powertrains with simplicity and strength as priorities. The 2.7-liter four-cylinder and the widely praised 4.0-liter V6 engines earn particular accolades for their long-term endurance.
Both options have recorded cases of ongoing reliability under heavy use, with only standard replacement of routine wear parts. Transmission choices, whether manual or automatic, are straightforward and built for longevity, rarely requiring significant repairs if serviced on schedule.
What sets the Tacoma apart is more than just mechanical reliability. The truck’s sturdy body-on-frame construction is purpose-built for both durability and adaptability, making it equally suitable for city use or rugged conditions.
Many Tacoma owners routinely haul heavy loads, transport equipment, or drive over rough trails without significant issues.
Even after years of exposure to tough environments, the truck’s suspension and chassis components tend to hold up exceptionally well, often outperforming more delicate competitors.
Ease of maintenance is another selling point. The Tacoma’s straightforward design makes it a favorite among DIY mechanics and service shops alike. Common service items like fluids, belts, hoses, and brakes are easily accessible, and the huge supply of new and aftermarket parts keeps upkeep affordable.
Inside, the Tacoma takes a utilitarian approach, favoring hard-wearing materials throughout the cabin. Seats, switches, and interior surfaces are engineered for durability, resisting the kind of wear that quickly ages less robust vehicles.
Drivers who maintain their Tacomas report that both the driving feel and the aesthetic of the truck remain surprisingly fresh for years.
Whether used as a daily driver or a hardworking utility vehicle, the Toyota Tacoma consistently demonstrates a unique ability to feel solid and capable, no matter how many miles it accumulates.
5. Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is widely regarded as one of the most reliable and enduring compact cars ever produced.
From its early generations through the present, the Civic has become a staple for drivers seeking an economical, fuss-free vehicle able to withstand years of high mileage without significant deterioration in performance or comfort.
One core reason for the Civic’s impressive staying power is its lineage of smooth, efficient, and robust four-cylinder engines.
Honda’s renowned engineering precision means that these engines, especially when regularly maintained, can reach a quarter-million miles or more while retaining peppy throttle response and impressive fuel efficiency.
The Civic’s transmissions both automatic and manual, are also celebrated for their reliability. Many owners even attest that with regular fluid changes and timely clutch or filter replacements, their Civics shift as smoothly after 250,000 miles as they did on day one.
The Civic’s maintenance requirements are predictably manageable, thanks in part to a simple, accessible engine bay and straightforward mechanical layout.
Oil changes, brake jobs, and timing belt or chain services are typically inexpensive and easy to perform, whether you use a trusted mechanic or handle the work yourself.
Because the Civic is one of the most popular vehicles globally, parts availability is second-to-none, and aftermarket support is robust, allowing for both affordable repairs and performance upgrades.
Equally important, the Civic’s chassis and suspension are engineered for longevity and resilience. The car feels agile and controlled even on ageing suspension components, and the body structure resists squeaks and rattles found in lesser vehicles as the miles accumulate.
The interior is crafted with hard-wearing plastics and fabrics, ensuring the cabin retains a sense of quality over time. Seats and controls remain supportive and tactile, so the car doesn’t feel ‘worn out’ even with a high-mile odometer.
Owners frequently document mileages of 300,000 or more, attributing this to Honda’s dedication to mechanical simplicity, solid parts quality, and sound manufacturing processes.
Whether driven in city traffic, on highways, or through challenging weather, the Civic’s ability to maintain its “like new” feel so far into its lifespan remains a testament to its reputation for enduring excellence.
6. Volvo 240
The Volvo 240 is not just a classic automotive icon; it’s a symbol of longevity, practicality, and safety. Produced from the mid-1970s through the early 1990s, the 240 became the gold standard for drivers who valued durability and peace of mind above all else.
Even today, thousands of Volvo 240s are in daily use, some boasting well above 250,000 miles with surprisingly original major components.
Central to the 240’s legendary reliability is its venerable “red block” four-cylinder engine. Renowned for its ruggedness and ease of maintenance, this engine can run indefinitely with basic care—oil changes, timing belt replacements, and occasional gasket updates.
The engine bay, designed with mechanics in mind, makes every routine job straightforward, reducing the risk of overlooked problems and encouraging proactive care.
The manual and automatic transmissions used in these cars are also long-lived, with parts readily available thanks to a vast global network of Volvo specialists.
The 240’s platform was engineered for toughness, featuring a heavy-duty body shell and excellent corrosion protection for its era.
Suspension and steering components, though basic and sometimes a bit stiff, are renowned for their sheer strength and straightforward construction.
Even after decades and hundreds of thousands of miles, well-maintained 240s often drive without developing the creaks and groans typical of similarly aged vehicles.
Inside, the Volvo 240 is famously spartan, but it is exactly this utilitarian focus that makes the interior hold up so well.
Controls, seat fabric, and switchgear were chosen for longevity, resulting in dashboards and controls nearly as crisp today as the day they left the factory floor.
Cabins remain surprisingly clear of rattles, and even the manual window cranks and analog gauges keep working reliably, fortifying the 240’s reputation for “forever” build quality.
Perhaps even more remarkable, classic Volvo 240s are still easily serviceable today, with parts and expertise widely available.
Enthusiast communities and classic Volvo clubs help keep these vehicles running, swapping tips, sharing knowledge, and making ownership of a high-mile 240 a unique and satisfying experience.
For those who appreciate the charm of a straightforward, nearly indestructible car, the Volvo 240 sets the standard for longevity.
7. Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback earned its place as a favorite among adventure-seeking families and drivers who value practicality in harsh conditions.
Known for its rugged all-wheel-drive system and boxer engines, the Outback has carved a niche as a wagon that works as hard as it plays and it does so for the long haul.
The appeal of the Subaru Outback lies first in its reliable powertrain. Subaru’s horizontally opposed (boxer) engines, especially the later 2.5-litre and 3.6-liter variants, have demonstrated an impressive ability to run strong into the high-mileage range.
When owner attention is given to timing belt or chain services, head gasket monitoring, and regular oil changes, the engines tend to keep their smooth operation and ample low-end torque well past the 250,000-mile point.
Subaru’s Lineartronic continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), as well as earlier conventional automatics and manuals, can also achieve long service lives with proper care, fluid changes, and software updates.
The Outback’s signature full-time all-wheel-drive system not only enhances safety and handling in difficult conditions but is also engineered for durability.
Transfer cases, differentials, and axles are built to withstand extreme weather, rough dirt roads, and even light off-road adventures.
Owners enthusiastically report that their Outbacks continue to deliver quiet cruising and confidence-inspiring drivability at mileages where lesser wagons or crossovers might already feel loose or tired.
The interior is a showcase of Subaru’s commitment to hard-wearing materials and ergonomic layouts. Seats and while simple, keep their comfort and integrity through years of use, while controls remain responsive, and electronic features continue to operate as designed.
Even after years of hauling camping gear, muddy pets, or ski equipment, Outback cabins often remain free of excessive wear.
Regular maintenance is key, as Subaru vehicles do benefit from timely attention to fluids, head gaskets (in earlier models), and the cooling system.
Thanks to a robust community of enthusiasts and cost-effective access to replacement parts, keeping an Outback in prime condition is entirely feasible.
Those who need a vehicle capable of surviving snowy winters, unpaved mountain roads, or simply years of commuting will find in the Outback a car that stays dependable, safe, and comfortable even after a quarter-million miles.
8. Ford Crown Victoria
The Ford Crown Victoria, a mainstay of American police fleets, taxis, and road trip enthusiasts, is infamous for its robustness and ability to handle serious mileage.
Built with a tried-and-true formula of body-on-frame construction, a V8 powerplant, and minimalistic, easily serviceable components, the Crown Victoria routinely logs giant mile totals and does so with remarkable composure.
At the heart of the Crown Victoria’s endurance is the 4.6-liter “Modular” V8 engine. This motor is celebrated for being nearly indestructible when maintained proactively.
Aside from basic servicing oil changes, spark plugs, and simple timing chain tensioner replacements, the Crown Vic’s engine rarely causes headaches.
Many fleet-maintained examples easily top half a million miles, and it’s not uncommon to see ex-taxi and police units still on the road with their original engines and transmissions intact.
The Panther chassis, shared with the Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car, is just as durable.
Designed to withstand the rigors of fleet use, the frame, suspension, and driveline components can absorb rough city streets, heavy loads, and constant stop-and-go traffic without developing chronic issues.
Repairs are straightforward, parts are cheap and ubiquitous, and nearly any mechanic knows how to keep these cars running.
Inside, the Crown Victoria doesn’t dazzle with fancy trim, but its controls and hardware are intentionally plain and built for the long haul.
Taxi and police duty cars feature reinforced seats, durable plastics, and simple, reliable switchgear. Air conditioning systems, often a weak point in older cars, are famous for keeping their cool and remaining repairable far longer than most rivals.
The Crown Victoria appeals to those who appreciate big-car comfort, smooth V8 power, and no-nonsense maintenance. It thrives on routine service, and with so many in service for decades, the supply of parts and knowledge is vast.
For drivers who value a classic American sedan that shrugs off hard miles and keeps cruising like new, it’s hard to find a better choice.
9. Mercedes-Benz W123
The Mercedes-Benz W123 series, produced from the mid-1970s through the mid-1980s, is often credited as “the car that just won’t die.” Revered by taxi drivers, world travelers, and meticulous collectors, the W123 has earned its status as one of the most bulletproof and durable cars ever built.
An essential part of the W123’s longevity is its line of diesel engines. The 2.4-litre, 3.0-litre naturally aspirated, and the iconic 3.0-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel variants are among the longest-living powerplants in automotive history.
While these cars are not known for speed, their engines are virtually immune to catastrophic failure if simply maintained with regular oil and filter changes and kept supplied with clean diesel fuel.
It’s not uncommon to encounter well-cared-for W123 diesels pushing past 500,000 miles, still retaining a smooth idle and steady power delivery.
Mercedes-Benz engineered the W123 for easy repair and service, with a focus on building tolerances and parts that last far longer than industry norms. Suspension, brakes, and electrical systems remain serviceable for decades.
Owners routinely note that the doors, hood, and trunk still close with the same reassuring solidity as when new, despite the passage of decades and hundreds of thousands of miles.
The W123’s interior sets a benchmark for resilience. Hard-wearing leather, MB-Tex vinyl, and quality wood trim show little age even after extraordinary use. Switches and knobs, dashboards, and door panels all resist the typical wear-and-tear of lesser vehicles.
As a result, the car maintains its inviting look and feel long after the competition succumbs to frayed fabric, cracking plastics, or malfunctioning electronics.
One important aspect is the vibrant global enthusiast base, which ensures that replacement parts and specialized expertise are both accessible and affordable.
This loyal following means these cars are not just surviving but thriving on roads in every corner of the world each one a tribute to Mercedes’ overbuilt approach of this era.
For drivers who want a true classic that feels solid, drives reliably, and ages gracefully with every mile, the W123 is a legend unmatched in the high-mileage durability world.
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