I Asked a Mechanic Which Cars Can Actually Reach 400,000 Miles
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Laura Beck
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Molly Sullivan
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Most people think hitting 200,000 miles on a car is impressive, but what about double that? I asked auto expert Chris Pyle from JustAnswer which vehicles can actually make it to 400,000 miles without needing major engine or transmission work.
His answer was both encouraging and brutally honest about what it takes to get there.
The Reality About 400,000-Mile Cars
“All cars can get to 400,000 and more, but many will require some power plant changes, meaning engine and transmission replacement and maybe more than just once,” Pyle explained. “There are, however, a few that can get to 400,000 on the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) engine certificate and transmission as long as the car is treated well.”
The key phrase here is “treated well.” Pyle said that even the most reliable cars won’t hit 400,000 miles without proper care and the right driving conditions.
He also warned that reaching 400,000 miles isn’t glamorous. “It is not easy, and you will have to put up with some sloppy shifting and an engine making noises, burning oil and not getting great fuel mileage.”
What It Takes To Reach 400,000 Miles
Pyle laid out the essential requirements for ultra-high-mileage vehicles:
Drive Regularly: “You need to drive normally. Drive at least one 30-minute trip a week,” he said. “Short trips and sitting around is not good for vehicles.”
Maintain Properly: “Change your fluids when needed and change the engine oil and air filter when needed,” Pyle advised. This sounds basic, but consistency over decades is what separates 400,000-mile cars from average vehicles.
Consider Your Environment: “Interstate life is going to get more longevity than city life. Southern states with less road salt is a plus, too, but that also means higher temperatures in the summer. Up north, though, you get super cold winters. Extreme temperatures are not great for cars during startup, as well as driving.”
The Cars That Can Actually Do It
Pyle identified specific models that have the best shot at reaching 400,000 miles on their original powertrain:
Toyota Models
“Toyota — They have many models that can get the job done, including the Avalon, Tacoma, Sienna and Sequoia,” Pyle said.
Toyota’s reputation for reliability isn’t just marketing. These vehicles consistently appear on high-mileage lists because their engines and transmissions are designed for longevity rather than maximum performance.
The Tacoma pickup truck stands out particularly well for durability, while the Avalon sedan offers comfortable high-mileage driving for those who prefer cars over trucks.
Honda Lineup
“Honda — Accord, Pilot, Odyssey and Civic,” Pyle listed as his Honda picks.
The Accord and Civic have decades-long track records of reaching extremely high mileage. The Pilot and Odyssey represent Honda’s ability to build durable larger vehicles that can haul families for hundreds of thousands of miles.
Ford’s Workhorses
“Ford — F150 and Expedition,” Pyle said, focusing on Ford’s truck-based vehicles.
The F-150’s inclusion makes sense given its popularity and the fact that many work trucks accumulate massive mileage. The Expedition shares much of its powertrain with the F-150, giving it similar longevity potential.
Subaru’s All-Wheel Drive Champion
“Subaru — Outback,” Pyle identified as the standout Subaru model.
The Outback’s combination of all-wheel drive capability and practical design has made it popular with owners who keep vehicles for the long haul.
Hyundai’s Surprise Entry
“Hyundai — Elantra,” Pyle said, representing the Korean manufacturer.
This pick might surprise some people, but newer Hyundai vehicles have majorly improved reliability compared to earlier generations.
Why Diesels Have an Advantage
Pyle noted, “Diesels will generally make it to 400,000 miles (more so than gas),” but focused on gasoline models since “they are more common.”
Diesel engines are built for durability and typically see less wear per mile than gasoline engines. However, diesel maintenance costs are often higher, and finding qualified diesel mechanics can be more challenging.
What 400,000 Miles Really Looks Like
Pyle was honest about the reality of ultra-high-mileage vehicles. By 400,000 miles, even the most reliable cars will have:
- Engine noise and reduced smoothness
- Some oil burning between changes
- Reduced fuel economy
- Transmission shifts that aren’t as crisp as when new
- Various wear items that need regular replacement
The question isn’t whether these issues will occur, but whether the basic powertrain will keep running despite them.
The Maintenance Reality
Reaching 400,000 miles also requires more than just oil changes. Pyle’s emphasis on fluid changes and filter replacements extends to:
- Transmission fluid every 30,000-60,000 miles
- Coolant system flushes every 60,000-100,000 miles
- Brake fluid changes every two to three years
- Regular air filter replacements
- Timing belt replacements (if equipped) at manufacturer intervals
Skipping any of these services reduces the chances of reaching 400,000 miles.
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