The Cars Most Likely to Reach 250,000 Miles – and the Maintenance That Gets You There

The top 10

iSeeCars estimated each model's chance of reaching 250,000 miles from the odometer readings of more than 395 million vehicles. The average across all vehicles was 5.3%.

1. Toyota Sequoia – 42.3%
2. Lexus LS – 38.8%
3. Toyota 4Runner – 33.1%
4. Lexus RX Hybrid – 28.9%
5. Toyota Tacoma – 28.2%
6. Toyota Tundra – 25.0%
7. Lexus GX – 23.3%
8. Toyota Avalon – 23.2%
9. Toyota Highlander Hybrid – 20.7%
10. Honda Accord Hybrid – 18.5%

What the list does and does not tell you

It is an estimate of how many examples of each model reach high mileage, which also reflects how owners use and keep them – big SUVs and trucks tend to be driven far and kept long. It does not mean a given car will or will not get there. How it is maintained matters as much as the badge.

The maintenance that gets any car further

1. Follow the schedule in the owner's manual – including the "severe" schedule if you tow, drive short trips or live somewhere very hot or cold.
2. Change the oil on time with the grade the manual lists.
3. Do the fluids people forget: coolant, brake fluid and transmission fluid.
4. Fix leaks and warning lights early, while they are cheap.
5. Keep the brakes, tires and battery in shape – they wear out on every car.
6. Wash the underside in winter if your roads are salted, to slow rust.

Where a mobile mechanic fits

Most of that list is driveway work: oil and fluid services, brakes, batteries and diagnostics. What a mobile mechanic can and cannot do.