Make your car last 200,000 miles

It’s easy and can save you thousands in the long run

If you think you’re staying ahead of the game by trading in your car every three to five years, here’s a secret: If properly cared for, many of today’s cars last for 200,000 miles or more with few if any major repairs. And keeping your car long after the payments are through can save you $30,000 or more.

Thanks to advances in motor oil, engine technology, and rustproofing among other things, today’s cars are more reliable than ever. Those cars run the gamut of the automotive spectrum, from small sedans to SUVs and pickups. Still, more motorists could be saving money by hanging on to their cars.

Here’s how to get your car into the 200K Club:

BUY A RELIABLE, SAFE CAR

Any vehicle can reach 200,000 miles if you’re willing to keep replacing parts. If you want to get there with a minimum number of visits to the repair shop, buy a car with a good track record.

For starters, see Pick a car for the long run. To dig deeper, check out the comprehensive reliability ratings in every April Autos issue and available to ConsumerReports.org subscribers.

Buy a car that has performed well in government and insurance-industry safety tests and has the latest safety equipment, like electronic stability control and curtain air bags. If you’re going to live with a vehicle for a long time, you will want it to provide maximum safety protection.

HAS YOUR CAR LASTED 200,000 MILES OR MORE?

Tell us about it, give us your tips for automotive longevity.

(Via ConsumerReports.org)

200K Mile Club - Andy S. 1992 Honda Accord200K Mile Club - 1991 Acura Legend 200K Mile Club - 1986 Nissan Pathfinder200K Mile Club - 1989 Buick Skyhawk200K Mile Club - 1977 Toyota Celica200K Mile Club - 1977 Toyota Celica - picture #2200K Mile Club - 1994 BMW 318I200K Mile Club - 1995 Honda Odyssey200K Mile Club - 1993 Volvo 850 GLT200K Mile Club - 1996 Chevy C1600200K Mile Club - 1992 Toyota 4Runner200K Mile Club - 1999 Toyota Landcruiser200K Mile Club - 1999 Toyota Land Cruiser200K Mile Club - 1991 Mercedes 300E200K Mile Club - 1993 Toyota Camry200K Mile Club - 1999 GMC 2500200K Mile Club - 1997 Acura 3.0CL200K Mile Club - 1997 Acura Cl.200K Mile Club - 1992 Ford Explorer200K Mile Club - 2002 VW200K Mile Club - 1991 Honda Accord200K Mile Club - 96 Ford Explorer200K Mile Club200K Mile Club - 97 Chevy Tahoe200K Mile Club - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee200K Mile Club - 2001 Ford Explorer200K Mile Club - 2001 Ford Explorer - Picture #1200K Mile Club - 2004 Ford Expedition200K Mile Club200K Mile Club - 1999 Toyota Camry200K Mile Club - 1997 Toyota Corolla 200K Mile Club - 2000 Toyota Rav4200K Mile Club - 2000 Toyota Rav-4200K Mile Club - 1991 Toyota Corolla200K Mile Club - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruizer200K Mile Club - 95 Blazer200K Mile Club - 1986 Nissan 300zx200K Mile Club - 1989 Toyota Cressida200K Mile Club - 1989 Toyota Camry200K Mile Club - 1993 Infiniti G20200K Mile Club - 1993 Infiniti G20 at 240 184 miles200K Mile Club - 2003 Lexus Gx470200K Mile Club - 1990 Toyota Corolla200K Mile Club - 1989 Nissan Maxima200K Mile Club - 1971 VW Bug200K Mile Club - 1988 Jeep Cherokee200K Mile Club - 89 Toyota Corolla200K Mile Club - 2001 Toyota Sienna200K Mile Club - 2000 Expedition200K Mile Club - 93 Ford Explorer200K Mile Club | 2002 Toyota Sequoia200K Mile Club - 1997 Toyota Avalon200K Mile Club - 1998 Toyota Siena200K Mile Club - 1993 Chevrolet Suburban200K Mile Club - 1999 Rav4200K Mile Club200K Mile Club - 95 Toyota Avalon200K Mile Club - 98 Toyota Avalon200K Mile Club - 1996 Acura 3.2Tl.200K Mile Club - 1999 Infiniti I30200K Mile Club - 1996 Nissan Maxima 200K Mile Club - 1992 Toyota Camry200K Mile Club - 1996 Nissan Maxima200K Mile Club - 1997 Honda Accord200K Mile Club - 1994 Chevy Suburban200K Mile Club - 1991 Acura Legend200K Mile Club - 2000 Ford Winstar200K Mile Club - 2001 Honda Cr-v200K Mile Club - 1990 Volvo 240 DL.200K Mile Club - 1990 Ford E359200K Mile Club - 84 Toyota Celica200K Mile Club - 1997 Lexus Ls 400
San Ramon Valley Import Center is committed to ensuring effective communication and digital accessibility to all users. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone, and apply the relevant accessibility standards to achieve these goals. We welcome your feedback. Please call Valley Import Center (925) 838-0991 if you have any issues in accessing any area of our website.