Not all car brands are built for the long haul. While some vehicles easily cross 250,000 miles with basic maintenance, others struggle long before that mark. Reliability, engineering, and ownership costs make a massive difference over time. In this video, we’ll break down 5 car brands that are most likely to last 250K miles and 4 brands that usually don’t, based on long-term reliability trends and owner experiences.

Toyota

I mean, c’mon, this one’s obvious, right? Toyota’s like that uncle who’s been around forever and still runs every morning with zero problems. You take care of a Corolla, or a 4Runner, or a Highlander, and boom, 250,000 miles, easy. Some hit 400K without a rebuild, which is insane. Even the newer hybrids, like the RAV4 Hybrid, hold up surprisingly well. Around $30,000 to $40,000 gets you reliability that’s basically boring but in the best way possible. You won’t impress anyone at a car meet, but you’ll laugh quietly when their turbo whines and yours just starts up perfectly again.

Honda

Honestly, Hondas are the other half of this long-life partnership. Civics, Accords, CR-Vs, they just keep going. I once rode in a 2004 Civic with 310,000 miles. Radio worked, AC worked, everything. The thing squeaked a bit, but whatever, it was still alive. And the engines are like, perfect examples of “don’t mess with what works.” Prices are creeping up though, $28,000 or so for a Civic now, but that pays off in longevity. Oil changes, belts, fluids, done. It’s like the car equivalent of eating your veggies.

Lexus

So yeah, Toyota’s fancy cousin. Lexus is basically Toyota with a tuxedo and a slightly deeper wallet. A GX or an RX easily crosses 250K if you maintain it. The engines are solid, transmissions smooth, and build quality? Top-tier. Even used ones from, like, 2010 still feel tight. Around $50,000 to $70,000 new, but you get comfort and that bulletproof reliability. I guess if you want to ride in quiet luxury and still outlive three other cars, Lexus is that sweet spot.

Subaru

Okay, so Subaru’s an interesting one. Not perfect, but if you get one with proper maintenance and don’t ignore the oil, it can absolutely last. Outbacks and Foresters, especially the ones with the naturally aspirated engines, can go the distance. You’ll get some quirks though. Leaks, occasional gasket issues. But they’re like loyal dogs, they’ll stick with you if you treat them right. Around $32,000 these days, they’re solid for people who actually drive a lot. Oh, and they’re great in snow, like ridiculously good.

Chevrolet (specifically their trucks)

Hear me out, Chevy trucks like the Silverado 1500 can actually last forever if, and that’s a big if, you maintain them. The V8s are workhorses. 250K miles doesn’t scare them. I’ve seen these things tow for years, get beat up, and just keep rolling. Not the most mechanically refined, but I’ll take consistent over fancy any day. You can grab one in the mid-$40K range, and if you skip the “full chrome overkill” trims, it’s actually worth it.

BMW

Okay, switching gears. Look, I love BMWs, but yeah, no. Reliability after 120K miles? Sketchy at best. The driving experience is amazing, sharp steering, quick engines, that solid “I’m in something premium” feel. But after 150K? It’s like that friend who looks amazing but has constant drama. Tons of sensors, electrical gremlins, weird coolant leaks. And maintenance isn’t cheap either. $60,000 for some headaches? Still, I get the temptation.

Jeep

You know, Jeeps always seem super appealing. The whole “freedom trail” vibe, top off, let’s go exploring thing. But long-term? Ehh… not so much. Wranglers and Cherokees tend to need attention a lot sooner than you’d like. Transmissions and electronics, especially. I mean, they’re fun, I get it, but when you’re spending close to $40,000 and they start groaning before the odometer even hits six digits, that hurts. They still look cool though, I’ll give them that.

Volkswagen

Volkswagens are weird. Some last a long time, sure, but most just kinda fall apart in slow motion after about 120K. Like, you’ll think “Oh, it’s fine,” until you realize you’ve replaced three sensors and a water pump already this year. Golfs and Jettas are fun to drive, I’ll admit, but German reliability in this price range ($25,000–$35,000) doesn’t hold up quite like Honda’s or Toyota’s. You’re basically paying extra for that Euro feel, which… fair, I guess?

Land Rover

Ah, Land Rover. I almost didn’t wanna put them here because I want to like them. The interiors are beautiful, ride comfort’s awesome, and yeah, they look expensive because they are, $80,000 and up, easily. But if we’re talking 250K miles? Nah. You’ll be lucky if you make it halfway there without something critical quitting. Great while new, absolute heartbreak later. Like dating someone who looks perfect but leaves you with therapy bills.