An Auto Expert’s Guide to Buying a Car Built To Last

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Vehicle engineering, choosing the right model from the start, and most importantly, careful, attentive and thoughtful maintenance habits are key to vehicle longevity. Over my almost 60 years working on vehicles, I have seen great — what I used to call “bulletproof” — powertrains (engine and transmission combos).

Unfortunately, as a GM and ASE Master Technician, I have also seen firsthand powertrains that seemed to be a good idea at the time but ultimately became major, costly headaches. For example, in the long history of bad ideas, Oldsmobile converted its perfectly good and durable 350 cu. in. internal combustion engine into a diesel engine, then bolted it to a G.M. THM‑220C automatic transmission (designed for a small six-cylinder engine)… that was a dreadful, expensive disaster.

If properly maintained, most vehicles manufactured since the 2010s are designed to last for many years. According to Consumer Reports, the average age of vehicles on the road in the U.S. is over 12 years. Read along as experts in the field explain how to buy a car built for longevity and keep it on the road for many more years/miles.

What Makes a Car Last a Long Time?

Vehicle longevity starts with thoughtful design and manufacturing, then continues with consistent ownership and performing more than just basic maintenance. How you drive and where you drive, including factors like the climate, whether your trips are short or full of city stops, or driving in dusty, dirty conditions, can all impact a car’s life expectancy.

“Mazda vehicles have larger displacement engines versus their competitors. A larger displacement engine doesn’t have to work as hard when accelerating or cruising on the freeway, which not only results in higher real-world fuel economy, but also contributes to a long-lasting powertrain,” said Jon Leverett, Project Manager at Mazda U.S.A.

Research Reliability Ratings

High scores from trusted, trustworthy sources, such as Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety), NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), CarFax, Kelley Blue Book (KBB), Car and Driver, Motor Trend, Forbes, and U.S. News & World Report usually mean you should expect fewer unexpected repairs, better component durability, and lower lifetime cost of ownership.

“Always buy a brand that is known for reliability. Most Asian and German imports are a good start,” explained Luke Oswald, Automotive Specialist at Wheels Away.

“In my experience, Toyota and Honda are the most durable brands. The only time we see them go wrong is when they’re either super high mileage, not serviced regularly or been involved in a crash, which is a pretty good indicator they’re good cars,” added Gary Hindenes, Owner at Gary’s Automotive Repair.

Brands Known for Durability

Some original equipment manufacturers consistently build cars built for longevity and are known for exceptional reliability. This list includes Honda, Lexus, Mazda, Toyota, Subaru, and most Ford and Chevy trucks. All have proven histories of reaching high mileage (200,000 miles or more) with fewer major failures. These brands repeatedly rely on proven powertrains that avoid unnecessary complexity.

Having the skills and tools (and not liking monthly car payments) I always replace or flush all fluids, replace filters, and make sure my belts are changed before they have a chance to go bad. I install a new battery every three years, plus everything gets fixed as soon as I can get my hands on replacement parts. Most of these are basic DIY jobs. Using these maintenance tips, my vehicles last 15 to 20 years or more.

Consider the Transmission

Transmission design can be far more important than you realize. “Transmissions transmit the engine’s power to the wheels and are one of the hardest-working components on a vehicle— and some are better than others,” said Leverett.

While certain transmissions are known for reliability, others have the opposite reputation. “CVT transmissions in Nissan vehicles are known for issues, and Ford’s Powershift transmissions have also developed a reputation for problems over the years,” said Oswald.

Reviewing Vehicle History

Vehicle history reports are critical and worth every penny. “They help tell the story of how a car has been treated throughout its life,” said Leverett. He added, “look for consistent maintenance, ownership history, accident reports, and any recurring repairs.” “AAA and independent certified mechanics offer services where they will come and inspect a car before you purchase,” said Oswald. “Although a clean history report doesn’t guarantee a trouble-free future, it offers confidence that the vehicle has likely been cared for responsibly,” added Leverett.

Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI)- Worth It?

Yes, absolutely. All the experts agree a PPI is essential when buying a used car, especially if equipped with vehicle safety technology, such as Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS). First, checking the vehicle identification number (VIN) for past damage or maintenance history can help you decide if the vehicle is right for you. More importantly, “have a trusted mechanic conduct a comprehensive inspection, including [an OBD-II] scan to see if there are issues or DTCs (diagnostic trouble codes) with any of the car’s systems that you would not know about by looking only at the vehicle and reviewing its history,” said Cole Reiken, of BlueDriver MAX.

FAQ

How many miles can a well-maintained car last?

With today’s engineering and manufacturing standards, durability and reliability are considered throughout the design process. Therefore, “it’s common a well-maintained vehicle can last 200,000 to 300,000 miles or more these days”, explained Reiken.

Does regular maintenance really extend a vehicle’s lifespan?

Yes. When quality engineering is paired with routine upkeep, modern vehicles can remain reliable for many years. Leverett added, “At Mazda, we engineer our vehicles with the expectation that owners will build a long-term relationship with them, so we encourage regular maintenance to ensure durability and dependability for many miles and many years.”

Can A.I. help me find a car built for longevity?

Yes, A.I. can help you find a car built for longevity. A.I. does what it does: performs research across several outlets, such as Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, owner forums, original equipment manufacturers TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins), safety recalls, and long‑term safety and reliability data, and it does it in mere seconds.

About the Experts

Cole Reiken is Managing Director of BlueDriver, maker of consumer and professional-grade diagnostic tools that identify mechanical and electrical issues in trade-ins that can cost thousands of dollars in parts, and labor. He brings over two decades of leadership in the automotive and technology sectors. (Electronic communication July 29, 2026)

Gary Hindenes is Owner of Gary’s Automotive Repair. Gary has loved working on cars as long as he can remember. For almost thirty years, he’s been making engines run and drive smoothly. He’s invested in the community and has built a reputation among friends and family as the “go to mechanic.” (Electronic communication July 26, 2026)

Jon Leverett is a Project Manager of Launch Strategy at Mazda USA, where he leads cross-functional efforts to bring new Mazda vehicles to market ensuring alignment across departments and reinforcing Mazda’s brand values. His expertise in automotive market insights makes him a trusted voice on vehicle innovation, reliability, and the evolving needs of today’s drivers. (Electronic communication July 27, 2026)

Luke Oswald, Automotive Specialist at Wheels Away, a US car-buying service, works closely on vehicle valuations and inspections. With over 20 years’ experience, he provides insight into common mechanical issues, vehicle safety, and the factors that lead cars to become unsafe or uneconomical to keep on the road. (Electronic communication July 26, 2026)