Each prospective car buyer in the market for a new ride brings to the search their own unique set of considerations and expectations. For some it’s performance and flash, for others it’s fuel efficiency and economy. There are folks who intend to hold onto their cars for only the term of their lease. But for our friends who are seeking a car, truck, or SUV that’s going to stand the test of time, this lineup is for you.
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For these folks, reliability and longevity are super important elements that can almost fully determine a buying decision. So, because we love to be of use to our readers, we’ve compiled a shortlist of the automobiles that have proven to have the longest and most reliable lifespan. Unsurprisingly, of course, the makes that have consistently proven their durability are the ones produced by Japanese manufacturers.
To be specific, we’re talking about the Japanese brands Toyota, Lexus, Honda, and Acura as the names leading the way for vehicles most likely to reach the 250,000 mile mark…or more. Now, let’s get into the cars with the longest shelf-life, shall we? 
Toyota
We’re guessing no one is surprised at this one. Toyota takes first place here with an impressive 17.8% likelihood of their vehicles making it to at least 250,000 miles. This longevity feature includes not only their popular SUVs and trucks, like the 4Runner, Sequoia, Tacoma, and Tundra, but applies to their sedans and hybrids like the Avalon and Prius as well. Toyota’s knack for engineering vehicles with enduring performance standards has afforded them a well-earned reputation for quality.
Lexus and Acura
Okay, so technically, Lexus is from the branch of Toyota’s luxury division. But because it’s a different model and different rank of car, we’re keeping it separate. And while Acura belongs to Honda, we’re still recognizing the difference between names. Either way, these two higher-end brands rank second on the list of longevity, proving that luxury and durability are not mutually exclusive . With a significant 12.8% chance of driving happy towards the 250,000-mile mark, Lexus offers upscale features without sacrificing reliability. In the same vein, Acura comes in at fourth place, offering a similar commitment with a 7.2% chance of reaching 250,000 miles. 
Honda
Coming in at third place in longevity + reliability, Honda occupies a vital role in the non-luxury sector. Much like Toyota, Honda’s lineup of cars regularly ranks above average in durability, offering buyers dependable options at reasonable prices. It will come as no surprise to discover that both the Civic and the Accord are famous for their long-term reliability, making them a frequent choice amongst economically-minded consumers.
Automotive Blue Zone?
So how to the Japanese manage to secure the top three spots of the longest lasting, most reliable rides? Well, we can only speculate, but perhaps it has something to do with their focus on quality control, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Maybe it’s their marked intent to create vehicles that are built to last. Perhaps it’s a philosophy of ongoing improvement.
What we can observe here is that other automakers are struggling to keep up with Japan’s high longevity numbers. It seems that a mere four non-Japanese brands – GMC, Tesla, Chevrolet, and Cadillac – can boast numbers that just barely come close to the industry average, with a a chance of reaching 250,000 miles sitting at slightly below 4.8%.
So if longevity and reliability are high on your list of priorities, you now have a few factors that could influence your informed decision when it comes to buying your next car. And remember, for all your title and tag needs – transfers, replacements, duplicates, specialty plates and more – you’ve come to the right place. Head over to eTags.com and let us get it done for you. Because as always, at eTags, we’re here to help!