One of the most common questions that many car owners want answered centers around how many miles their car can last. This is an important question because car buyers want to know how big of a return on their investment they will get. Buying a car is not a fly-by-night decision. It costs a lot of money, even if you have a sizeable down payment to apply to the purchase price. Today, we will take a look at how many miles a car can last so you can make an informed decision the next time you go to buy a car.
Improved Technology
When car owners asked this question in the 1990s they wouldn’t have been too happy with the answer. For the most part, cars back then lasted an average of just eight years, or around 80,000 miles. The average car on the road today is around 11-years-old, or close to 110,000 miles. Cars have seen an improvement in technology since the 1990s, which includes better lubricants, rust prevention, powertrain and many other parts. These improvements have directly led to improved durability and reliability for all types of vehicles.
Maintain Your Vehicle
One of the best ways to get as many miles out of your car is to maintain the vehicle as much as possible. This includes sticking to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. For example, if the owner’s manual says that you should get an oil change every 6,000 miles, be sure to make this happen. Also follow the recommended schedule for replacing filters, rotating tires, replacing timing belts and much more. The longer you let these items lag, the more likely it is that your car will require major repairs, which can get quite costly. The cost could force you into buying a new car well before the current one runs its course.
Buy the Right Parts
Don’t try to save money by replacing broken or worn parts with cheaper parts. It’s best to always replace broken parts with like parts. This means that you should search for the same manufacturer and model number. This will help keep the car running smoothly for quite a long time. The same goes for oil and gas that you put into the car. If the car calls for premium gas, put premium gas in the car.
Start with the Right Model
If your goal is to have your next car last for 100,000 miles or more you need to start with the right model. It’s not uncommon for a car to last 100,000 miles or more but it’s also not an everyday occurrence. It’s not hard to find out which models are the best when it comes to longevity. All you need to do is a little research using Consumer Reports or the Kelley Blue Book. these two references can help you find a model that is perfect for your ultimate goal.
It takes a lot of work to get a car to last 100,000 miles or more but it can be done. Some people have even surpassed 200,000 miles. There’s even one gentleman, Irv Gordon, who surpassed one million miles years ago with his 1966 Volvo P1800. This feat can be accomplished. You just need to have patience and the understanding of what it takes to keep your car healthy.