Why Do Today’s Cars Last Longer Than They Used To? (2024)

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FAQs

Why Do Today’s Cars Last Longer Than They Used To? ›

With modern cars, there's more to go wrong because you have more systems and technology than previous generations. On the other hand, they're generally better built. Even the metals are more rust-resistant than they were in the past, so corrosion and body integrity are less of an issue nowadays.

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Why do cars last longer today? ›

Over the decades, cars have become less vulnerable to rust and corrosion. Parts are now machined with greater precision and lubricants are more durable, reducing wear and tear. Even exterior paint fades less, interior fabrics and materials better withstand normal use, and headlights last longer.

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Why do cars keep getting longer? ›

Car shapes and sizes have steadily ballooned since the late 1970s. The reasons for this increase are various and complex. The addition of safety features like lateral and frontal airbags and "crumple zones" required more space, while consumers began to seek out luxury, exotic and import vehicles.

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Why are modern cars more reliable? ›

And the more parts something has, the more there is that can break or go wrong. New cars have multiple computers, wiring harnesses, cameras, and more. All of these parts make for better vehicles that are safer to drive – but they also mean there's a lot more that can go wrong with a new car versus an old car.

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Are modern cars built to last? ›

Today's cars are built to last and can often go over 200,000 miles without trouble if maintained well. However, as cars age and rack up more miles, mechanical problems become more likely. Components like the engine, transmission, and suspension might need fixing more often.

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What car has the longest lifespan? ›

Longest-lasting vehicles

Toyota Tundra, 47.9%
Toyota Sequoia, 47.1%
Ford F-250 Super Duty, 43.6%
Honda Pilot, 42.7%
Toyota Tacoma, 41.7%
GMC Sierra 2500HD, 41.3%
Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, 41.2%
Toyota 4Runner, 41.0%

More items...

Jun 15, 2023

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Why are modern cars so slow? ›

The near-universal use of turbocharging, the popularity of all-wheel-drive and increased proliferation of electric motors has resulted in this rapid drop in 0-60 times that's outpacing customer expectations and driving habits.

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Are cars more reliable today? ›

It's a safe bet that they tell you that most cars begin to show severe signs of age at 50,000 miles and are junk at 100,000 miles. While that advice may have been accurate for vehicles in 1973, today's passenger cars will last more than twice as long as their predecessors did 50 years ago.

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How long should modern cars last? ›

If you follow the manufacturer's service intervals, a modern car from a brand known for reliability should be capable of 200,000 miles or more. “Much depends on the specific make and model of the vehicle,” says Joe Veselak, an automotive tester at Consumer Reports.

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Are new cars more reliable than used cars? ›

New cars in general are more reliable and satisfy their owners more than used cars, but they also cost the most, especially with some models still selling at or above sticker prices. Used cars have always offered the greatest savings, even as that advantage has diminished in recent years.

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What car brand has the best longevity? ›

Toyota: Renowned for its durability, longevity, and low-cost maintenance, Toyota vehicles often retain their value and have a reputation for reliability. Honda: Recognized for producing reliable cars with solid engineering, good fuel efficiency, and longevity.

Which car company says built to last? ›

Reflecting the American ethos, “Built to Last” encapsulates the durability and longevity associated with Ford trucks. This slogan continues to appeal to those valuing reliability and sturdiness in their vehicles, reinforcing Ford's commitment to producing long-lasting automobiles.

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What is the life expectancy of a modern car? ›

Beyond this point, even the most reliable cars may start showing indications of usage and deterioration. Consumer reports note that while the typical lifespan of a new vehicle is approximately 8 years or 150,000 miles, well-maintained vehicles can surpass 15 years and overcome 300,000 miles.