If you need to get from point A to point B but don’t have much money to spend, consider buying used. There was a time when cars were built to last, so getting one of those well-built, reliable vehicles makes sense. Compared to purchasing something new, a used vehicle can be cheaper, dependable, and relatively easy to keep on the road.
Continue reading to see 16 used vehicles that will outlast most new models on dealership floors.
Toyota Prius
Some people can’t get past the aesthetics of the earlier Toyota Priuses, which is a shame because the hybrid vehicles are super reliable and offer excellent fuel economy. The first-gen Prius came to the U.S. in 2000 with a 1.5-liter gas engine and electric motor.
CoPilot for Car Shopping says a Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid can last as many as half a million miles— though the average is approximately 400,000 miles. Still, how’s that for longevity?
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Corollas are known as boring commuter cars with 4-cylinder engines under the hood. But do you know what else they are? Dependable, easy to work on, and fuel efficient. If you want a vehicle that’s as turnkey as a ride can get, you need a Toyota Corolla in your garage.
Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe
It’s surprising how little-known these vehicles are, considering they’re basically compact hatchback versions of the traditional Toyota Corollas. Toyota and GM previously partnered up to work on a car together. Toyota called theirs the Toyota Matrix, while GM called theirs the Pontiac Vibe.
Fun fact: Toyota used to refer to the Matrix as the Toyota Corolla Matrix. It later dropped “Corolla” from the official name, but the Corolla and the Matrix (and the Vibe) share many of the same parts.
Ford Crown Victoria
Yet another used car that will outlast much of the new stuff rolling off assembly lines today is the Ford Crown Victoria. They’re comfortable—some say it’s like sitting on a living room sofa—and built to last. Stay on top of routine maintenance, and it’ll treat you well. If you want a big sedan at a low price, consider the Ford Crown Victoria.
Honda Civic
Another reliable 4-cylinder commuter car that is easy to maintain, hardly ever breaks down, and sips on the gas is the Honda Civic. Older ones are often more reliable than newer ones. If you want a vehicle that will last hundreds of thousands of miles, a Civic should be on your shortlist of candidates.
Toyota Avalon
If you want a big sedan with Toyota reliability, the Toyota Avalon is an option. Not everyone wants a small sedan, which might make the Corolla less desirable. But the Avalon is bigger. When reviewing the 2022 Toyota Avalon, Car and Driver said it offers “well-mannered handling” and is comfortable.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is an SUV with a pretty solid reputation. According to Gerald Jones Honda, the 2016 Honda CR-V is probably the best year if you want a used one. However, it adds that the 2015 model year is also a great choice.
One source says a CR-V that’s cared for can reach up to 300,000 miles. That said, it adds that failing to take care of it could make reaching 200,000 miles a long shot.
Ford Focus
The Ford Focus might not be the first car brand you think of when considering reliable used cars. But it is. RepairPal.com gives the Ford Focus a 4.0/5.0 reliability rating and an annual repair expense of $569. Reaching mileage of up to 250,000 miles isn’t out of the question.
Honda Accord
Calling the Honda Accord reliable is an understatement. RepairPal.com gives the 2024 model a 4.5/5.0 rating, which is good for the top spot on a list of 24 midsize cars. However, you can get dependability from a less expensive used Honda Accord. CoPilot for Car Shopping says the most reliable used options are from the 2006, 2007, 2011, and 2012 model years.
Toyota Highlander
A used Toyota Highlander can potentially reach 500,000 miles. Meanwhile, RepairPal.com gives the SUV a 4.0/5.0 reliability rating. That ranks the Toyota Highlander in seventh place out of 26 midsize SUVs. If you want a roomy SUV that has the longevity factor, a Highlander fits the bill.
Toyota Camry
While it’ll take meticulous maintenance to get any car to 500,000 miles, the Toyota Camry is a candidate to reach those lofty levels. They’re reliable used vehicles that’ll get you from point A to point B and offer fuel efficiency and reliability that many new cars can’t.
Honda Element
CoPilot for Car Shopping says a Honda Element can reach 250,000 to 300,000 miles. It adds that a high mileage vehicle is north of 200,000 on the odometer. If you want a quirky SUV with AWD and functionality for days, a Honda Element is worth considering.
Toyota Land Cruiser
Even older Toyota Land Cruisers hold their value pretty well. It’s a testament to how well they were manufactured. Some owners claim they’ve exceeded the 500,000-mile mark.
Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is a popular SUV that is highly regarded for its reliability. Capital One says the ones manufactured in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 are the best options if you want a used Honda Pilot.
Acura MDX
An Acura MDX can get up to 250,000 miles, according to CoPilot for Car Shopping. If you want Honda dependability in a more luxurious package, the Acura MDX midsize luxury SUV is worth looking at. You’ll also get it at a steep discount by buying used versus purchasing a brand-new one.
Toyota Sienna
Toyota Siennas can make great minivans and can, according to CoPilot for Car Shopping, last around 200,00 miles or more. But much depends on how faithful you are with maintenance and repairs.
These Vehicles Are Built to Last
As is always the case, some model years are better than others. But the models above can, even if well-used, last longer than many new cars. You can get your money’s worth without spending an arm and a leg.
More From Driver’s Drift
15 Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) Cars That Are Worth Your Investment
13 Cars Owners Wish They’d Never Purchased
14 Sedans That Make More Sense to Own Than Crossovers
12 Secrets Car Salespeople Would Prefer You Didn’t Know When Buying a Car
