High-mileage Club - Stories wanted
Despite that many car owners trade in their vehicles every few years, modern cars have the potential to drive over 100,000, 150,000, and even 200,000 miles with the right care and maintenance. In fact, as we analyze our recent Annual Questionnaire data, we have found thousands of Consumer Reports subscribers have entered the 200,000-mile club and we'd like to help others join the ranks.
While few vehicles see more than two million miles, like Irv Gordon's record-setting 1966 Volvo P1800 (shown here), many motorists have driven considerable distance. If you, or someone you know, has put more than 200,000 miles on a vehicle as the original owner, please visit the Consumer Reports Cars forums to share your experiences and tips in the 200,000-mile Club discussion. Be sure to include the car's year, make, model, and the state in which you live. We may want to contact those owners with the best stories and advice for a future report.
And for those who want to get the most from their car, new or old, click over to the forums to read the latest posts.
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Posted by: Sharleen Britt | Apr 3, 2008 6:12:16 PM
I have a 1996 Toyota Camry with 207,000 miles. Last year I purchased another 2005 Camry with 34,500 miles, but use my 96' vehicle for driving to and from work. My '96 Camry still runs like a dream, very smooth -- most of the 207,000 mileage were highway miles and I did, very faithfully, take the car in for oil changes at the appropriate interval as well as having "a toyota certified technician" check out the car every 30,000 miles.
Posted by: John A. Smith Jr. | Apr 10, 2008 1:27:43 PM
Let me start by saying that I never knew much about Subaru until my lovely wife Rhita informed me of them. So, one day in 1993, we decided to purchase a 1993 Subaru Legacy . Let me state that we are the original owners of this remarkable vehicle. At the time of purchase, the car may have had 3 miles registered. Fifteen years later, this trusty, well-put-together vehicle has over 347,600 miles registered and still counting. I've read several stories about the extraordinary mileage that Subaru driver's have been receiving, however, I haven't heard one quite like mine. So I decided to share this story with Subaru owners all over the world. When the engineers at Subaru made the 1993 Subaru Legacy, they threw away the mold; Truely a GREAT MACHINE!
John A. Smith -- the proud owner of a 1993 Sabaru Legacy.
Posted by: Carol | Apr 11, 2008 8:19:52 AM
I have a 1995 2.0 Dodge Neon that just turned 322,000 miles!
Posted by: Sonny Ithipathachai | Apr 14, 2008 4:25:11 PM
I have a 1997 Tocoma LX Extended Cab 4x4, 4 cylinder. I got 238,800 miles on it before it died. I had the engine rebuilt, the drive train lubricated, and it's still running great! Engine rebuild was $3,000, and was due to a cracked head. The clutch was original and still had some left on it when removed. This truck still looks nice, and currently has 242,100 miles on it.
It's a bumpy ride, but Toyota Truck Owners are very loyal. Most of my driving was highway. Bought the truck in 2000 with 75,000 miles on it. I put an average of 23,400-27,300 miles a year on the truck myself.
Posted by: Richard | Apr 18, 2008 11:11:43 PM
I have, since 2000, a 1990 Chevy Celebrity Wagon 3.1 with 210,000 miles. Absolutely wonderful car that uses no oil and gets 30+ MPG. My oldest daughter has a 1991 Lumina 3.1 that just turned 200,000. I always had high mileage cars, domestic (mostly GM) and import. The highest have been a 1985 Cavalier Wagon 2.0 and a 1990 Chevy Lumina 2.5 both were just shy of 300,000 miles and still running when I got rid of them. I even had 2 Pintos with 180,000 plus miles until they fell apart, lots of salt here in the mountains of North Central PA. The key for me is to keep the oil changed and change all fluids at regular intervals. I keep the engine compartment clean, inspect my cars frequently and I try to do most of my own repairs, there are several good salvage yards near by and that saves a lot. The money saved by buying and driving cheap cars is incredible. No car payments, inexpensive repairs, and low cost insurance. I have actually sold some of my cars for more than I paid for them. Income is not an issue but my wife and I feel a new car is a very poor investment.
Posted by: raelove | Apr 23, 2008 9:41:23 PM
I have a 1985 bmw 528e that is 5 speed that has 246,000 miles and counting .. It might be a 1985 but it still drives over 100 mph when I want it and car is all stock... And I also have 1995 Mercedes benz 320 SL that has 238,000 miles and counting.. Purchase the car on a bargain.. Now i look like a fanatic of over 200k miles European cars.I look rich with these cars without being strapped for cash.. I love it!
Posted by: Drew | Apr 24, 2008 3:54:35 PM
Have owned nothing but Toyotas. Had a 1995 Celica with the 2.2L engine with 270K miles - was running fine, but got rear-ended and had to total it. Currently have a 98 Camry (210K) a 95 4Runner (205K) and a 94 Celica with only 122K. The Camry is GREAT. Bought it with 125K miles on it and have only recently had to replace the starter - nothing else other than the brakes. So far, so good on the Celica - have only owned it for 5K miles. The 4Runner is another story. Has a V-6 engine and have hated it since day one. Terrible gas mileage, rough ride, problems with the A/C, engine rebuilt (prior to our purchase). Had an 87 4Runner with the 22RE engine that was super. Body rotted out at 233K miles. Previously owned a 92 Camry (210K and sold it) that treated us well. I have trouble listening to the current Ford commercials that say their quality is now as good as Toyota's. Do it for 10 years straight and get back to me.
Posted by: Marty | May 4, 2008 2:03:29 PM
I have a 91 Toyota Corolla with 253000 miles and it still runs well. I've only had to replace a CV Boot at 215,000 miles, 2 timing belts one at 160,000 and the other at 240,000 miles, brakes at 180,000 miles, and the alternator once.... these are the only repairs. She gets 33 mpg hwy. and 28 city, she still has get up and go. I also have a 2007 Camry and so now our Corolla will be used mainly for the short trips. I can't let her go, its been a good reliable car for our family and 2 of my teens learned to drive with her. Our Corolla is part of the family. Dependable, reliable and still in good shape.
Posted by: John H | May 5, 2008 7:05:14 PM
My '92 Honda Civic VX is over 480,000 now. I bought it with 64K on it. MANY parts replaced but in the last two years I've only done the rear control arm bushings. I can't imagine having a more trouble free car.
Posted by: Kiahlin | May 6, 2008 10:47:40 AM
Oh yes -- my 95 Honda Civic VX (my little red 'coche') has been babied. It only has 165,000 miles right now. From these stories, I should expect to get that much more (that would be cool:D )!
Posted by: Richard Kerr | May 8, 2008 1:36:21 AM
I own a 1991 Honda CRX HF with 642,174 miles and still going strong. My CRX still has the original engine and gets 52 mpg.
I bought the car brand new in April,1991 and have done oil changes every 3,700 miles and routine maintenance. Great car and fun to drive!
Happy Honda Trails,
Richard Kerr
Posted by: Richard Laible | May 8, 2008 3:01:18 PM
We are finally retiring a 1989 Olds Regency with just over 315,000. Yesterday the water pump locked up and it threw the belt. Rather than towing to install another pump, my wife and I decided to junk it and move up to a Lexus 300 ES. We nursed the Olds through the last 100,000 miles with Valvoline MaxLife. Engine is still nearly perfect. Probably needs new seals, but never had a valve job. What an engine
Posted by: Dan Gallichio | May 16, 2008 8:52:00 PM
I bought my 1995 Chevy Monte Carlo , 3.1 liter V-6 , brand new (it was my first new car). I told my wife that I will drive it until it dies. Well,it is still going strong with 176,000 miles on it. I did not think it would last this long. But, I am glad it is still running fine. I have Replaced the intake manifold gasket once ,1-water pump, 2-alternators, countless brake jobs , 1-heater core & 1-transmission (at 125,000 miles). All that I can say , is just change your oil every 3,000 miles. It seems to be working for me. Also,I forgot to tell you that I have been using DuraLube(oil treatment) since around 60,000 miles.
Posted by: ERIC | May 20, 2008 4:19:53 PM
I OWN A 1987 5.0 FORD MUSTANG GT WITH A FIVE SPEED TRANMISSION MY DAD SOLD IT TO ME HE BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW IN 86 EVERYTHING IS ORIGINAL EXCEPT FOR THE AUDIO SYSTEM AND ORIGINAL CLUTCH!IT HAS 532,120 MILES ON IT AND ITS STILL RUNNING REAL STRONG NO MAJOR WORK ON IT JUST OIL AND PLUGS!
Posted by: Richard Von Aschen | May 23, 2008 8:43:53 AM
I have a 1991 Jeep Cherokee that has 205,000 miles on it now. It is still using 5W20 oil with no problems. I have it higher to on 4x4 trips in the area around AZ. The Ac is the only thing that don't right know. As soon as the money is available I am going to change the AC to 304 instead of 12.
Posted by: R Hines | May 23, 2008 12:39:32 PM
I have a 1993 Ford F-150 4x4 that has 343,563 miles on it. Has the original V6 motor and original manual transmission nothing major ever replaced on them. Built Ford Tough.
Posted by: Robert Hurlbut | Jun 6, 2008 3:50:03 PM
I had a 2000 Dodge Durango with 211,500 miles on it before I sold it (I no longer needed an SUV to take the kids around). I bought it new and it was a very reliable vehicle.
Posted by: Steve Nink | Jun 12, 2008 10:08:01 AM
Although I am not yet in your club, I might be there soon. I have a 1998 Camry that has 135,000 miles and I have found no reason at all to part with it and strap on a new car payment. I joke with my firends that aside from it bursting into flames or being stolen, I might have this car forever. I thought the recent run-up in gas prices might allow me some new car justification, but after tracking my mileage for the last 4 months, I have been averaging about 27 MPH !
Damn You !, Toyota.
Posted by: Tracy | Jun 15, 2008 1:16:19 PM
I drove a 1999 Ford Escort sedan daily until I donated it to charity at 211,000 miles. I bought it new and took good care of it. I had an excellent mechanic who kept tabs on things and helped me plan for larger maintenance work.
It was also driven by all my teen-agers as their first driving experience after driver's training, and thus needed new brakes and transmission around the 120,000 mile time, but I think the combo of decent driving and regular care can do great things with a good basic car.
Posted by: Paul O'Brien | Jun 23, 2008 6:50:10 PM
1995 Nissan Maxima GLE 225K miles.
Mobil 1 synthetic every 5k miles, trans fluid changes every 25k.
Top speed last week- 130 MPH
Posted by: Rob | Jun 25, 2008 5:26:50 PM
My 1993 Jeep Cherokee Sport has 415,000 miles. Probably replaced everything on the car except the Engine and Transmission (manual). The A/C is never used. I Bought the Jeep with 60,000 miles on it back in 1996 to replace my 1987 Chevrolet Celebrity Eurosport which had 330,000 miles. The Celebrity Eurosport was a great car except the O2 sensor had to be replaced often. I live in New York but both cars were driven everywhere in the U.S. and Canada.
Posted by: Josh Hulsey | Jun 25, 2008 6:01:48 PM
Me and my wife have a 95 corolla with 216,000 miles. its been wrecked 3 times, still drives quiet, reliably, and i never have to worry about anything on that car, definatly sold me on toyota, changed timing belt, and i change the oil in her using amsoil synthetic. besides routine maitnance: brakes oil belts tires. nothing has ever broken, ive never even seen the engine light other than when you first start it.
Posted by: Eddie | Jun 26, 2008 5:25:43 AM
Had 1992 Pontiac Sunbird 2.ltr Brazil made engine with 315,000 miles. Only had to put on new head after sever overheating.
Posted by: Amy | Jun 26, 2008 8:38:16 PM
I Own A 1987 Chevy Astro Van, and it has a half a million miles on it, everything is original, We had to replace the transmission once, but other than that, its the best running vehicle i have ever owned, and i wouldnt be scared to take a 1000 mile trip with it neither.
Posted by: dan | Jun 29, 2008 3:02:18 AM
Hi,
All I ever use are high mileage vehicles. My rule is that if the interior is clean the person probably took good care of the car. I guy it and drive for a year or two then sell to purchase another.
Rarely do I purchase one with fewer than 160,000 miles on it. Mostly I look for Volvo, Toyota, Ford Ranger, Saab or Saturn. These vehicles are cheap with high mileage on them. Also I can usually turn them over and sell them for what I paid for them. Then purchase another. What a Savings on insurance and car payments.
Hope you will do the same to save money. Have Fun.