Most reliable cars that reach 400,000 km: top 2024

Current economic context, marked by rising inflation and the tripling of auto parts prices, makes choosing a reliable vehicle more important than ever. Each visit to the workshop costs twice as much as six months ago, and for families on a tight budget, a car with technical issues can become a real financial burden.

In this context, identifying the most reliable passenger cars becomes essential. The list below highlights vehicles capable of covering even 400,000 kilometers without major faults, based on real market data.

Subaru Forester 2.0 BOXER – the undisputed reliability leader

Subaru Forester 2.0 BOXER occupies the top position in this ranking thanks to its 2.0-liter naturally aspirated boxer petrol engine. This compact crossover has stood out for its exceptional reliability, thanks to the simple and robust construction of the boxer engine.

Specialist recommendations:

• The 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine with AT4 automatic transmission is the most reliable
• Avoid the 2.5-liter boxer range in all variants
• Unfortunately, in Romania these cars are rare, as Romanians generally prefer German and French brands

Mitsubishi Space Star 1.2 – positive surprise

Mitsubishi Space Star occupies second place, a small car equipped with the classic 1.2 MIVEC engine that does not cause technical issues. This model can cover even 600,000 kilometers without significant service visits.

Notable features:

• Simple and reliable engine
• CVT transmission is preferable
• The transmission’s lifespan often outlasts the car itself

Dacia Logan I 1.4 MPI and 1.6 MPI – Romanian pride

Against all odds, the Romanian Dacia Logan I ranks in the top 3 most reliable passenger cars. This car has proven capable of covering 1 million kilometers without major faults, showing that a budget car can be extremely reliable.

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Strengths:

• 1.4 MPI and 1.6 MPI engines are extremely durable
• Very low maintenance costs
• Affordable and easy-to-find spare parts

Note: Rust issues remain the main weakness, but mechanically, reliability is exemplary.

Important: Later generations (Logan II from 2015 and Logan III from 2021) are considered inferior in reliability terms.

Mazda 6 GH 2.0 petrol 147 HP – European best seller

Mazda 6 from the GH generation has become a true phenomenon in Europe, following a first generation that did not excel in any particular area. The GH generation earned its reputation through exceptional reliability.

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Recommended specs:

• Gasoline engines 2.0 and 2.5 with multi-point injection
• Avoid the Ford-origin diesel engine – while good, it doesn’t match the petrol engines

Opel Astra G and Volkswagen Golf 4 – German surprises

Opel Astra G ranks fourth, a surprise for many. This compact generation, equipped with EcoTEC gasoline engines of 1.4 or 1.6 liters, demonstrated extraordinary durability over time.

Volkswagen Golf 4 sits at the same level of reliability, especially with engines:

• 1.9 TDI (diesel)
• 1.6 MPI (gasoline)

Both models are considered benchmarks for German reliability from that era.

BMW 3 Series E46 and E90 – premium reliability

BMW ranks among the top choices for Romanian drivers who want to stand out with a car they drive. What many don’t know is that these models have relatively low maintenance costs and affordable parts.

BMW 3 Series E46

• A 320d E46 facelift can easily run up to 800,000 km
• For this reason, auto traders buy these cars and even roll back the odometer to 500,000 km

BMW 3 Series E90

• More demanding than the E46, but with excellent reliability
• Can easily cover 400,000 km without major repairs

Kia Ceed I 1.6 CRDI 2008 – Korean quality

The Kia Ceed from the first generation is recognized as the best-built Kia sold in Romania, recording the highest reliability in the manufacturer’s range.

Technical details:

• The 1.6 CRDI engine first appeared on the Kia Carens in 2007
• There were minor issues with the steering column and dash detachment near the windscreen
• Nevertheless, it can cover impressive distances without major problems

Lexus GS250 and GS300 Hybrid – reliability benchmark

Lexus is considered the reliability benchmark in the auto industry, and the GS range deserves mention without question in this article. This car appeared in Romania about 10 years ago and since then there have been no significant issues with the engine or transmission.

Advantages:

• Exceptional reliability of the engine and transmission
• Technical superiority over German rivals in many aspects

Disadvantages:

• High prices for spare parts
• Lack of mechanics specialized to perform maintenance (including at dealerships)

Mercedes-Benz C-Class – German surprise

Although the Mercedes group has been criticized in the last decade for the quality of vehicles, the C-Class with the 2.0 CDI diesel engine proves capable of remarkable long-distance performance.

This diesel engine stands out for:

• Durability over time
• Reasonable maintenance costs
• The ability to run hundreds of thousands of kilometers without major issues

Conclusion

These models demonstrate that reliability does not necessarily depend on the purchase price or brand prestige. From the modest Dacia Logan to the premium Lexus GS, they all share a common denominator: simple, well-built engines tested over time. For Romanian drivers seeking a reliable car in the current economic context, these recommendations can make the difference between a pleasant experience and unexpected repair costs.