Which Cars Have the Longest Lifespans?

The cars with the longest lifespans are the ones that are properly cared for. Even if you’re buying a used car, by performing periodic maintenance, changing your oil on time, and limiting how much you drive, you can have a car that lasts for several years.

Unfortunately, some cars are simply not made to last. If you’re looking for a direct answer as to which cars have the longest lifespan, the simple answer is Japanese-made cars, like Toyota and Hyundai. The cars with the shortest lifespans include BMW, Porsche, and Audi, according to Business Insider.

Continue reading to learn more about what cars have the longest lifespans and what measures you can take to improve your current vehicle’s.

Electric Cars Last a Long Time

According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), electric cars can last decades. This is because:

· They do not require gas, which can put a strain on the engine.

· They have fewer moving parts since they do not require as much fluid.

· They are built with simplicity in mind.

· You do not need to replace an electric car’s battery since it relies on being charged.

Consumer Reports says that electric cars (also known as “EVs”) can go well beyond 200,000 miles. The organization said that the Tesla Model 3 not only provides top-notch fuel efficiency and mileage, but you could save thousands on repairs, gas, and maintenance within the first five years alone.

These Electric Cars Last the Longest

According to Kelley Blue Book, these EVs were also lauded for having long lifespans:

· Every Tesla on today’s market, including the Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model S, Tesla Model X, and Tesla Model Y.

· The Ford Mustang Mach-E, one of the market’s latest electric sports cars

· The Chevrolet Bolt EV

· The Hyundai Kona Electric

· The Volkswagen ID.4

· The Kia Niro EV

· Jaguar I-Pace

Electric cars are on the rise in recent years. According to USAFacts, hybrid, electric, and plug-in hybrid cars are on the rising, accounting for nearly 6.8 million cars in 2010 alone.

Pick-ups and SUVs Also Have Long Lifespans

Business Insider goes on to say that Toyota and Hyundai’s pick-ups and SUVs have the longest lifespan. These cars are just ahead of the curve when it comes to technological advancements. They are also built with longevity in mind; essentially, Toyota and Hyundai don’t cut corners when it comes to building their vehicles (ensuring that the majority don’t end up as useless clunkers)

Bigger Didn’t Always Mean Better

People started recognizing Toyota and Hyundai as solidly-made cars in the ‘70s. Then, Americans were enamored with the idea of four-wheel drive, huge cabs, and off-road driving but soon realized that bigger didn’t always mean better. This especially became the case when Ford was the subject of one of history’s biggest recalls, building millions of trucks that were not safe to drive.

Toyota stepped onto the scene with its modest attempt at producing a pick-up truck. While sales didn’t exactly take off at first, Americans soon recognized Toyota for its ingenuity and reliability. Hyundai was not too far behind. In addition to having solid engines, everyday users could easily hold onto their cars for several years––well behind the 200,000mile mark.

Things to Look for When Buying a New Car

You should always do your research before buying a car––even if you’re buying a new vehicle fresh off the lot. Here are some things that you can do to make an informed decision before buying a car:

· Look into the recall rate and safety ratings provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

· Check Consumer Reports’ reliability ratings

· Read reviews online

Avoid reading reviews directly posted on a potential brand’s website. These reviews could be biased and not paint the whole picture.

What Can You Do to Improve Your Car’s Lifespan?

AARP says that the best thing you can do to improve your car’s lifespan is to consult your user manual. Here is a timeline of certain things that you should do throughout your car’s life, per Cars Direct:

· Every 3,000 to 7,000 miles, you should change your car’s fluids. This includes transmission fluids, oil, and coolant. You should also change your car’s oil filter. These are all things that you can do in the comfort of your driveway.

· Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, you should replace your battery, air filter, and power steering fluid. You should also replace the fluids that we listed above.

· Every 35,000 to 50,000 miles, you should have your spark plugs and ignition system checked out.

· Every 60,000 miles, you should replace your brake pads, hoses, timing belt, and power steering fluid.

If you have any questions regarding how often you should perform maintenance on your car, consult your user manual.

In Conclusion

With routine maintenance, even a clunker can have a long lifespan. Understandably, you don’t want your car breaking down constantly––and you don’t want to pay for the cost of repairs, either.

Japanese-made pick-up trucks and SUVs are intended to last for a few hundred thousand miles. If you’re looking for a more cost-effective option, you can’t go wrong with Tesla’s electric cars.