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My sister has an '05 Legacy identical to the one in that article. She currently has 171k miles on it but the transmission is slipping. Since it's AWD the cost of a transmission exceeds the value of the car.
Just about any Japanese car will do 200k without much trouble. It's not even an impressive number anymore. After series of bad 1980s Ford products, my family switched over to Hondas and Toyotas, with excellent results. Mentally, I lump Nissans in the same grouping even though I've never owned or even driven one. Not sure if the American models have caught up on quality. Don't really care to take the chance. Though I do like a lot of Chrysler's designs. Don't forget to change the timing belt though. That's an expensive job but it's also very much a case of better safe than sorry.
Just about any Japanese car will do 200k without much trouble. It's not even an impressive number anymore. After series of bad 1980s Ford products, my family switched over to Hondas and Toyotas, with excellent results. Mentally, I lump Nissans in the same grouping even though I've never owned or even driven one. Not sure if the American models have caught up on quality. Don't really care to take the chance. Though I do like a lot of Chrysler's designs. Don't forget to change the timing belt though. That's an expensive job but it's also very much a case of better safe than sorry.
I've owned 5 GM's all were above 150k when I sold them and still drove fine. My 1997 tahoe has 190k on it and that's nothing for these trucks.
My 1996 Ford F150 300 cid straight 6 had 205k when I sold it for 3k a few years ago. My newer f-150 has 203k and runs like it did when I bought it in 2007 with 84k. I want to just keep driving it.
and one of the most surprising cars i owned (got it in a multy car trade) was a car i almost gave away for 500, because the engine shook and was loud,,,but that ford contour went 230k with very little problems..
the buick 3.1 engine cars of the '90's all got over 200k
the century
the 3.8 motor is an awesome motor for many gm cars..most get over 200k
i had a vw golf...standard,,,fun little funky car ...that went well over 200k
ive had a corolla, delta 88, sonata, chrysler new yorker, lincoln continental
i remember an escort..all getting over 200k
i travel alot in my job,,,,my brother had a dealers license, so we would go by wholesale,,,,cheap...and id run these cars til they died.
but i always took care of them,,,once i had them...
and one of the most surprising cars i owned (got it in a multy car trade) was a car i almost gave away for 500, because the engine shook and was loud,,,but that ford contour went 230k with very little problems..
the buick 3.1 engine cars of the '90's all got over 200k
the century
the 3.8 motor is an awesome motor for many gm cars..most get over 200k
i had a vw golf...standard,,,fun little funky car ...that went well over 200k
ive had a corolla, delta 88, sonata, chrysler new yorker, lincoln continental
i remember an escort..all getting over 200k
i travel alot in my job,,,,my brother had a dealers license, so we would go by wholesale,,,,cheap...and id run these cars til they died.
but i always took care of them,,,once i had them...
GM had many award winning engines most notably the small blocks. My Chevy Tahoe has the 5.7 small block 350 one of the most recognizable engines of all time. These 350 motors were put in everything from muscle cars to trucks to boats to planes. And don't forget the other legendary small blocks the 302, 305, 327
I had a 89 chevy celebrity eurosport my first car with the 2.8 v6 engine and a corsica with the same engine. Those motors where built to last for sure. I also had a couple cars with the 2.4 DOHC 4 cylinders in it. Another great bulletproof motor made by GM.
GM put out a 100+ million small blocks in it's history.
I like how some people ask, "why is xxx not on that list?" Why don't you do your own study?
It's certainly not an exclusionary list, just a top 10, meaning just because it isn't on the list doesn't mean it won't last 200,000. Also, just because it is on the list, doesn't mean it will last 200,000.
There are so many variables that go into making a car last a long time, one is definitely selecting the right car. That list is pretty spot on. But you also have to consider driving conditions, daily use, maintenance, and pure chance.
Also, pretty much any car will last 200,000 with enough money put into it. One thing that I'm not sure is quantified anywhere is demographics and how that plays into vehicles lasting a long time. Maybe a certain type of person will be more willing to keep an older car, or maybe a certain type of older car? Or maybe certain cars, based on demographics purchasing them and/or price of the vehicle are more likely to be kept longer?
Typically though, 200,000 miles is a lot of miles for a car that I don't think that should be the only measure used. Considering average yearly mileage driven by people in the U.S. is ~10,500. Most cars would have to be on the road 15+ years to get there.
Total years of service should be #1, mileage should be #2.
A lot of cars aren't on that list that will make 200k. I can name many from GM like the Camaro, Corvette, Regal, Cadillacs, and the gm trucks are a given to reach 200k for the most part. Same with Ford Mustang and Taurus.
Anything can last 200k if you follow the regular maintenance schedule on EVERYTHING not just the oil. Many people forget the trans fluid and coolant changes which are just as important as oil. And forgetting to grease chassis parts and change plugs etc..
This is such nonsense.
Trying getting a dodge neon or a ford tempo to 200k. Sure you can get it to 200k by getting a new engine(a few head gasket repairs as well) and a new transmission(maybe 2 new ones!) and spending an absolute fortune on repairs.
Hey most cop cars go 200-300-400K miles as long as they don't get wrecked. The first 100K miles is police duty, the next 200-300K miles is cab duty and maintenance is minimal for sure!
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