max mileage of car you would take on a road trip (6 hours++) (2015, credit)

[Nlambert]

Originally Posted by azsportpilot

(my answer just like all the others here is an OPINION)

depends on the Brand and Origin, each model is different.... but to generalize..

most american cars... 100k tops... and that's risky
most Japanese stuff... 200k or more before they become untrustworthy
an "E" class DIESEL Mercedes.... 400k or more

above figures based on all scheduled maintenance done on time by qualified personnel

things will break on older cars, radio, cupholder, power antenna...... but we are talking about drivetrains here

the OP wants to take a road trip without breaking down on the side of the road

100k on an American made car is not risky. I've taken Fords with well over 150k miles on 11 hr (one way) road trips and never had an issue. I've also taken Toyotas and Hondas on similar trips with minimal issues. I had an Audi A4 with 90k miles that I couldn't even rely on to get me the 5 miles I drove to work each day without an issue.


I've seen GMs, Fords, Dodge, etc.... at gas stations filling up that were going on long road trips sometimes with over 300k miles on them. The owners said they kept up the maintenance and never had an issue with them.

[MDrenter223]

Originally Posted by Brian_M

Thanks for continuing to pump used cars into the market. It takes people like you to allow people like me to be happy...

I've only bought 3 cars in my life (lol, I'm in my mid 40's), the "youngest" had 81k on it... I'm still driving that car 11 years later and ought to turn 300k within the next year. It's had a grand total of 1 issue where it would eventually not go under it's own power, the alternator failed at 222k. As it was, we drove the 40 miles home and I bought/installed a replacement in the next couple of days. I've had a couple vacuum lines crack where I lost power and brake assist, had an o-ring failure on the fuel system that caused it to cut out at rpms over 2500 (70mph in top gear) ~ but nothing enough to even make us late.

My other current vehicle (truck) I've had for ~13 years, bought with 110k and it's at 190k now. The only unexpected issue there was when the battery failed... I knew it was old and going out, but was caught by surprise when it finally gave up. The other car I tend to be a little more cautious with as it's my wife's commuter.

11 years without a car payment of any sort, and not one instance where either have made us late, much less left us standing on the side of the road.

I've got no problem with it, just a cost of doing business.

Often in my life absolute reliability is necessary and given the trade offs I'll gladly not utilize all of a cars life. I know nothing is guaranteed and my used cars are realitive gems given the maintance I put into them, but I'm on the hook either way, so due diligence is critical.

On the flip side, people like you chomping at the bit to buy my barely broken in cars helps my resale value and keeps my total cost to operate low (last car sold cost me $1,100/yr in maintenance and depreciation, that's less than the gas I put in it in a given years).

[MillerThyme]

Had a Subaru with 275k mile that would be taken on road trips often. We took it to Anchorage and back in a snow storm (roughly 400 miles round trip), to pick up a transfer case and transmission for my wife's Explorer.

Some kid is now driving it around town with north of 300k miles. I see him on campus every Thursday and plan to catch him next time. Would like to know if its still all original. Darn good car and would have no issues driving to the lower 48.

[thecoalman]

I do most of my own work and wouldn't be concerned about taking any car with high mileage because I know it's been kept up good. That said I never had a car over 200K. When I was going on a long trip with that car I used to take the title with me in case anything major broke not worth fixing.

[Jimrob1]

Originally Posted by duster1979

Is your serpantine belt cracked, brittle, glazed, or over 7 years old? If so, your dealer is correct.

Assuming the dealer is always trying to take advantage of you is just as dangerous as assuming the dealer is always acting in your best interest. No vehicle runs forever without routine maintenance, and a belt is a maintenance item.

When in doubt, check it out.

I agree. In this case I would trust the dealer. That's alot of miles on that belt. Actually I'm surprised it has lasted this long.

[nirvana07]

I did Central WI to Columbus, OH (nearly 600 miles one way) in my 2006 Camry with 98,xxx miles in September last year.

[Smfarms]

As long as it been well maintained drive it where you want any car can break down regardless or age or miles Just took a trip from NC to Ohio to PA then to New Jersey and back to NC in a 340,000 miles 2003 Ford Expedition truck runs like a top don't leak or smoke and I Rountinely make a trip to Hilton Head Island, SC From Mt airy, Nc twice a year in a 300,000 mile 1996 Ford Explorer with the 4.0 pulling a 16 foot boat and I run a Gravel Hauling Company and we use a 1973 F600 Dump Truck and drive it approximately 400 miles a week or more so all iam saying is if it's well maintained and your confrontable with you car then drive on

[kapikap]

All about following recmended service schedules . Long road trips on high mileage beaters, also give the owmer a very good reason to get any necessary work done.

[stilldriveem]

Depends...I'd trust my 70 Maverick more than my 88 or 94 Taurus.

[wannabesnowbird]

2018- I have a 2005 Saturn Vue bought in 2010 and have never had one bit of trouble. automatic 6cy
put battery, tires and brakes thispast 8 years. I LOVE my Vue. has 110,000 I have taken it from Idaho
to Utah several times then from Idaho uo to live in WY and perfect up the mountain. Now my question is

Would you go from Wy (or Idaho if I move back) to Arizona to camp in the desert with a group. But I am
a 75 yr old woman and want to drive it. I will be alone. I'd like your thoughts and opinion. Haven't mentioned
to family yet. they would freak!