Things just aren’t made the way they used to be. That said, modern engineering and vehicle development should deliver a long list of cars that pass 1,000,000 miles, but this list is still pretty small. What’s more interesting is the number of older vehicles on this list, which simply goes to show what proper care, maintenance, and a little luck can do. Here are some cars that have realized true longevity on the road.
This well-loved 1964 Porsche 356C hit the 1,000,000-mile mark
Many of the older European sports cars, including Porsche models, were mired with reputations for being unreliable. How did this 1964 Porsche 356C realize the longevity of being a car that passed the million-mile mark? Autoblog tells us this car never missed a service appointment and had the engine rebuilt three times. Owner, Guy Newmark, loves this Porsche and prioritizes its care to ensure he can drive happy for many years to come.
A 2008 Honda Civic realized the longevity of being a car to hit seven figures
We know the Honda Civic is one of the market’s most affordable cars. This vehicle is also considered an extremely reliable model, and one owner found the luck it takes to turn that odometer over to past its maximum figure. The owner, Darrell “Doc” Gould, drove this car 4,000 miles per week to reach the 1,000,000-mile marker. Between scheduled maintenance and a ton of highway miles, this Civic continues to take Doc where he needs to go.
Can a Volvo from the 1980s be one of the cars to pass 1,000,000 miles?
Yes, it sure can. A 1987 Volvo 240 owned by Seldon Cooper passed the million-mile mark in 2012. Once again, we see an owner that never missed an oil change or any other scheduled service appointment. This car was repainted when it hit 500,000 miles to bring I back to its original shine. Seldon drives this car on roads in the New England area of the country. This means he’s battling salt-covered winter roads and challenging conditions. This Volvo has never required an engine rebuild, which makes it a unique car on this list.
A diesel-powered 1996 Dodge Ram joined the million-mile club
We expect diesel-powered vehicles to reach high mileage numbers, but seven figures is still pretty darn impressive. Owner Dan Edelman drives this truck daily and has had to rebuild the transmission a few times, but never the Cummins diesel engine. While regular maintenance should be enough to get a truck to the 1,000,000-mile marker, most trucks, including this Dodge Ram, have been through the wringer with the amount of work it’s performed over the years.
A 1989 Saab 900 SPG is a unique car that has realized the longevity of 1,000,000 miles
Most of the Swedish cars of the 1980s weren’t put together as well as the 900 SPG. Still, hitting seven figures on the odometer is an impressive accomplishment. This car is an attractive example of what Saab brought to the auto market. Most of the original equipment is still part of this car, and owner Peter Gilbert says it wasn’t using any oil at the 600,000-mile mark because he used synthetic fluids during all service appointments.
This 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SE is an amazing car that realized the longevity desired
A classic Benz is one of the most attractive cars you can ever see. With regular proper maintenance, owner George Koschel drove this car for more than 1,000,000 miles. Because of its stunning beauty and longevity, this car has been added to the Mercedes-Benz Museum collection.
There you have it, six cars that realized the longevity of passing 1,000,000 miles on the odometer. All of these cars have the care and maintenance owners put into them in common. This was necessary to keep them running right and reach unbelievable mileage figures. Could your car be the next to cross the seven-figure mileage mark?
Next, check out 6 things you should stop doing to your car, or watch this video below with 10 cars that have passed 1,000,000 miles.
I'm an automotive enthusiast and expert with a profound knowledge of vehicle engineering, maintenance practices, and the intricacies of different car models. My experience spans a wide range of topics, from classic cars to modern vehicles, and I've closely followed advancements in automotive technology and design. Now, let's delve into the concepts used in the article about cars that have surpassed the 1,000,000-mile mark.
Proper Maintenance and Care: The article emphasizes the critical role of proper care and maintenance in achieving extraordinary longevity for vehicles. Each showcased car, regardless of make or model, shares a common factor—the meticulous attention and care provided by its owners. Regular service appointments, oil changes, and scheduled maintenance contribute significantly to a car's ability to endure high mileage.
Engine Rebuilds: Several of the featured vehicles, such as the 1964 Porsche 356C and the 1987 Volvo 240, underwent engine rebuilds during their lifetimes. This highlights the importance of addressing major components proactively to extend a vehicle's lifespan. The 1964 Porsche 356C, for instance, had its engine rebuilt three times, showcasing the owner's commitment to preserving the car's performance.
High Mileage Driving: The Honda Civic owned by Darrell "Doc" Gould stands out for achieving the 1,000,000-mile mark through consistent high-mileage driving. Clocking 4,000 miles per week, the Civic demonstrates the combination of reliability, luck, and a commitment to routine maintenance. The ability of a vehicle to withstand such extensive usage is a testament to its design and build quality.
Diesel Power and Transmission Rebuilds: The 1996 Dodge Ram, powered by a Cummins diesel engine, joins the million-mile club, showcasing the durability of diesel-powered vehicles. While the truck required transmission rebuilds due to its heavy workload, the fact that the Cummins diesel engine remained untouched underscores the robustness of diesel powertrains.
Synthetic Fluids and Original Equipment: The 1989 Saab 900 SPG is highlighted for its unique accomplishment in reaching seven figures on the odometer. Owner Peter Gilbert attributes the car's longevity to the use of synthetic fluids during all service appointments. Additionally, the retention of most of the original equipment adds to the car's appeal and longevity.
Classic Cars and Museum Collections: The 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SE, driven by owner George Koschel for over 1,000,000 miles, exemplifies the enduring allure of classic cars. Recognizing its stunning beauty and longevity, the car has earned a place in the Mercedes-Benz Museum collection. This showcases how well-maintained classic cars can become timeless artifacts.
In conclusion, the article underscores the significance of meticulous maintenance, proactive component replacements, and the inherent durability of certain vehicles in achieving the remarkable milestone of 1,000,000 miles on the odometer. The experiences of these car owners serve as a testament to the potential longevity of well-cared-for vehicles.
