Skip to main content

Big SUVs and pickup trucks are often touted for longevity but aren’t typically affordable. If you’re looking for something on the other end of the spectrum, these affordable cars have strong reputations for longevity. With proper maintenance and a little bit of luck, you could get 300,000 miles or more out of these affordable cars.

White 2024 Toyota Corolla driving on a road.
2024 Toyota Corolla | Toyota

Toyota Corolla

The average Toyota Corolla lasts between 200,000 and 250,000 miles. This puts this compact sedan in the running to reach that magic number of 300,000 miles. The Corolla is easy to drive and own and a good choice when you want a car with excellent fuel mileage. This car has the longevity to be a car you could pass down to your teenage driver.

2024 Honda Civic posed. This one of the most affordable cars with excelletn longevity scores and expectations.
2024 Honda Civic | Honda

Honda Civic

Generally, the Civic isn’t too far behind if you find the Corolla on a list. The Honda Civic has been part of the US market since 1972. This makes it one of the longest-running affordable cars available. Some owners have reported reaching 500,000 miles in the Honda Civic. This makes it one of the most affordable cars to reach 300,000 miles or more.

2022 Kia Forte driving on a road.
2022 Kia Forte | Kia

Kia Forte

Some might look at the Kia Forte and think there isn’t much there to look at or consider, but this little Kia can last a long time. Before you drive it off the lot, make sure the Forte has everything you want. You’ll be driving it for more than 300,000 miles. This little Kia can be an excellent car to pass down to the next generation of drivers.

Red 2024 Acura ILX posed. This is one of the most affordable cars with excellent longevity scores.
2024 Acura ILX | Acura

Acura ILX

Only one car outranks the Acura ILX on RepairPal’s list of the top ten most reliable compact cars. The low average annual repair costs and impressive build make this compact Acura a good choice for drivers looking for longevity in affordable luxury cars. The ILX should last at least 200,000 miles, which puts it in the running to reach the magic number a few years later.

This gray 2024 Hyundai Elantra is one of the most affordable cars with impressive longevity scores.
2024 Hyundai Elantra | Hyundai

Hyundai Elantra

Another excellent option among the affordable cars with good longeivity scores that can last up to 300,000 miles is the Hyundai Elantra. This car comes from one of the highest-ranking car brands in the market. With proper maintenance, this car shouldn’t need significant repairs during its lifetime. Its highly likely the Elantra will exceed our goal odometer reading.

2024 Toyota Prius affordable hybrid car with great longevity scores posed.
2024 Toyota Prius | Toyota

Toyota Prius

Hybrids can last a long time, too. The Toyota Prius is one of those cars with a strong reputation for reaching more than 200,000 miles without much trouble. The Prius brings the added benefits of a regenerative braking system, which means you’ll change the brake pads less often. This car is as dependable as you’ll find, making it easy to drive for many years and hundreds of thousands of miles.

Source: GoBankingRates