10 Cars That Can Run For Over 250,000 Miles

While just about any car these days can clock a quarter million miles if an owner throws enough money at it in terms of ongoing repairs and upkeep – some models tend to be more enjoyable to own and hold together better over the long haul than others.

To determine which would be the most likely new vehicles to reach 250,000 miles and beyond, we combed the predicted reliability ratings for new vehicles published annually by Consumer Reports, based on subscriber surveys received for over 1 million vehicles from the 2005 through 2014 model years. Vehicles are ranked according to 17 potential problem areas, ranging from major components like the engine, transmission and brakes, to issues with paint, trim and interior accessories.

We further winnowed down the highest-ranked cars according to which models Consumer Reports specifically recommends for a combination of high marks in their own extensive road tests, as well as owner satisfaction surveys conducted among the publication’s subscribers and other data.

1. Toyota Sienna
   
   Consumer Reports reliability rating: 55 percent above average. There are few vehicles as well suited for long road trips as the Toyota Sienna minivan. It seats as many as eight passengers, with second row riders able to go “first class” with available reclining captain’s chairs with their own airline-style footrests. With a long list of entertainment and safety features offered, it’s also the only minivan to offer optional all-wheel-drive for added traction over wet or snowy roads, and a specially equipped mobility version for the benefit of infirm passengers .

2. Lexus RX 350 / 450h
   
   Consumer Reports reliability rating: 57 percent above average. Rating applies to both gasoline and hybrid-powered versions. The RX is a luxury midsize five-passenger crossover sedan that hits all the right notes in terms of its amenable performance, comfortable and roomy interior, myriad available features and attractive styling. The 450h hybrid is the fuel economy leader in the line at 30 mpg in city/highway driving.

3. Mazda Mazda6
   
   Consumer Reports reliability rating: 57 percent above average. Widely held as an affordable “driver’s car,” the midsize Mazda6 sedan delivers tenacious handling with a roomy and handsome interior that looks and feels like it belongs in a more expensive luxury car.

4. Volkswagen Passat
   
   Consumer Reports reliability rating: 59 percent above average. Rating applies only to models equipped with the 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Passat delivers the goods in terms of admirable performance and a voluminous interior that affords more back seat legroom than many larger full-size cars and trucks.

1. Audi Allroad
   
   Consumer Reports reliability rating: 61 percent above average. The Allroad is essentially an Audi A4 station wagon that’s given the pseudo-SUV treatment with standard all-wheel-drive. The result is a family-friendly all-wheel-drive vehicle that’s roomier and more practical than a sedan, but more maneuverable and less bulky than a comparably sized crossover.

2. Subaru Forester
   
   Consumer Reports reliability rating: 62 percent above average. This rating is for the base, non-turbocharged versions of this stalwart compact crossover SUV. The Forester may not be particularly expressive, but it drives easily and comes standard with what’s widely accepted as being among the best all-wheel-drive systems in the industry.

1. Toyota Prius / Plug-In Prius
   
   Consumer Reports reliability rating: 63 percent above average. Prius models rank highly in CR’sreliability report, with the basic 50-mpg gas/electric model and it’s even more efficient plug-in hybrid version garnering top scores. The only problem we see with running the popular Prius for a quarter million miles, or any hybrid for that matter, is the cost of eventually replacing the battery pack, and perhaps more than once. Toyota’s warranty extends to eight years or 100,000 miles on the Prius’ battery, after which sources predict it will cost around $2,500 to replace. Still, once gas prices eventually shoot back up to $4.00/gallon, Prius owners will again look like the smartest people in the room.

2. Lexus ES 350 / 450h
   
   Consumer Reports reliability rating: 63 percent above average. Though this is one of the least sporty midsize sedans, especially in the luxury segment where models tend to emulate the BMW 5 Series, ES owners likely prefer it that way, getting from one point to another without fuss or fury. This ranking applies to both the V6 gasoline-powered ES 350 as well as the 40-mpg 300h hybrid model.

3. Toyota Camry / Camry Hybrid
   
   Consumer Reports reliability rating: 66 percent above average. Though reviewers regularly bash the midsize Camry sedan for a lack of driver engagement, it’s typically among the best-selling models for its easygoing manners and accommodating passenger cabin. This rating applies only to four-cylinder-equipped models, however, and the 41-mpg hybrid-powered versions.

Scion-xB
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1. Scion xB
   
   Consumer Reports reliability rating: 81 percent above average. Though it’s soon to be dropped from the model line, the boxy compact xB wagon is a solid performer and is roomy enough to carry four tall adult riders in comfort, with a voluminous cargo hold that can swallow a dorm room’s worth of belongings when the rear seatbacks are folded flat. The center-mounted instrument panel takes some getting used to, however.