Some buyers make a point to offload their cars before they reach six-figure odometer readings. However, other drivers want their car to last 200,000, 300,000, or even 500,000 miles. Fret not, these Austin, Texas, mechanics have input on the most reliable cars to hit the kind of numbers on your odometer that you’d like to see in your bank account. 

These Austin mechanics share their experiences with which of the most reliable cars will hit seriously high mileages

“Hey Rick, what’s the most mileage you’ve ever seen on a car before?” It’s a good question, and a seasoned mechanic is sure to have some good examples.

And Rick didn’t disappoint. “I’ve seen over 500,000 miles on some Toyotas. Several of them over 500,000 miles.”

Another pro wrencher answered, “550,000 miles on a ‘93 Accord.” Like the Toyota point, the inclusion of a Honda Accord isn’t surprising. 

In a longest-lasting vehicle ranking, iSeeCars gave Honda cars a 13.6% chance of making it beyond the 250,000-mile mark. That’s just behind Toyota in the No. 1 spot with a 17% chance of hitting a quarter of a million miles.

“Uh, 360,000 miles on a Ford Power Stroke,” another mechanic responded. Not bad. But the last tech had seen nearly twice that much.

“A little over 600,000 miles on an early 2000s model Toyota Echo,” he replied. Yet another example of a mechanic choosing a Toyota as their pick for the longest-lasting, most reliable car. 

A couple of the answers were a bit troubling

However, one of the mechanics referenced a car that many DIYers would argue is still in its prime. “Actually seen?” he asked before responding. “Probably a Durango with about 140,000 miles.” 

Hopefully, he meant 240,000 or 340,000 miles. As it stands, a well-maintained car of nearly any make or model should make it to 140,000 miles or beyond. 

Another younger tech responded, “I have seen 250,000 miles on a Chevy Suburban. They last quite a while if you take care of the maintenance.”

He’s absolutely right on that last part; religious maintenance is the only way to make sure that a vehicle will last as long as possible. However, 250,000 miles, like the previous example, isn’t all that wild.

Several viewers suggest they’ve seen even higher odometer readings

A few of the viral video’s viewers had their own examples of the most reliable, long-lasting rides. “Sold an Accord with 364K. [I] would have driven it anywhere. Keep your oil and timing chain maintained,” one viewer responded.

Another commenter responded, “A Durango with 140k lmao. I just sold an ’04 Hemi with well over 200k. I miss that tank!”

In addition to picking one of the most reliable cars, you should keep up with maintenance and repairs

It seems like a no-brainer, but maintenance is key. Change your fluids per your owner’s manual. Consider checking and changing your engine oil even more frequently than the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Stay on top of components that break and cost a lot of money to repair, like timing chains and suspension components. Finally, never buy a car you can’t afford to maintain and repair. You might be able to afford that depreciated luxury ride. But if you can’t afford to replace the headlight housing, don’t do it. 

MotorBiscuit reached out to @genuineautomotiveatx for comment via TikTok direct message.