Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
My 2007 Hyundai Sonata has 102k miles on it now. How many miles do you consider high and you wouldn't think it's a reliable car anymore. I am going to ALbany NY from Charleston SC next month for turkey day. I never had a car this long. When do you think that the car is high mileage and wouldn't take it on a long distance drive?
It really depends on historical reliability for the make and model.
Some say, 200 000 miles for a Japan made Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla is nothing. They are still easy sell on craigslist. Same goes for say Lexus.
Some cars, owners rid of the very moment warranty expiration starts looming on horizon.
I have seen at least two guys that NEVER had any issues with their Hyundais. So it's your call and your research to do. HWY driving is easy on cars. But if I were you, I'd have gone for rental, just to stay on the peace of mind side.
Sounds like it's a 50/50 decision. On one hand I want to drive my own car because it is very comfortable but on the other hand I like the idea to call the rental company if their car breaks down.
I disagree about make and model, it's 100% about the maintenance (speaking as a mechanic). Keep up on a vehicle and you shouldn't have any issues....
I have a 90's truck with 200k miles and a 2001 VW with just shy of 300k miles. I'd not hesitate to take either cross country and back.... well, I'd have to load up on Aleve if I were to drive the truck that long, not exactly the most comfortable thing in the world. Neither have had engine work beyond timing belts and water pumps, well.. a head gasket on the truck to fix a slight oil weep. Both are on their original transmission/clutch and the car has its original brakes AND pads. Yes, I'm an easy driver
For the past 20~30 years, 100k miles is easy ground. Most should see 200k with only minimal maintenance outside of routine things and consumables. Something that's Really taken care of ought to reach 300k~500k and probably beyond. Most people get tired of their vehicles LONG before that, want some newer bell/whistle/safety improvement, or are involved in a crash.
There can be some model specific issues, like Subaru valve covers on some models tend to leak oil, Ford transmissions aren't known for being able to handle heavy use with miles above 100k, etc... a little time on a forum dedicated to your specific car will tell you what specific issues it may have. I know that my VW tends to have lifter failure in the mid-200k range, so I swapped them out while doing a timing belt at 200k... $36 added expense and maybe an extra 10 minutes of time. That's a more accurate reflection of Most model specific issues.
Location: Butler County Ohio and Winters in Florida
929 posts, read 2,725,882 times
Reputation: 635
3 weeks ago I drove my 2002 F150 ( 375K ) to North Georgia and back towing a trailer loaded with motorcycles and related stuff from Tampa.
I would drive it anywhere because I have replaced all the little things as they pop up. Drive train is original.
Things have changed since decades past when a car was worn out at 100k miles. These days with proper maintenance and a willingness to fix minor problems that come up, I'd say that 150K is easy for MOST vehicles. And 200K isn't unreasonable. You see pickups and large SUV's pretty commonly with over 200K.
Of course, in decades past most men had at least some basic auto repair skills. Not necessarily the case these days- and women who can/will work on cars are as rare as hen's teeth. So for folks not willing/able to maintain their own ride, there's a real risk of unexpected costs arising from older vehicles. Without mechanical skillz, I wouldn't recommend taking a vehicle past 150k or so. At that point you'd might as well sell it to somebody like me
Now don't feel bad if your odometer doesn't measure up... it ain't fair for an ordinary man to compare himself to me. But my ride is 14 years old and pushing 270K miles. I could buy a new vehicle if I wanted, but I like not having a car payment... and at this point I kinda want to see how many miles I can put on this piece of junk.
I have seen a 2004 mustang that has 180k miles on it. When you open the hood everything was clean. It look like a brand new car. Interior is clean...No leaks, nothing. Everything is perfect
I wouldn't worry for one second about a 2007 Hyundai with 102k miles on it unless it has had a history of being unreliable for you. I have a 2009 Honda with 127k and a 1992 Buick with 161k and would feel completely safe driving either of them anywhere because they are in great shape.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Yes, I'm an easy driver
