Toyota dominates list of longest-lasting cars

WASHINGTON: Toyota models with combustion engines take seven of the top 10 slots in the latest list of longest-lived cars by US-based internet sales platform ISeeCars.com.

This the 11th year of the study which makes it plain that modern cars with ICE engines are lasting longer. Only Japanese and US-made cars make it into the rankings, with the Dodge Ram pick-up bringing up the rear.

There were no German cars in the top 30 rankings and no electric vehicles either, although a separate survey said several evergreen electric models had the potential for longevity.

The survey looks at cars with the longest lifespan and lists the vehicles judged most likely to make it to 400,000km.

A total of 10 Toyota/Lexus products give the manufacturer 30% of the top 30 list, with Honda/Acura taking second place with seven models.

This year's study analysed more than 402 million cars and SUVs dominated, taking 16 of the top 30 rankings. The Toyota Tundra came out on top, with a 36.6% chance of reaching 400,000km.

"Modern vehicles are getting more durable," said ISeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer, "Many consumers still consider a car's usable lifespan to end at 100,000 miles (160,000km). But our latest longest-lasting study confirms that even 200,000 miles (322,000km) isn't the end of the line for many cars."

The top five Toyotas are not for sale outside North America and the Honda Accord, which came 14th was dropped from Europe in 2015. The hybrid Toyota Prius, which sells all over the world, came in at slot 25.

Brauer said car buyers gained from the enhanced engineering and quality which goes into modern cars.

Roads in North America are generally good but cars and SUVs are legally limited to 112kph on interstate highways. This could explain why engines and running parts do not wear out as quickly as in other territories. This leads in turn to longer-lasting cars.

Because EVs are new to the market, they haven’t yet displayed their proven longevity like petrol cars, said the website in an earlier survey.

However, the two electric vehicles that have been around for at least 10 of the past 20 years, both show potential for long-term durability. How long they last depends mainly on battery life.

According to a recent iSeeCars analysis that looked at EVs with the highest potential lifespans, the Tesla Model S is followed by the Nissan LEAF.