When investing tens of thousands of dollars to buy a car, you’ll want your money’s worth. If that’s the case, finding a vehicle that can last hundreds of thousands of miles without causing major issues is key.
According to Auto Recycling World, vehicles in the U.S. have an average lifespan of 16.58 years, and the average mileage of junked vehicles is 156,470 miles.
Meanwhile, PBS News says Americans keep their vehicles for an average of 12.6 years. The report adds that the high costs for cars, trucks, SUVs, and crossovers can make buying new cost-prohibitive.
How Long Can They Last?
A new car has a lifespan of around eight years or 150,000, though a properly maintained one can last 15 years or 300,000 miles.
Meanwhile, iSeeCars’ list of the “Top 30 Vehicles Most Likely To Last 250,000+ Miles” can give you recommendations if you want a vehicle with a good chance of hitting the quarter-of-a-million-mile mark. It’s worth noting that six of the top 10 entries on the list are Toyotas.
Some Aren’t Built to Last
While there are plenty of good vehicles with lasting power, there are tons that weren’t built to last. They’re the types of cars that are unlikely to survive as long as you might want. Some look the part, are fun to drive, and may be virtually problem-free for the first handful of years. But as the odometer nears or passes the six-figure mark, you might start experiencing issues.
Side Step the Ones Lacking Longevity
The good news is you can find vehicles that can last hundreds of thousands of miles without draining your wallet.
With that said, the following 13 cars are known for experiencing headache-inducing problems after hitting 100,000 miles. It’s best to give them a wide berth and spend your money on something else.
Range Rover
First off, there’s a lot to like about the Range Rover brand. From the luxury and prestige to the off-roading and performance, Range Rovers have developed a loyal following over the years and decades.
While Range Rovers aren’t usually known as the most reliable vehicles, some years are worse than others. Range Rovers from the 2012 to 2021 model years, for instance, have problems with the engine, the diesel particulate filter, and air suspension.
Any vehicle can last longer if you keep up with maintenance and repairs, but the odds of a Range Rover exceeding 100,000 miles without major issues aren’t great.
Chevrolet Colorado
The Chevrolet Colorado offers good performance, powertrain options, towing and payload capacity, and off-road trims.
According to CoPilot for Car Shopping, however, it’s best to skip Chevrolet Colorados from the 2004-2006 and 2005-2018 model years. It cites issues like the transmissions and interior accessory issues that can occur often and cost a ton to fix.
Chevrolet Cruze
If you’re looking for an affordable vehicle offering good fuel economy, potentially around 48 mpg, you might be tempted to get a Chevrolet Cruze. But if you want a daily driver that won’t drain your wallet after the odometer reaches 100,000 miles, there are better options.
According to Car Time, model years to avoid include 2011-2014 because of transmission failure, intake manifold issues, faulty shifting, coolant leaks, overheating problems, loss of power, and more.
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is an iconic, trailblazing SUV with a checkered history. If you’re looking for a used one, CoPilot for Car Shopping recommends avoiding ones from the 2002-2006 model years since they suffer from severe transmission issues. It’s also a good idea to steer clear of 1999 to 2002 Ford Explorers with two-doors and two-wheel drive because of the higher rates of rollovers and driver deaths from those accidents.
Mini Cooper
Known for its distinctive retro-inspired design that sets it apart from other vehicles in its class, the Mini Cooper has plenty going for it. Fans love the personality, style, and performance, but there’s a dark underbelly to the Mini Cooper as well. If you buy one, ditch it when it approaches the 100,000-mile mark. Otherwise, you may be in for expensive problems.
While CarBuzz says Mini Coopers from the 2002, 2017 JCW, and 2022 SE model years are reliable options, you’ll want to hit the brakes to avoid the 2005, 2010, and 2014 model years. Unless you want to deal with problems with oil leaks, timing chains, power steering boxes, and turbochargers, stay away from the more questionable model years.
Fiat 500
While What Car? uses terms like charming and stylish to describe Fiat 500 cars from the 2008 model year to the present; it says there are reliability issues to watch out for. In addition to rattles, squeaks, and trim pieces falling off, you must watch out for problems with the rear brake, the steering column, airbags, power steering, and more.
Nissan Altima
The Nissan Altima offers good fuel economy, with engine options like a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and a 3.5-liter V6. However, CoPilot for Car Shopping says the model years to avoid include 2002, 2005, 2009, 2013, and 2016.
Looking at the 2002 model year, CarComplaints.com says there have been 1,000+ complaints, and more than a dozen recalls. It adds catalytic converter failure, excessive oil consumption, and exhaust system are among the worst issues.
Kia Soul
After being unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in 2006, the Kia Soul hit U.S. showrooms and dealership lots for the 2010 model year. As for the pluses, the upright seating position makes the vehicle a good daily driver, outward visibility is so good that there are minimal blind spots, and the fuel economy is satisfactory.
If you want a Kia Soul that can last north of 100,000 miles without being a money pit, steer clear of the ones from the 2012-2016 model years, according to CoPilot for Car Shopping.
Chevrolet Spark
Because of its small size, the Chevrolet Spark is an option for a city car. But don’t expect it to last long. Looking at the 2016 to 2022 model years, Consumer Reports says the car has a 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 98 horsepower. It says the handling is responsive, but the ride is stiff. However, it might be best to avoid the 2013-2016 model years if you’d prefer to avoid problems with excessive oil consumption and a sudden loss of power while driving.
Dodge Journey
Introduced for the 2009 model year and lasting until the 2020 model year, the Dodge Journey has some good and bad years. Steer clear of the 2009, 2010, and 2012 model years, according to CarBuzz. It explains that brake, electrical, drivetrain, and interior accessory issues are common.
Chrysler 300
Drive and Review says the 2022 Chrysler 300 is a well-built car that was mass-produced by the automaker using materials of low quality. Speaking of the pluses, the reviewer says it looks great and has sufficient power with the 3.6-liter V6 engine. But the interior of the larger car is smaller than you’d think, and the center console knob isn’t especially responsive.
Years to avoid if you know what’s good for you include the 2005-2008, 2010, and 2012-2014 model years. Unfortunately, most serious problems with the Chrysler 300 from these model years involve the engine.
Hyundai Veloster
The Hyundai Veloster made its U.S. debut for the 2011 model year with a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine and a dual-clutch transmission. A compact car with a unique style you won’t mistake for anything else, the Veloster has a few years to avoid if you prize longevity. CoPilot for Car Shopping recommends that consumers skip the 2012-2017 model years since they’re inferior to the newer ones. Issues include the engine and interior accessories.
Subaru Crosstrek
Unveiled at the 2012 New York International Auto Show, the Subaru Crosstrek rolled out as a 2013 model year vehicle in 2012. Early models have a 2.0-liter boxer engine producing 148 hp and a 5-speed manual transmission. Problems with the 2012 to 2015 model years include excessive oil consumption. Crosstreks also experience head gasket problems, defective brake light switches, and premature rust and corrosion.
Avoid These Vehicles If You Value Longevity
It’s best to avoid vehicles known to experience serious problems if you want a car to last hundreds of thousands of miles. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself looking for another car sooner rather than later.
More From Driver’s Drift
16 Must-Have Car Gadgets That All Senior Motorists Should Own
12 Most Reliable Hybrids You Should Consider Buying as Your Next Drive
15 Best-Looking SUVS On the Market Today
14 Red Flags That the Odometer on Your Used Car Is Skewed
