iSeeCars Data Shows Toyota and Lexus Lead 250,000-Mile Longevity Rankings

Key points

• iSeeCars analyzed odometer data for over 395 million cars to determine which brands are most likely to reach 250,000 miles.
• Toyota ranks first with a 19.7% chance of reaching the milestone, followed by Lexus at 14.4% and Honda at 13.3%.
• The average age of a car on U.S. roads is nearly 13 years, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
• New car prices have exceeded $50,000 on average, prompting more consumers to buy used vehicles and prioritize longevity.
• Mini, Jaguar, and Maserati were ranked at the bottom, with a 0% chance of reaching 250,000 miles in the analysis.

Background

In August 2026, a 1977 BMW 320i with only 9,000 miles failed to sell at auction, highlighting the premium placed on low-mileage, well-maintained vehicles. This aligns with current trends where consumers are keeping cars longer due to high new car prices, as noted in the October 2026 iSeeCars report.

How outlets are covering it

USA Today and The Mercury News both highlight the top five brands (Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Acura, GMC) but differ in emphasis. USA Today focuses on the top ten list and the impact of rising new car prices, while The Mercury News emphasizes the bottom of the list, noting that Mini, Jaguar, and Maserati have a 0% chance of reaching 250,000 miles. Car and Driver provides the same data but without the additional context of consumer behavior or the bottom-ranked brands.

Why it matters

As new car prices rise and the average age of vehicles on U.S. roads increases, consumers are increasingly turning to the used car market. Understanding which brands are most likely to reach 250,000 miles helps buyers make informed decisions and prioritize long-term reliability over short-term cost savings.

What to watch

Consumers will likely continue to prioritize brands with high longevity ratings when purchasing used vehicles. Manufacturers may also focus on improving the durability of their models to meet consumer demand for long-lasting cars. Further analysis may reveal how specific models within these brands perform compared to the overall brand averages.