How to get 300,000 miles out of your car. (F150, vehicle, toll)

[las vegas drunk]

My 1991 Ford Escort just turned 150,000 miles. I guess it is half way through its life.

How To Get 300K Miles Out Of Your Car

[ctwhitechin]

that thing is not even broken in yet. My 2004 F150 only has 81k miles...I plan on keeping in another 10 years at least.

[las vegas drunk]

Originally Posted by ctwhitechin

that thing is not even broken in yet.

Yep, still runs like new. I pretty much do what the article says. I use only Mobil one in the engine and tranny. I regularly change the coolant. I put only top quality parts on it.

[Mike from back east]

I've 125k miles on a 1999 Grand Cherokee that looks and drives like new.

My only tips are:
- Regular oil changes.
- Gradual starts and stops.
- Keep it in a garage / out of the weather.
- Follow the maintenance schedule.
- Never go 4-wheeling up in the mountains, except for short, gentle spells.
- Keep it clean.

[jtur88]

1. Don't let your wife (or anybody else) drive it.
2. Don't let your kids ride in it.
3. Learn to listen to it, and drive by ear.

[Alphalogica]

I have a 1996 Toyota Corolla base model 5-sp. manual with over 177K miles. Plan on having it until it totally dies. As I, at least once a year, take my vehicle to West Texas from Houston, I have a pretty strong incentive in making sure I stay on top of maintenance.

[MoNative34]

I do have a pickup with over 300k. Same engine. 90% of the miles are highway miles where the engine isn't working very hard. I bought it new and used nothing but Mobil1. Honestly, I think the extensive highway miles have more to do to the longevity than the synthetic oil, though.

I think a car hitting 100k isn't as taboo as it used to be when it comes to reliability concerns. I know many people driving cars with well over 100k and having great reliability.

[MoNative34]

Originally Posted by Mike from back east

- Keep it in a garage / out of the weather.

That makes a HUGE difference in the long term.

[DOUBLE H]

Originally Posted by Mike from back east

I've 125k miles on a 1999 Grand Cherokee that looks and drives like new.

My only tips are:
- Regular oil changes.
- Gradual starts and stops.
- Keep it in a garage / out of the weather.
- Follow the maintenance schedule.
- Never go 4-wheeling up in the mountains, except for short, gentle spells.
- Keep it clean.

Yep, looks like sound advice to me!

My 1994 Jeep Cherokee turned 300,000 last month, probably 250,000 of it are highway miles. I DO wish I had a garage or even a carport. And the faded paint has took its toll, though I've seen a lot of Cherokees in my area a darn sight worse. Other than that, the Cherokee has never failed me (whoops, failed me once, had to put a starter on it a year ago last April.)

The old saying that applies here? You take care of it and it takes care of you. Stay on top of the maintenance!

[SD4020]

I have a pickup and a car with 160,000 miles each. It is about take care of the vehicles. Changing oil, and following the maintenance schedule is also helpful.