I’m an Auto Expert: 8 Cars Over 10 Years Old I Would Still Recommend

Considering the average age of vehicles in the U.S. grows every year and stands at 12.8 years in 2025, per S&P Global, purchasing a 10-year-old car shouldn’t be a major concern for your average, informed American driver.I’m a Car Expert: 5 Most Improved Luxury Cars That Are Now Worth Your MoneyRead Next: 7 Things You'll Be Happy You Downsized in RetirementHowever, some cars and trucks are simply built to last longer than others, especially if they’ve been given the respect of regularly scheduled maintenance throughout the years. And with new cars still so expensive, long-lasting used models are the only viable option for many.GOBankingRates asked a few auto experts their opinions on which used cars would still be a good buy even after 10 or more years on the road, and this is what they said.Toyota RAV4Although Toyota plans to issue a new model this summer, the RAV4 has proven to be a resilient compact SUV throughout the years, and is now America’s best-selling vehicle, having dethroned Ford’s F-150 truck in 2024. It’s popularity stems from its brand’s commitment to affordable reliability.“The RAV4 is reliable and durable,” said Melanie Musson, auto insurance and finance expert at Clearsurance.com. “Common problems with older cars include oil leaks, transmission problems and engine failure. Those problems are less likely to show themselves in a RAV4 than in other vehicles. You can buy a RAV4 with 100,000 miles or more and experience similar reliability as other cars with 50,000 miles.”For You: 12 SUVs With the Most Reliable EnginesRam 2500 and 3500CarEdge ranked Ram trucks (and particularly these two models) as the most expensive vehicles to maintain, but drivers love them and they tend to stay on the road for a long time.“The RAM 2500 and 3500 diesel, model years 2012-2016 have the best reliability and the best resale value of any truck on the market,” said car expert and Automotive Sales Manager at Ontario Chrysler, John Walker. “They have the longest lasting engine and the longest lasting drivetrain in the industry.”Lexus ESAnother model due for a redesign this year, the Lexus ES has been “CR Recommended” by Consumer Reports since 2019, and most experts agree it is durable and affordable luxury used option.“For something a little higher end, it’s hard to beat a Lexus ES (or Acura TL) that’s been well-maintained,” said Butch Hammett, General Manager and VP of Automotive Operations Group, LLC.“The ES is extremely reliable, but because it’s a luxury vehicle, it depreciates more quickly than similar non-luxury models,” Musson noted. “So, you can find a great deal on a 10-year-old model and still get to enjoy the luxury features and dependability.”Toyota MatrixAlthough Hammett rightly recommended looking at a Toyota Camry or Honda Accord “for reliability and low maintenance costs,” the Toyota Matrix is an underrated gem of a used option.“The Toyota Matrix is also very reliable. They are cheap to maintain, cheap on gas and cheap on insurance,” Walker stated. “They are a great return on investment, as there is always a buyer for them.”(If you would indulge this writer for throwing his two cents in and attesting to the Matrix’s practical, reliable charms; my Matrix turned 15 years old this year and still runs like a dream.)Honda OdysseyAlong with Toyota, Honda is the brand most people acknowledge as being among the most durable. Many Honda models last past 300,000 miles, and the Odyssey is no exception. Although MotorBiscuit reported the powerful minivan has some common problems, the model has provided safe, comfortable family transportation for almost 30 years.“If you get regular oil changes and standard maintenance, a 10-year-old Odyssey is highly likely to provide you with another 10 years of reliable service,” said Musson. “You’re likely to have to pay for maintenance to the suspension after 150,000, but the engine and transmission are less likely to wear out.”Ford Mustang and Chevrolet CamaroSports cars are driven for performance and aren’t generally thought of as mileage beasts. However, you shouldn’t discount any vehicle until you’ve done some research, read a maintenance history and taken it for a test drive. Ford’s Mustang and Chevrolet’s Camaro are two iconic, reliable muscle cars that can be bought for reasonable prices on the used market.“Also, for fun, the Mustang or Camaro V8’s always offer style and performance without breaking the bank,” said Hammett. Sadly, the iconic Camaro was discontinued by Chevy after the 2024 model year, but the Mustang is still very popular and attracting younger drivers every year.More From GOBankingRatesThis article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I’m an Auto Expert: 8 Cars Over 10 Years Old I Would Still Recommend

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