can a car get to 400 000 miles

[LeAlivia]

Yes, a car can absolutely reach 400,000 miles, but it's not a matter of luck. It's the direct result of consistent, meticulous maintenance, choosing a vehicle known for long-term reliability, and favorable driving conditions. While any car has the theoretical potential, models with simple, proven powertrains and a reputation for durability, like many from Toyota, Honda, and certain domestic trucks, are the most likely candidates.

Reaching this milestone is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires treating your car's maintenance schedule as a non-negotiable ritual. This means going beyond basic oil changes to include timely replacement of fluids (transmission, coolant, differential), belts, spark plugs, and other wear-and-tear items before they fail. Preventative maintenance is far cheaper than major repairs. The way you drive also matters; consistent highway miles are less stressful on a vehicle than constant stop-and-go city driving.

Here is a table of vehicles that are frequently documented reaching 400,000 miles or more, based on data from sources like iSeeCars and vehicle auction listings:

Vehicle Model	Notable Powertrain	Key to Longevity	Commonly Reported Mileage Milestones
Toyota Sequoia/Tundra	4.7L V8 ("2UZ-FE")	Over-engineered components, simple design	300k, 400k, 500k+
Honda Accord	4-cylinder (K-series)	Smooth, high-revving engines, robust transmissions	250k, 350k, 450k+
Ford F-250/F-350	7.3L Power Stroke Diesel	Legendary diesel engine durability	400k, 500k, 750k+
Toyota Avalon	3.5L V6	Under-stressed engine, comfortable highway cruiser	300k, 400k+
Chevrolet Suburban	5.3L V8	Simple pushrod engine, easy to service	300k, 400k+
Lexus LS 400	4.0L V8	Unmatched build quality and smoothness	500k, 1,000k+

Ultimately, a 400,000-mile car is a testament to its owner's care. It requires a long-term commitment to upkeep and addressing small issues before they become catastrophic failures. It's an achievable goal, but one that demands diligence and starting with the right vehicle.

[Hugh]

From my experience turning wrenches, hitting 400k is all about the oil. I've seen simple cars with perfect oil change records outlive fancy ones that were neglected. It's not just the engine, either. Transmission fluid, coolant, differential oil—they all have a job and a lifespan. Ignore them, and you're buying a new car long before 400,000 miles. The ones that make it are usually the boring, reliable models that don't have a lot of complex electronics to fail. Keep it simple, keep up with the maintenance, and it'll just keep going.

[MarianaAnn]

My old pickup just rolled past 410,000 miles last month. I've driven it cross-country more times than I can count. The secret? Mostly highway miles. Long, steady drives are easy on an engine compared to daily short trips where it never fully warms up. I also listen to every little sound it makes. A new squeak or rattle gets investigated immediately. It's not about being a mechanic; it's about paying attention. Catching a $50 problem early saves you from a $5,000 repair down the line. It's a partnership between you and the machine.

[VonCarmen]

You have to think of it as a long-term investment. I do all the basic maintenance myself—oil, filters, brakes. It saves a fortune in labor costs and lets me spot potential issues. I also keep a detailed logbook in the glove compartment. Every fill-up, every oil change, every repair gets written down with the date and mileage. This isn't just for my records; it proves to any future mechanic exactly what's been done. This habit of meticulous care is what separates a 200,000-mile car from a 400,000-mile car. It's about discipline.