10 models that you can safely buy with high mileage

There are dozens of used car reliability ratings around the world – German TUV, Dekra and ADAC ratings, UTAC and Auto Plus ratings in France, AE Driver Power and What Car ratings in the UK, Consumer Reports and JD Power in the US… The most salient feature is that results in one ranking never match the results in another.

However, AutoNews experts compared all these polls, considering only cars with really high mileage. And they found that some models appear in all surveys - strong enough evidence that buying them used is worth it.

Ford Fusion

Budget runabouts are rarely particularly durable, because with their design, the manufacturer saved money in order to achieve a low price. But this one, designed by a European Ford and built in Germany, is proven reliable even in its earliest versions, which have been racing for 18 years (in stark contrast to the supposedly technologically similar Fiesta). The secret to success is simple: proven naturally aspirated 1,4 and 1,6 engines combined with a solid manual transmission, solid suspension and relatively high ground clearance. The only weakness is very cheap materials on the dashboard and in the cabin.

Subaru Forester

In Europe, this crossover has never been very popular. But in the US, 15% of owners keep their cars for more than 10 years - a sign of both brand loyalty and reliability of this model. Versions with an atmospheric gasoline engine and a simple 4-speed automatic are considered the most durable. This applies to both the second generation (SG) and the third (SH).

Toyota Corolla

It is no coincidence that this name is the best-selling car model in history. Standard are the ninth-generation Corolla, code E120, which can easily last ten years without any major defects. The body is perfectly protected from rust, and atmospheric gasoline engines with a volume of 1,4, 1,6 and 1,8 may not be very dynamic, but they have a resource of several hundred thousand kilometers. In older units, there are claims only from the secondary electronics.

A

Strange as it may seem, a sports model with a turbo engine regularly enters the top of the charts in terms of reliability, despite the high mileage and considerable age. This applies to the first generation in front wheel drive versions. The base 1,8-liter turbocharged petrol engine is much simpler than its modern successors, and before the advent of robotic dual-clutch transmissions (DSGs), Audi used a fairly reliable Tiptronic automatic. Only the turbocharger requires attention from the owner.

Mercedes SLK

Another sports model, unexpectedly among the most reliable. This is due to the relatively simple design and high build quality, which does not necessarily apply to all other Mercedes models. The first generation engines have compressors, and Daimler's 5-speed automatic is considered virtually timeless. The downside here is that, due to the relatively small production run, it is difficult to find a good used one.

Toyota RAV4

In the United States, nine out of ten owners of older Toyota RAV4 vehicles say they have never encountered technical problems. This applies to the first two generations. New cars released since 2006 aren't all that immune, but the reported issues don't show any system or weaknesses associated with all copies. Atmospheric gasoline engines of 2,0 and 2,4 liters, which are more common in Europe, have a very long service life, the electrical system is excellent, and the automation compensates for their not very dynamic nature with very good reliability.

Audi A6

This model has consistently topped the ADAC rankings for the past 15 years and has proven itself well in the US and UK. The naturally aspirated V6 versions have the best reputation. Just stay away from the ill-fated Multitronic CVT transmission and be careful with hydropneumatic suspension. More modern cars of the fourth generation (after 2011) already have too much electronics, and this somehow affects reliability.

Honda CR-V

Honda's good reputation is mainly due to two models - the small Jazz (pre-2014 generations) and the CR-V. According to Consumer Reports, the crossover travels 300 thousand or more kilometers without any serious defects. Even in harsh conditions, this is a used car that retains the best value in the 20-year-old segment. Suspension, naturally aspirated engines and gearboxes are very stable.

Lexus RX

Over the years, it has consistently led the US reliability ratings (95,3% according to JD Power). The best performance in its segment is also recognized by the British study Driver Power. Cars of the second and third generation (from 2003 to 2015) can be safely bought with high mileage - but this only applies to options with atmospheric gasoline units.

Toyota Camry

This machine has been absent from Western European markets for many years. According to Consumer Reports, all generations have driven more than 300 km without repair, and most engines (except the 000-liter V3,5) and transmissions have millions of resources.