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- Reaching 500,000 miles in one car seems like an impossible feat to most gearheads. We've updated this list with more super-reliable used cars that prove it's possible.
500,000 miles. That is not an easy feat for even reliable car brands considering there are various variables to that. A new car will be more reliable off the line and more trouble-free, unlike a used car which could've already done many miles in conditions we don't know. So, if a used car can easily surpass the 500,000-mile mark without requiring any major overhaul, we can safely say that is one car that offers stellar reliability.
UPDATE: 2023/10/09 17:50 EST BY MARTIN PETER
Reaching 500,000 miles in one car seems like an impossible feat to most gearheads. We've updated this list with more super-reliable used cars that prove it's possible.
But, what if you're looking for something like that – a used car that can easily go 500,000 miles without breaking a sweat? Well, you've come to the right place at the right time as below is a list of 12 used cars that will easily last 500,000 miles:
We used well-known websites like J.D. Power, RepairPal, and CarEdge to find reliable used cars that can hit 500,000 miles.
12 2017 Toyota 4Runner
Reliability Score: 88/100
Toyotas are generally known for being built to last, but cars like the 4Runner are a special breed. It is as old-school as it gets with a body-on-frame chassis and a solid rear axle, something that Toyota always offered even from the first-gen 4Runner.
You cannot go wrong with any of the generations of the 4Runner, and there's honestly a 4Runner for everyone when you look at it that way. We went with a 2017 4Runner for this article as it has all the modern features you need and is among the most reliable SUVs you can get with a J.D. Power reliability score of 88.
2017 Toyota 4Runner Reliability
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $696 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $5,825 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 5
- Worst Toyota 4Runner Years To Buy Used: 2003 Toyota 4Runner (Excessive rust/corrosion)
11 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Reliability Score: 86/100
The most reliable sports car in the world? We're sure the Mazda MX-5 Miata will be nominated for that. With over a million cars sold and most of them even running today, the Miata is really a sports car that you can really depend on. Don't believe us. Mazda has a webpage with cars that have entered the mile-high club and the highest mileage on a Japanese car is 613,521 miles! That is seriously impressive for a sports car built on a budget.
Mazda has already announced that a new Miata generation is coming in 2025, but before that one arrives, the current generation is easy to recommend. It looks good, feels great to drive especially with the six-speed manual, and has great reliability ratings too.
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata Reliability
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $429 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $5,761 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
- Worst Mazda MX-5 Miata Years To Buy Used: 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (Worst model according to CarComplaints.com)
10 2009 Honda Civic
Reliability Score: 83/100
Honda and reliability really go hand in hand. But to offer the same reliability in its entry-level offering, the ubiquitous Civic is really impressive. With 11generaitons of cars since 1972, the Civic is one of the oldest and most trustworthy names. It is impossible to go wrong with any generation of the Civic as a used buy, but we went with the 2009 model here. And if you're looking for some excitement, there are plenty of used Type R versions around to choose from that offer much better performance without trading too much in terms of reliability.
2009 Honda Civic Reliability
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $375 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $5,245 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 7
- Worst Honda Civic Years To Buy Used: 2001 Honda Civic (Transmission problems)
9 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser
Reliability Score: 83/100
You can go ahead and check each and every list of the most reliable cars in the world, and we bet you'll find this gentle giant in all of them. There is nothing like the Land Cruiser out there. If you want a car to go down till the world ends, the Land Cruiser, despite any generation, is the SUV for you. Dune bashing, mountain climbing, road tripping, being an ambulance/relief vehicle or even transporting guns and terrorists through a warzone, the Land Cruiser has got you covered.
Sadly, Toyota discontinued the Land Cruiser in the US market in 2021, leaving many gearheads gutted. This is why we recomend getting a slightly used 2021 model so that you can enjoy its reliability one last time.
2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Reliability
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $843 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $6,782 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
- Worst Toyota Land Cruiser Years To Buy Used: 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser (Engine and transmission problems)
8 2011 Lexus LS
Reliability Score: 93/100
The first car to don a Lexus badge, the terrific LS, is also one of the most reliable luxury cars in the world. It shocked the world with its reliability and comfort, beating the Germans at their own game. The Lexus LS was a game-changer and a car that pushed other carmakers to do better. There are so many cars with high miles, but Matt Farah's million-mile LS400 is the one example that you should know about.
Newer generations of the LS have kept up with its high reliability standards, with the 2011 model getting an incredible J.D. Power reliability score of 93.
2011 Lexus LS Reliability
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $703 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $8,286 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
- Worst Lexus LS Years To Buy Used: 2007 Lexus LS (Interior accessories problems, brake problems)
7 2013 Toyota Corolla
Reliability Score: 89/100
The Corolla to Toyota is what the Civic is to Honda. And both these cars are so closely matched to each other when it comes to reliability. Again, both these brands offering this amount of reliability in cars built at a price speaks highly of them. Just like the Civic, you just cannot go wrong with any generation of the Corolla and yes, although it is known as a soulless car there are some variants of the Corolla which make us question this notion.
The 2013 Corolla is not one of them, as it had a solid reliability score of 89 on J.D. Power.
2013 Toyota Corolla Reliability
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $388 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $4,087 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 5
- Worst Toyota Corolla Years To Buy Used: 2002 Toyota Corolla (Engine and transmission problems)
6 2009 Lexus LX
Reliability Score: 90/100
The best thing about Lexus' flagship SUV is the fact that it is a Land Cruiser underneath making it one of the most reliable SUVs ever made. There are cars that you might be able to kill, but the Lexus LX is not one of them. There are only 4 generations of the Lexus and with used prices starting from as low as $25,000, we don't know what you're waiting for. It is luxurious, capable, and most importantly, extremely dependable.
2009 Lexus LX Reliability
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $811 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $8,286 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 3
- Worst Lexus LX Years To Buy Used: 2017 Lexus LX (Engine problems)
5 2010 Ford Mustang
Reliability Score: 87/100
Muscle cars are not as popular as they used to be. The eco-warriors have almost won their war against muscle cars, which is why models like the Camaro are being discontinued. Thankfully, it appears that the fabled Ford Mustang will be the last muscle car standing, as Ford has already unveiled a new generation.
The Mustang's resilience is down to several factors such as its aggressive design that always turns heads, mighty V8 engines that generate tons of power and fantastic exhaust notes, and affordability. The Mustang is also super reliable, which is why you'll still find even first-generation models from the '60s on the road today.
2010 Ford Mustang Reliability
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $595 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $7,093 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 6
- Worst Ford Mustang Years To Buy Used: 2005 Ford Mustang (Electrical problems, body paint problems)
4 2008 Porsche 911
Reliability Score: 92/100
If you're looking for the ultimate sports car that combines sheer beauty, superb driving dynamics, and bulletproof reliability, you can never go wrong with the Porsche 911. The 911 has been the most important car in Porsche's lineup since the '60s and it's still going strong today.
We particularly love the 997 generation of the 911 as it was a shining light after the dark cloud that was the 996. The 997 brought rounded headlights back, was considerably faster, and scored highly in terms of reliability. For instance, the 2008 Porsche 911 had a J.D. Power reliability score of 92, making it one of the most reliable sports cars ever.
2008 Porsche 911 Reliability
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $1036 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $18,231 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 1
- Worst Porsche 911 Years To Buy Used: 1983 Porsche 911 (Engine problems)
3 2009 Chevrolet Corvette
Reliability Score: 86/100
Exactly seven decades ago, Chevrolet rolled up its sleeves and built arguably its most important car ever - the Corvette. As one of the first American sports cars, the Corvette quickly gained a cult following that has helped keep it in continuous production since.
Most of the Corvette's charm lies in the fact that it's a lot more affordable than similar European sports cars, but its reliability is another thing that many gearheads admire. A good example is the 2009 Corvette with a stellar J.D Power reliable score of 86.
2009 Chevrolet Corvette Reliability
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $621 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $7,714 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
- Worst Chevrolet Corvette Years To Buy Used: 2017 Chevrolet Corvette (Electrical problems, wheels/hubs problems)
10 Most Reliable Used Chevrolet Corvettes To Buy
The Chevy Corvette is an American sports car icon everyone wants to have, and it has had some incredibly solid model years you can buy used.2 2008 Ford F-150
Reliability Score: 85/100
Over the last few decades, the Ford F-150 has overtaken all other types of cars to become the best-selling vehicle in the US. This superb pickup truck offers more versatility than any other vehicle on the road as it can be perfect for anyone looking for a daily driver to ferry kids around, a capable work truck to haul heavy items, or even an off-roader.
Ford knows that F-150 owners will put their trucks through all kinds of punishment on a daily basis, which is why it ensures they have bulletproof reliability. One owner of a 2012 Ford F-150 posted a YouTube video showing his truck hitting 1 million miles, showing how durable these trucks can be with the right care.
2008 Ford F-150 Reliability
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $760 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $10,245 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 1
- Worst Ford F-150 Years To Buy Used: 2018 Ford F-150 (Engine and transmission problems)
1 2009 Toyota Prius
Reliability Score: 89/100
The Prius is an important car not just for Toyota but also the entire auto industry. The Prius was the first-ever production hybrid when it debuted in the late '90s and now the roads are full of them. The Prius is now in its fifth generation and is better than ever before.
Like its Toyota siblings, the Prius is built to last while keeping running and maintenance costs at a minimum. The 2009 Prius is a great example of that, having received an excellent reliability score on J.D. Power. It may not be as pretty as the current Prius generation, but it could help you get past the 500,000-mile mark. Keep in mind that you may have to replace the battery at some point, though.
2009 Toyota Prius Reliability
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $410 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $4,008 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 6
- Worst Toyota Prius Years To Buy Used: 2011 Toyota Prius (Engine, lights, and brakes problems)