The Most Reliable Used Cars for Long-Distance Travel

There is no better way to put a vehicle to the test than by driving it on the open road. The miles of road ahead of you leading to an unknown destination, the changing weather as you travel, and simply being able to go from one point to another (regardless of how long it takes) makes for one of the best tests of a vehicle.

When you take a long-distance trip across the country or if you're someone whose job has them driving for extended periods of time, it is essential that your vehicle is reliable as they will serve as an extension of yourself. The most imperative factor when determining what vehicle will be used for long-distance traveling is that of reliability. No one wants to be stranded on the side of a highway in the middle of nowhere with a blown-out radiator.

Unfortunately, when looking for a reliable vehicle, there is a trade-off in that it will generally cost a good deal of money from a dealership for a new car. This makes the used car market an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers and out-of-state movers as there are still many workhorses available that have taken their depreciation hit but still have hundreds of thousands of miles left to provide.

Within this guide, we will discuss the top used vehicles that will allow you to travel long distances without having any issues. We will cover everything from sedans and SUVs to hybrids. Each of these vehicle types will provide you with the comfort, fuel economy, and long-term mechanical reliability necessary for long-distance travel regardless of whether you are traveling alone or with a family of five.

What Are the Reasons to Buy a Used Car for Road Trips?

Before we go over specific cars, we should talk about the reasons to buy a used car instead of a new one for high-mileage drivers.

For starters, there's depreciation. New vehicles lose a lot of their value once you drive them away from the dealership. If you plan on driving 20,000-30,000 miles each year, you will accelerate the depreciation significantly because you will add a large amount of mileage that will reduce its value. Buying a used car means the previous owner paid all the "new car taxes."

Secondly, there's the reliability aspect. If you're buying a used car that has been out for a few years, there will be a lot of data on how well the car has done over the past few years. You can search through internet forums and reliability ratings to find out which years had issues with the transmission, and which years have been reported to go 300,000+ miles on oil changes.

There are a few advantages to buying a used vehicle for travel:

• Lower Insurance Costs – Generally, older vehicles cost less to insure than newer vehicles.

• More Vehicle for Your Dollar – You typically will have access to a much greater trim level (i.e. heated leather seats) in a used vehicle than you will in a new one.

• Lower Registration Fees – In many states, vehicle registration fees are based on the age and/or the value of the car.

  
  

Leading Contenders: The Mile-Munching Sedans

Sedans are typically the first choice of long-distance drivers due to their aerodynamic design typically resulting in a better fuel economy than SUVs and providing a lower center of gravity which leads to a smoother highway ride.

1) 2012-2017 Toyota Camry

The most reliable vehicle on the road bar none is the Toyota Camry. It might not win any beauty contests, but after you've driven 500 miles away from home, what matters most is that it starts every time you turn the key.

The 2012-2017 Toyota Camry were particularly good models. They provide a comfortable ride with exceptional ride quality, great visibility and very comfortable seats even after long days of driving. The fuel economy from a 4-cylinder engine is exceptional as they often achieve an average high 30s (mpg) for highway usage and V6 engines have plenty of passing power to merge into any interstate traffic or road conditions.

2) Honda Accord (2013–2017)

Next up in the running with the Camry is Honda Accord. The Accord usually provides a bit more of an enjoyable driving experience with crisper handling. Inside there is plenty of space for all of your luggage if you are going on a long journey.

An example of there being enough room for adult passengers to ride in comfort, is that there is plenty of legroom in the back of the car.

Models from this generation (2013–2017) will have a nice mix between modern technology (such as backup cameras and Bluetooth) and old-fashioned mechanical simplicity.

3) Lexus ES350 (2010–2015)

If you are looking for luxury travelling, but do not want to have to pay huge repairs on German brands, then look no further than the Lexus ES350. Much of the ES350 now has the same mechanical parts under the leather and wood trim as a Toyota Camry.

One example of the Lexus being very quiet is due to its very quiet cabin, which will help reduce the amount of fatigue you may suffer from after a long drive. With its extremely smooth V6 engine, there are many exceptionally nice used examples to find at 1/2 or less of their original selling price.

Reliable SUVs and Crossovers: The Highway Warriors

A lot of people like their SUV for use as long-distance traveling vehicles, as well as for using them to carry supplies and/or pets. It just gives people that other sense of security from being higher off the ground while traveling.

1. Toyota RAV4 (2013-2018)

The 2013-2018 generation RAV4 is built like a bank vault, just like its smaller sibling Camry. By eliminating the rear one-piece spare tire from the rear to create a cleaner look and eliminating the need to lift up the spare tire out of the back when loading/unloading luggage at a rest area, they were able to come up with an innovative solution to improve the look and functionality of their products.

The tremendous amount of cargo space combined with the ability to fold the rear seat down flat has created the opportunity for you to sleep in your SUV for those travel adventures. The ride is stiffer than a car, but you are gaining some excellent utility and also the option for All-Wheel Drive (AWD) to make sure you can maintain traction when traveling in inclement weather.

2. Honda CR-V (2012-2016)

The CR-V is an exceptional example of how an automobile can utilize its interior space to the fullest potential. Although it appears to be a small vehicle from the outside, the space inside is enormous. One of the features that make this generation of CR-Vs so popular is the so-called "magic" rear seats that fold down at the touch of one lever.

The CR-V also excels when it comes to the driving position and comfort level for those traveling long distances. The way you sit in the CR-V puts you in a great position to command the road while reducing strain and fatigue on your eyes. It also provides the best fuel economy in the class.

3. Subaru Outback (2015-2019)

If your travels take you through mountain terrain, snow, or on any other type of off-road driving, then your best choice for a long-distance travel vehicle is a Subaru Outback. With standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, your Outback will have traction and stability while driving on surfaces that most other crossover SUVs can only imagine.

The Outback is engineered to drive more like a station wagon that has been lifted than an oversized SUV. This will give it an advantage in handling the twists and turns of mountain roads compared to most other SUVs. You can feel safe strapping a cargo box or kayak on the sturdy roof rails.

If you’re considering buying an older Subaru Outback with high mileage, it’s a good idea to check the service records to ensure that the head gaskets have been replaced, but newer models have had many of these issues corrected.

Hybrid Fuel-Efficient Vehicles That Will Go The Distance

When you drive many miles, the cost of fuel will quickly accumulate on your bottom line. Hybrid vehicles will help you save money and the batteries of today’s hybrids are showing that they will last a very long time.

1. Toyota Prius (2010-2015)

There is no other vehicle you can say has the reputation of a high mileage car as the Prius. It has been synonymous with efficiency since its inception. It gets 50 miles mpg which means you spend less time at a gas station and more time driving.

The hatchback style is very practical, allowing for an incredible amount of luggage to be stored inside. The Prius is not the fastest vehicle; however, it is capable of cruising at high speeds on the highway with much comfort. Many taxi fleets have completed over 300,000 miles in these vehicles, illustrating their durability.

2. Ford Fusion Hybrid (2013 - 2016)

The FORD Fusion is an alternative to the toyota prius for those who want hybrid efficiency but dislike the wedge shaped look of the prius. The fusion looks like a typical midsized sedan, but gets fuel economy comparable to a compact car.

The transition between electric and gas power is quite seamless, and the cabin is much quieter than that of the Prius.

Fuel cost comparison for 50,000 miles

Here’s an estimate of potential savings by choosing a hybrid automobile versus a traditional gasoline automobile for your travel needs.

Note: Fuel prices fluctuate but the amount you save will be consistent.

Key Parts of a Good Road Trip Vehicle

When looking at different vehicle listings on CarAgencia and other sites, don’t only pay attention to the car name; be on the lookout for specific items that make those long 8-hour days in the vehicle somewhat bearable.

• Cruise Control: Adaptive cruise control is the most desirable type; it helps control your speed dependent upon the speed of the vehicle ahead of you. Leg fatigue on long drives will be reduced significantly if you have this feature.

• Lumbar Support: Your lower back will appreciate this feature! Look for a car that has a power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support.

• Audio and Connectivity: On your road trips, you will need a vehicle with a strong sound system and Bluetooth/Auxiliary input so that you can listen to your audiobooks/playlists while in the vehicle.

• Climate Control: If you and your passenger don’t like the same temperature, dual-zone climate control is good.

  
  

Pros & Cons of Purchasing Used Vehicles with High Mileage

Buying a used vehicle for your next long trip is often an excellent option for saving money, however there are also risks associated with purchasing a vehicle that has higher than average mileage.

Checking a Used Vehicle for Long Distance Driving

When you have found a used vehicle that fits your needs through CarAgencia, you should do a thorough inspection for long-distance driving capabilities.

1. Tire Inspection

Your tires make contact with the pavement and therefore old, cracked or dry-rotted tires can cause blowouts. The last thing you want to do is to have a blowout when you're 750 miles from home, so check the date code located on the tires’ sidewalls.

If they are more than six years old, you should negotiate the sale price down because you will have to replace them as soon as you own the vehicle.

2. Fluid Check

All of your vehicle's fluids are vital for the operation of the vehicle and should be checked before any vehicle purchase. The oil should be clear and amber in colour; anything other than that would indicate that there is an engine problem.

The same goes for checking the vehicle's transmission fluid where the fluid should be a bright pink/red colour without any burnt odour as this will indicate that the vehicle has travelled many highway miles.

3. A highway test drive

Don't just drive around the block, take the car on a major highway and get it to 70 mph! If the steering wheel shakes, there is too much wind noise and/or if it pulls to the right or left, that will become very irritating after driving for 4 hours.

4. Cooling system

Long drives create a lot of heat. Make sure to check the radiator hoses for any cracks and that you have enough antifreeze in the coolant reservoir. If your car overheats you will end your road trip!

Essential Maintenance Tips for the Road

Even the best-built Toyotas require regular maintenance. To ensure the longevity of your used vehicle as you venture across state lines, consider these straightforward maintenance tips:

• Pre-Trip Inspection. Take your used vehicle to the mechanic two weeks before leaving to have it checked on a lift. Make sure to check brakes, suspension, and belts.

• Carry a Kit. Always carry jumper cables, a tire inflator, one quart of oil, and one gallon of coolant to keep your engine running.

• Listen to Your Vehicle. When you hear a new noise from your vehicle, pay attention. The radio is not your mechanic. Make sure to address the small problem of a rattle before it becomes a larger problem and will result in a breakdown.

Final Thoughts

You don't have to spend years worth of savings for an all-new vehicle when you are looking for a car suitable for long-distance travel. The used car market has many hidden gems that are both reliable and comfortable and very fuel-efficient.

Among many vehicles there are the extremely dependable Toyota Camry and the adventurous Subaru Outback, which are numerous options to consider when looking for a vehicle to travel long distances. The important thing to consider is the history of a vehicle mechanically opposed to how aesthetically pleasing the vehicle may be.

A dependable vehicle will not get noticed before focusing on the sites, the music, and the trip with your passengers. If you are interested in finding a vehicle for your next road trip, browse through many of the vehicles at https://caragencia.com/.

Whether you are looking for a vehicle that gets great gas mileage or a large SUV, begin your next adventure in the vehicle that best suits you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Should I rent or buy a used vehicle for my extended road trip?

Renting is likely to be your best option if you are planning an extended stay away from home (one to two weeks). If you travel frequently or plan to take several months off from work, purchasing a good used vehicle can be much more economical. You may also be able to recoup most of your costs when you sell the vehicle at the end of the trip.

2. How many miles can I expect to put on a used car during a long road trip?

This is based on both brand as well as condition of car. A well-maintained Toyota or Honda could have 150,000 + miles and still be considered middle-aged. However, if a Chevy/Chrysler/Ford/Jaguar (to name a few) has 100,000+ miles could be very expensive to keep running. Thus, always search for the service records for car and do not depend solely on the car's mileage.

3. Do I need to purchase an extended warranty for my pre-owned vehicle?

Provides peace of mind on long journeys; however, read the fine print carefully—you may find a number of exclusions on the warranty. Many third-party companies will make you pay for a service prior to reimbursement for repairs under their warranty. Alternatively, save money in a "repair fund" account.

4. For long-distance travel, which used vehicles are the most comfortable to ride in for long periods of time?

Comfort is "subjective", but vehicles like the Lexus ES 350, Volvo S60, or Nissan Altima (with their ''Zero Gravity'' seats) consistently receive high marks for standing out in comfort for drivers who travel extensively by car.

5. Are older pre-owned hybrids dependent on hybrid battery performance?

Yes, in general hybrid batteries in many of today's popular hybrid vehicles will last between 150,000 and 200,000+ miles. In the event that a hybrid battery fails or a customer has to replace their hybrid battery, there are many refurbished options available that are significantly less costly than purchasing a hybrid battery from the dealer.