Top 10 Cars that are Keepers

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Why are more consumers hanging onto their cars longer? 
The answers are simple. For one thing, vehicles that have been built in the last ten to fifteen years last longer, are better built, with more sophisticated manufacturing processes and better materials. Plus, many of us become attached to our cars and we figure, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." It's easy to see why. Buying a new car is an expensive proposition. According to a recent survey, Americans are keeping their cars longer, with length of ownership rising 60 percent in the last decade. The survey found the majority of drivers have kept their longest owned vehicle for eight years or more.
 
According to research by iseecars.com, 6.1 percent of owners keep their cars for fifteen years or more. Of the vehicles we tend to hang onto, Japanese brands Toyota and Honda are the favorites, mainly due to their reputation for longevity, dependability, reliability, and excellent fuel economy. Cars last longer today. Rust is less of an issue thanks to better build materials and longer lasting anti-corrosion paints and clearcoats. Engine life is much longer than in years past when a car was thought to be used up after 100,000 miles. Thanks to improved tolerances and advanced technology, many of today's cars, when properly maintained, can take you 250,000 miles or more with no major repair problems.

Top 10 Cars to Hold Onto

It's no surprise that the vehicles that people keep the longest in today's auto market are highly functional, multi-purpose Crossovers and SUVs. These are the cars of choice for families on the move. Our list of the Top 10 Cars that are Keepers are known for their durability. These are vehicles that have proven themselves to be dependable and that don't require a lot of expensive repairs or maintenance. When it comes to keeping a car for fifteen years or more, the top model on our list is the Toyota Prius. Over 18 percent of surveyed owners have kept their reliable hybrid hatchback for ten to fifteen years!
 
All ten of the cars listed here are displayed in order of their long-term ownership percentages. These are fifteen-year-old cars that have been kept by their original owners. While SUVs make up the majority of vehicles listed, there are also pickup trucks, a minivan, and a faithful hybrid hatchback that leads the pack.

#1. Toyota Prius - 13.7 percent

In the number one spot, the Toyota Prius was embraced by early hybrid adopters who bought their cars new over 15 years ago. This writer owns a 2008 model that has over 300,000 miles on the clock. The five-door people mover version has been around since 2003. Drivers enjoy excellent fuel economy with an EPA estimated 48 mpg city/45 mpg highway.

#2. Toyota Highlander - 12.4 percent

A popular SUV with room for the whole family, Highlander owners keep their vehicles twice as long as the average consumer. Debuting in 2001, this seven-seater has been through four generations, offering excellent safety and driver assist features. The AWD version gets an EPA estimated 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway and the hybrid gives you 35 mpg city/35 mpg highway.

#3. Toyota Tacoma - 11.6 percent

A very reliable and durable pickup truck made its way to the third spot with over eleven percent of owners of the Tacoma holding onto their work wagons for the long haul. A manual gearbox is standard and a six-speed automatic is optional. The EPA says the two-wheel- drive variant will take you 21 mpg city/21 mpg highway and the 4WD shaves one mile off that.

#4. Toyota Sienna - 11.5 percent

The only minivan to make our Top 10, the Sienna offering a spacious quiet cabin and a refined ride. For 2023 this amazing fourth generation 25th anniversary minivan is only offered as a hybrid with front- or all-wheel drive. Seven trim levels are available, and second row captain's chairs are an option. Top trims even have an onboard vacuum cleaner! EPA ratings are 36 mpg city/36 mpg highway.

#5. Toyota Tundra - 11.3 percent

The fifth Toyota in our Top 10 and the second pickup truck, the full-size Tundra first appeared in 1999. Now, the third generation has two powertrain options, a 3.4-liter turbocharged V6 producing 348 horses, or a hybrid version with a meatier 437 hp. There are seven trim levels including the luxury Capstone version. EPA estimates 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway on the base model.

#6. Honda CR-V - 10.7 percent

At last, Honda makes the list. The extremely safe and ultra-reliable CR-V crossover is one of the most spacious vehicles in its class with 39.3 cubic feet of storage space behind the back seat, and 76.5 feet of room with those seats towed. The EPA says the 2WD version will take you 28 mpg city/34 mpg highway while the hybrid version offers an impressive 43 mpg city/36 mpg highway.

#7. Honda Pilot - 10.4 percent

The Pilot is popular with families looking for a three-row SUV with a roomy cabin and refined road manners. A silky smooth 285 horsepower V6 and 10-speed automatic transmission is standard with all-wheel drive as an option. The fourth generation features many upgrades including the latest driver assist features. The EPA rates the Pilot at 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway.

#8. Subaru Forester - 9.8 percent

Nearly ten percent of Forester owners keep this nimble adventure wagon for fifteen years or more. This affordable compact crossover is more than capable of taking your family off the beaten path. With 26.9 cubic feet of cargo space and 69.1 feet with the rear seats folded there's plenty of room for camping gear. The EPA tells us it will take you 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway.

#9. Toyota 4Runner - 9.4 percent

Capable of serious off-roading the 4Runner SUV can carry seven passengers and offers a suite of safety and driver assist features in a pleasing package. Pick between rear- or all-wheel drive paired with the 270 horsepower V6 and five-speed automatic tranny. The EPA estimates that the 4Runner can get 16 mpg city/19 mpg highway.

#10. Toyota Sequoia - 9.1 percent

Redesigned for 2023, the mighty full-size three-row Sequoia SUV seats eight and includes all the infotainment and safety bells and whistles your family craves. Rounding out our long-haul top 10, this new generation iForce MAX hybrid combines a 3.4-liter V6 with an electric motor for 437 horsepower and an EPA estimated 21 mpg city/24 mpg highway.
Let Lithia Help
No matter what kind of vehicle fits the bill for your own personal transportation needs, Lithia Motors has a dealership near you and over 75 years of experience in finding a car that's a real keeper for you and your family.