Big Trucks Dominate List of Long-Lasting Vehicles

This may be another reason trucks and SUVs are so popular: They last a long time.

That’s according to iSeeCars.com, a used-car online marketplace and automotive research firm.

In its latest longevity study, it analyzed a sample of 12 million vehicles on the road in 2015 from model years dating back to ’81 to determine which ones had the highest percentage of logging more than 200,000 miles (320,000 km). 

Pickup trucks and SUVs dominated the list. Only one car was in the top 10.

Here’s the ranking and the percentage of vehicles still on the road after hitting the 200,000-mile mark:

1 Ford F-250 Super Duty 6%

2 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 5.7%

3 Toyota  4Runner5.2%

4 Ford Expedition 5.0%

5 Chevrolet Suburban 4.8%

5 Toyota Sequoia 4.8%

6 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4.6%

7 Chevrolet Tahoe 3.4%

8 GMC Yukon XL 3.2%

9 GMC Yukon 2.7%

9 Toyota Avalon 2.7%

10 Toyota Tacoma 2.5%  

Heavy-duty pickups top the list because they are primarily used as work vehicles and are typically used much more than the average car, says iSeeCars.com CEO Phong Ly.

“Manufacturers build trucks with these demands in mind and stake their reputations on how long their trucks will last,” he says, noting longevity often is a stressed marketing message for pickup brands .

“Also, owners who are dependent on their vehicle to get from one job site to the next are going to pay closer attention to their vehicles' regular maintenance or repairs because their livelihood depends on keeping their trucks in good operating condition.”

Large SUVs, such as Expedition, Suburban and Yukon XL, “are also often used for business purposes, such as in the livery industry,” Ly says.

SUV owners often are parents who shuttle their children around and use their roomy vehicles for long family trips, he says.

In general, SUVs have an average of 15% more mileage than cars.

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