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Let's just say I have had my share of cars; some reliable, many not. But hey, that's what happens when you have a penchant for old, classic cars. My '69 Alfa Duetto sure was something to look at, and well, I sure spent a lot of time looking at it (if you know what I mean). I really could have used a really good budgeting app back then to help me navigate those many repairs.
On the other hand, I have also owned some cars that would never break down, were a dream to drive, and that my wife and I still miss. Two of them are on this list, in fact. Check out these four dream cars, that just keep running, and running, and running, and are a joy to drive.
1. Lexus RX 350 SUV
Number one on this list is my wife's favorite car ever, the Lexus RX 350. The car was first introduced by Lexus in 2006 and -- and this really tells you something -- it has been produced continuously since then. As of 2024, the Lexus RX 350 has been in production for 18 years.
The RX 350 is known for its luxurious design (both inside and out), comfort, and long-term reliability. Built by Toyota's luxury division, it carries the same reputation for durability and quality that Toyota is known for.
The RX 350 has a V6 engine, a gorgeous interior of leather and walnut, and, all in all, is a joy to drive. With proper maintenance, this SUV can easily surpass 200,000 miles, offering a quiet, smooth ride for years. On top of all of that, we found that it really had low maintenance costs.
Motor Biscuit says that "With a reputation for reliability and safety, it is clear why so many shoppers are drawn to the exceptionally good Lexus SUV."
2. Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is practically synonymous with reliability. You probably know someone who owns or who has owned one and loved it for its drivability, and undoubtedly, for his endurance and affordability. Happily too, with these cars, car insurance is ever affordable.
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The Camry consistently has been a very popular car -- witness how many you see on the road -- and that surely has much to do with its fuel efficiency, low cost of ownership, and impressive lifespan. Consumer Reports says that the average lifespan of a Camry is more than 200,000 miles, and it certainly is not uncommon to see older models still on the road.
3. Honda Accord
I must be the only person who ever owned a lemon of a Honda Accord. Maybe that's because I seem destined to own fun, troublesome, old sports cars. But I digress.
People love their Hondas, don't they? The Accord has earned its reputation for being extremely reliable. There are so many on the road, both old and new, and so many people who swear by their Accord, that there is no doubt that these cars have been built to last. Not only that, but they are comfortable to ride in, have great fuel efficiency, and many owners report driving them well over 200,000 miles.
Here is what one Honda dealer says about the Accord: "In most car ratings, Honda models typically have high scores in areas like reliability, safety, and overall satisfaction. Why is this? Honda cars are built to last… Honda cars are one of the most reliable car brands on the market. The typical lifespan of a Honda car is about 200,000 miles."
4. Subaru Outback
I live in the Pacific Northwest and the Subaru is, apparently, our unofficial car because seemingly everyone has one, or has one in their family, or is looking to buy one. They are all over the road up here and their owners wax rhapsodic about their durability and longevity. Indeed, they are difficult to buy on the secondary market in this region because people, truly, tend not to sell them.
This is a rugged station wagon that is perfect for families and adventure seekers both. That it seems to perform best in tough weather conditions makes it that much more beloved. Again, the standard seems to be the ability to reach 200,000 miles or more, especially with routine maintenance. One last plus is that the Outback holds its value quite well, making it a smart choice for drivers looking for a dependable, long-lasting vehicle.
So there you have it. If you are looking for a car you can fall in love with, and drive for a long, long time, look no further than the four cars on this list (and please, avoid an MGB at all costs).
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