For most people, 100,000 miles is considered a solid milestone for any car, while 200,000 miles places a vehicle firmly in the high-mileage category.
However, a few dedicated owners have pushed their cars and trucks far beyond that limit, with some rare examples even surpassing the million-mile mark.
While we’ve previously discussed the most reliable cars and engines, nothing demonstrates true reliability quite like a vehicle that continues running strong after clocking seven figures on the odometer.
Now, let’s explore some of the highest-mileage vehicles in the world many of which can be found right here in the United States:
10. 2014 Tesla Model S
- 1.18 Million Miles
When it comes to lists of million-mile vehicles, most people expect to see combustion-powered cars, but few would imagine an electric vehicle achieving such a feat especially given concerns over battery degradation.
However, Hansjerg von Gemmingen-Hornberg from Germany has defied expectations with his 2014 Tesla Model S, which has covered an astonishing 1.18 million miles.
That journey hasn’t been without challenges, as the Model S has required 13 electric motor replacements (all covered under warranty) and three battery swaps.
However, his extensive use of the vehicle has led to some positive developments, including upgrades from the EV Clinic in Croatia, which have made the latest motors more durable than the original factory-installed units.
Von Gemmingen-Hornberg isn’t afraid to push his Tesla to the limit either back in November last year, he even took it dune bashing just for the thrill of it.
9. 2006 Ford F-250
- 1.2 Million Miles
Phil Marsella purchased his Ford F-250 as a work truck for his business, and by the end of 2010, he had impressively accumulated over a million miles reaching a total of 1.2 million.
While achieving this milestone did require two engine replacements, it remains an outstanding accomplishment.
One of the replacement engines was a used unit with 100,000 miles already on it, yet it turned out to be even more reliable than the original.
Marsella also made sure to take good care of it, sticking to a strict maintenance schedule with services every 6,000 to 7,000 miles.
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8. 1983 Lincoln Towncar
- 1.3 Million Miles
Chet Belisle’s Lincoln Towncar gained national attention when it appeared on TV in 2009 after reaching an incredible 1.3 million miles.
This impressive milestone was achieved through a strict maintenance routine and a meticulous selection of replacement parts.
For forty years, the sturdy Towncar has reliably carried Belisle across the country from his home in Kansas without ever experiencing a single breakdown.
7. 1991 Chevrolet C1500 Silverado
- 1.3 Million Miles
Steak and seafood delivery driver Frank Oresnik had an extraordinary daily commute, traveling from Green Bay, Wisconsin, to Chicago, Illinois.
His trusty Chevrolet Silverado, affectionately known as “Old Girl,” proved more than capable of handling the journey, surpassing one million miles while making a TV appearance and eventually reaching an astonishing 1.3 million miles.
That milestone was achieved in 2008, and shortly afterward, Oresnik decided to list the truck for sale on eBay.
Remarkably, the engine was never replaced, though the Silverado did go through five transmissions, four radiators, and three gas tanks over the years.
6. 1963 Volkswagen Beetle
- 1.6 Million Miles
In 1966, Californian Albert Klein purchased his Volkswagen Beetle for $1,900 and went on to drive it for over 1.5 million miles over the next three decades.
However, this remarkable achievement wasn’t without its challenges throughout its lifespan, the Beetle underwent seven engine replacements and three new transmissions.
By 1987, after surpassing the one-million-mile mark, Klein was rewarded with a brand-new VW Fox from the Pasadena dealership where he had originally bought the Beetle.
The last recorded update on its mileage was 1.6 million miles in 1994, after which the iconic car was placed in a museum.
5. 1963 Plymouth Fury
- 1.62 Million Miles
Joseph Vaillancourt’s Plymouth Fury spent most of its life as a taxi, racking up an incredible 1.62 million miles.
At one point, it came remarkably close to securing a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records as the highest-mileage car on earth in 1999.
However, fate had other plans just 264 kilometers (164 miles) shy of reaching his goal, the Fury was tragically totaled in an accident, ending its historic run.
4. 1979 Volvo 245 GL
- 1.63 Million Miles
This remarkable Volvo served as a fleet vehicle for the Finnish logistics company SE Makinen, amassing an impressive 1,630,000 miles over its lifetime.
It was brought in to replace a Volvo 145 that had already covered 600,000 miles and went on to enjoy a relatively trouble-free existence.
The car did require three engine replacements first at 400,000 miles, then after another 620,000 miles, and finally following an additional 466,000 miles.
Meanwhile, its gearbox impressively lasted 1.24 million miles before eventually being refurbished.
3. 2007 Dodge Ram 2500
- 1.75 Million Miles
While multiple Dodge Ram 2500s have surpassed the million-mile mark, the highest-mileage example belongs to Donald Jensen at least as of 2021.
Jensen’s truck had accumulated an astounding 1.75 million miles, with its Cummins diesel engine playing a key role in its remarkable reliability.
Serving as both a work truck and a personal vehicle, the Ram 2500 was used to transport RVs from Indiana across 48 U.S. states and 10 Canadian provinces.
Unlike several other vehicles on this list that required engine replacements, this truck never needed one. However, the instrument cluster was replaced twice once at 533,752 miles and again after another 626,369 miles.
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2. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 240D
- 2.85 Million Miles
Taxi driver Gregorios Sachinidis achieved an incredible milestone in 2004, accumulating 2,850,000 miles on his Mercedes 240D making it the highest-mileage vehicle in Mercedes-Benz history.
Once his achievement was officially recognized by the brand, Mercedes rewarded him with a new C-Class, while his legendary 240D was preserved in the company’s museum as a testament to its durability and endurance.
1. 1966 Volvo P1800
- 3.2 Million Miles
Retired science teacher Irving “Irv” Gordon purchased his Volvo P1800 in 1966 for $4,150 equivalent to a year’s salary for him at the time.
Over the decades, he earned a Guinness World Record for the highest mileage on a personal car, surpassing three million miles.
Averaging 100,000 miles per year, Gordon achieved this feat by traveling to numerous car shows across the U.S. Since setting the record, his Volvo P1800 has continued its journey, surpassing 3.2 million miles.