How Many Miles Can Your New Car Drive?

Your parents probably told you that by the time your car has done 100,000 miles, you can trade it in or sell it, because that’s when they usually start giving away. However, your parents are old and modern cars are new. Science has evolved and standards have greatly improved. So, if you take care of it, how many miles can you expect from a new car today?

Prices go up, but miles go up with them.

It’s no secret that the prices of new cars are rising every year. Even new car prices have shown an upward trend in recent years. According to Statista , the average new car in 2016 would cost you $34,450. Average new car in 2022: $46,290 But prices are not the only thing that is rising; the miles that you can drive on them are also there. According to Progressive , a modern conventional car can travel 200,000 miles, and a well-maintained car can hit the 300,000 miles mark. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, a similar trend can be seen in the average life expectancy of cars, which hit a record high of 13 years for passenger cars in 2022.

If you do regular maintenance, complete minor repairs quickly, wash your car regularly, and drive carefully, you can even surpass this number. But don’t be fooled into thinking that all cars are made the same.

Cars are made better today

Logically, companies get better at their craft the longer they do it. Everything from the metals they use to the paint is more rust resistant than in the old days, so the chance of corrosion is much lower. There are also better technologies and systems that alert drivers to problems and remind them to keep up with maintenance.

Not every car can go 300,000 miles.

The rule of thumb is usually not to buy a new car model in the first year – no one knows exactly how the car will perform in the long run. Usually the first to buy it are those who report any problems with the car to the manufacturer. By the second or third year of study, most of the shortcomings and problems are usually resolved.

By the same logic, the models that have been around the longest and are known for their reliability are the safest choice when it comes to a good reliable car that will last a long distance; think Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic (check out this 2006 NBC News story with a man who drove 235,000 miles in his 1993 Toyota Camry).

Here’s how to get the most out of your car’s mileage

• Use a car. It may seem counterintuitive, but the more you use your car, the healthier it will be. Your car is a living machine that circulates fluids, uses rubber seals and gaskets, and rolls tires to avoid flat spots. An obsolete car will have big problems if you leave it unused for a long time. A general rule of thumb is to turn it on at least once a week .
• Keep track of maintenance: It will not be difficult for you to keep track of the maintenance of your car. But it is equally important to do it promptly, and not tomorrow or next week. Be sure to follow your vehicle’s owner’s manual when changing oil and tuning. Have a mechanic perform a general inspection of brakes, tires, filters, and other vital parts annually.
• Cleanliness is the key to success: depending on where you live, the climate in your car can be more or less favorable. Things like heat, snow, sea water (as well as sea breezes), salt and road grime will dull your car’s paint and lead to rust on vital parts under the car. A car wash will help you get rid of items that could damage your car.

Technology has improved a lot to make our cars last longer, but nothing has changed about what you need to do to keep your car running. You may pay a little more now than you did many years ago, but you can drive your car for much longer if you take good care of it.