4 Cars That Rarely Hit 200K Miles — Avoid These Costly Mistakes, Mechanic Warns
Written by
Sean Bryant
Edited by
Cory Dudak
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
If you’re looking to purchase a car, you want one that will last, especially if you’re buying used. The last thing you want is to buy a car and have it break down after a few years.
In this article, we’ll discuss four cars that rarely reach 200,000 miles, helping you make a smart purchase decision.
Fiat 500e
One of the main factors affecting the longevity of the Fiat 500e is the high-voltage battery pack. Over time, the lithium-ion battery loses its capacity, leading to shorter driving ranges and charging problems. In fact, the manufacturer’s warranty typically covers the battery for only eight years or 100,000 miles. Even if your battery hits the 100,000-mile mark, there’s no guarantee it will last another 100,000 miles. These batteries are costly to replace, so don’t waste your money on the Fiat 500e.
“You will not be able to count on a Fiat 500e to make it to 200,000 miles,” said Melanie Musson, auto industry expert with AutoInsurance.org. “The 500e is one of the least reliable vehicles on the market. It is not even built for long-distance driving, but rather designed as a commuter car for in-town use.”
Nissan Altima
While some Nissan Altima users report a high lifetime mileage, others are disappointed with its longevity. Many Altima models with Continuous Variable Transmissions (CVT) report issues, especially when proper maintenance isn’t followed.
Another common problem that contributes to longevity issues is dirt and dust getting into the engine. Without regular cleanings, your engine’s performance could be impacted, causing the vehicle to last well under 200,000 miles. If you are looking for a vehicle that will last forever, avoid the Nissan Altima.
“All new Altimas are made with a CVT, which is notorious for early failure,” said Musson. “If the transmission is serviced regularly and brought in for repair at the earliest sign of a problem, the vehicle could reach 200,000 miles. However, with average maintenance, the Altima is unlikely to reach 200,000 miles.”
BMW N54 / N55
The BMW N54 and N55 models rarely last 200,000 miles. While the engine itself in these vehicles might be durable, other components frequently break, like the fuel pump, fuel injectors and twin turbos. These weak points make it extremely expensive to repair, which is why many users opt for purchasing a new vehicle instead.
Oil leaks, carbon buildup and belt shredding are three additional issues that affect these vehicles’ lifespan. If you’re looking for a luxury vehicle that can last over 200,000 miles, avoid older N54 and N55 models.
“The N54 and N55 are known to have problems with high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures, turbo/waste gate failures, injector leaks, oil leaks and carbon buildup,” said Eugine Frost, mechanic at Tinker DIY. “All of these have high parts and labor costs for repeated repairs. Additionally, multiple systems my require attention as the mileage increases.”
Jeep Cherokee
The Jeep brand isn’t known for its reliability. In fact, older models have well-documented issues, like transmission failures in 2014 through 2020 models. Although Jeep claims to have fixed the problem with 2021 models and onward, there hasn’t been enough data to support these claims.
Similarly, the Jeep Cherokee has malfunctioning sensors and frequent engine oil leaks, both of which contribute to a lower lifespan. If you expect your vehicle to drive for over 200,000 miles, steer clear.
More From GOBankingRates
