AUTONEWS

Which cars are the best after 100,000 km?

The German car magazine Auto Bild has the rare opportunity to test cars in a marathon test of 100,000 km. Now it has a database of vehicles that have undergone the demanding treatment, and the best models with the fewest faults have been published. The cars are driven in all weather conditions, on short trips as well as on motorways. The result is not just a technical assessment, but a comprehensive and reliable picture.

The following models were impressive and achieved the highest rating. Not only did they demonstrate high quality and reliable technology, but they also showed only minimal weaknesses in everyday use and during disassembly.

So, the best after 100,000 km was the Audi A3 Sportback g-tron, tested in 2017. It received a rating of 1+ (in German terminology, the best rating is 1 to the worst rating is 5). The Audi did not have a single fault.

Next comes the 2023 BMW M3 with a 1+ rating, tested with a manual transmission and carbon ceramic brakes.

In third place is the 2019 Audi A4 Avant TFSI ultra with a 1 rating (all subsequent models also have a 1 rating) with no major issues.

Next comes the 2021 Audi A6 Avant 40 TDI, with no issues other than the parking sensor that kept triggering error messages.

The 2021 BMW Z4 sDrive 30i completed the endurance test with virtually no wear or complications. It never required an unscheduled service visit during the entire period. Even a teardown under the strict supervision of DEKRA revealed no defects or significant wear.

Seat Ateca 1.4 Eco TSI Style (2020) – after long drives, several drivers complained of back pain and numbness in their buttocks. This resulted in a penalty point, spoiling the otherwise exceptional and impeccable performance.

The VW T-Cross 1.0 TSI (2023) covered 100,000 kilometers without a single fault or defect. During the final inspection, a light brown film was noticed on the front and rear axles, which, as harmless surface corrosion, did not affect the performance of the T-Cross. Engine, gearbox, clutch – all in perfect working order.

The BMW 320d Touring (2022) endured 100,000 kilometers with complete calm and ease. A few functional weaknesses in everyday use, a couple of (mostly cosmetic) problems during disassembly and a high price – that's all that could be noticed.

The Mazda CX-5 Skyactiv-D 184 AWD (2021) also passed the test without any significant defects and with impeccable service in the service. Initial, but still harmless, corrosion was found under the trunk lid seal. The installed 2.2-liter diesel engine showed no signs of wear after 100,000 kilometers.

The Suzuki Swift Sport 1.4 Boosterjet (2021) completed the test without any problems. It was only during disassembly that a defect was discovered: (relatively minor) rust in the longitudinal members. The corrosion protection was insufficient. Without this defect, the Swift Sport would have received the highest rating.

The cars that best maintain performance and reliability after 100,000 km are mostly from Japanese brands, such as Toyota, Lexus, and Honda. These vehicles are designed with conservative engineering and durable components that, with proper maintenance, often exceed 300,000 km.

The most reliable sedans and hatchbacks...These models are frequently cited by experts and in longevity studies as safe choices for high mileage.

Toyota Corolla: Known worldwide for its extreme durability, it is common to see units in taxi service reaching 500,000 km.

Honda Civic: Praised for its simple and efficient mechanics, it is one of the top recommendations for those looking for a used car with more than 100,000 km in 2025/2026.

Toyota Camry: One of the most robust sedans on the market, with many owners reporting that the car "only starts to break in" at 100,000 km.

Honda Accord: Frequently achieves impressive mileage; there are records of units that have exceeded 1.6 million km with the original engine.

Lexus ES: Offers the luxury of the brand with Toyota's ultra-reliable mechanical base, being considered one of the most durable luxury sedans.

Long-lasting SUVs and pickups...Vehicles built on a body-on-frame chassis or with robust drive systems tend to handle wear and tear better over time.

Toyota 4Runner: Frequently voted the most reliable vehicle since 2010 for its robust construction and few design changes, which guarantees parts tested for years.

Toyota RAV4: Leader in the compact SUV segment in terms of longevity, especially in hybrid versions that reduce stress on the combustion engine.

Honda CR-V: Recognized for its build quality and ease of maintenance, remaining strong well beyond 200,000 km.

Toyota Tacoma/Hilux: These pickup trucks are designed for heavy-duty use and are known for maintaining resale value even with high mileage.

Subaru Outback/Forester: Cited for their durable all-wheel drive, provided preventive maintenance is rigorous.

European models and other brands...Although Japanese brands dominate, some European and Korean models stand out in fleets and heavy use.

Skoda Octavia / Volkswagen Passat: Favorites of taxi drivers in Europe for their spaciousness and diesel engines known for enduring long distances.

Volkswagen S90: Maintains the Swedish brand's historic reputation for creating cars built to last decades.

Kia Ceed: Offered with a long-term warranty (in some markets), reflecting the brand's confidence in its mechanical durability.

Toyota Prius: Toyota's hybrid technology has proven to be extremely resilient, with batteries that last much longer than initially expected.