By the time you reach your 50s, your priorities behind the wheel tend to shift. The search for speed and flash often takes a backseat to reliability, comfort, and peace of mind. If you plan wisely, the vehicle you buy in this decade could very well be the last one you ever need. That means choosing something that is durable enough to rack up hundreds of thousands of kilometers, affordable enough to maintain, and pleasant enough to enjoy for decades to come. Here are ten cars, SUVs, and trucks that are known to deliver the kind of long-term ownership that could see you right through retirement.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry has been a staple in Canadian driveways for decades, and for good reason. It is famous for bulletproof reliability, affordable parts, and a ride quality that makes long trips a pleasure rather than a chore. Many Camrys on the road today have surpassed 400,000 kilometers with only routine maintenance.
For someone in their 50s, the Camry offers a balance of comfort and dependability. It has roomy seats, a quiet cabin, and a reputation for aging gracefully. Insurance costs are modest, and fuel economy is impressive for a midsize sedan. Buy one today, keep up with oil changes and regular servicing, and there is no reason it could not see you comfortably into your 70s or even 80s.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is often compared directly with the Camry, but it brings a slightly different flavor. While it is equally renowned for reliability, the Accord adds a sportier edge with sharper handling and more engaging driving dynamics. This makes it a great option if you still want a car that feels lively even as you prioritize comfort.
Accords consistently last well over 300,000 kilometers, and many owners report far higher mileage with basic maintenance. The interiors are comfortable and well-built, with technology that feels modern but not overwhelming. For retirees who enjoy road trips, the Accord is as durable as it is enjoyable.
Toyota Highlander
If you want the practicality of an SUV with Toyota’s trademark durability, the Highlander is one of the best options. It is large enough to handle family visits, road trips, and weekend getaways, yet efficient enough to avoid breaking the bank at the pump. The hybrid versions offer excellent fuel economy while still being capable of long-term reliability.
Highlanders are known to last 15 to 20 years with relative ease, with many reaching 400,000 kilometers before major issues arise. Maintenance costs are lower than most SUVs of its size, and its smooth ride makes it ideal for longer journeys. For Canadians who may want to downsize later, the Highlander’s reputation means it also holds resale value exceptionally well.
Lexus RX
Luxury vehicles often become headaches after 10 years, but the Lexus RX is the exception. Built with Toyota reliability underneath, the RX delivers premium comfort, upscale interiors, and quiet performance without the usual costs associated with luxury brands. Retirees love it because it feels indulgent without being risky.
The RX is one of the few luxury SUVs that commonly lasts beyond 300,000 kilometers with little more than routine maintenance. Parts are widely available, and the hybrid versions stretch fuel economy even further. For those entering retirement, the RX offers both status and staying power.
Toyota Tacoma
For pickup buyers, the Toyota Tacoma is practically a legend. Known for its ruggedness, reliability, and off-road capability, it is the kind of truck that just does not quit. Many Tacomas are still running strong after 20 or 25 years, especially in parts of Canada where their toughness is appreciated on rough roads.
The Tacoma is not the largest truck, but it is perfect for those who do not need to tow massive trailers. Its smaller size makes it easier to maneuver than a full-size pickup, while its longevity is unmatched. Buy one in your 50s and there is a strong chance you will never need another truck again.
Honda CR-V
Compact SUVs are the new family car, and the Honda CR-V is one of the best. It offers generous interior space, excellent visibility, and dependable all-wheel drive perfect for Canadian winters. It also has one of the best reputations for longevity in its class.
Many CR-Vs routinely reach 300,000 to 400,000 kilometers, with relatively low ownership costs compared to rivals. Fuel economy is solid, and the cabin is simple but durable. For retirees who want versatility without excess size, the CR-V is an easy choice that could last a lifetime.
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is beloved in Canada for one big reason: it can handle anything the weather throws at it. With standard all-wheel drive, solid ground clearance, and rugged dependability, the Outback is ideal for snow, gravel roads, and long journeys through the countryside.
Longevity is another strong suit. With regular servicing, many Outbacks exceed 350,000 kilometers, and Subaru’s community of loyal owners swears by their durability. For Canadians who want a vehicle that is as comfortable on the highway as it is in the mountains, the Outback is one of the best bets for long-term ownership.
Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 has been Canada’s best-selling vehicle for decades, and for good reason. It is endlessly versatile, available in dozens of configurations, and known for strong durability when properly maintained. Engines like the 5.0-liter V8 or the newer EcoBoosts have proven themselves capable of hundreds of thousands of kilometers.
The F-150 is a great choice if you still want the flexibility to tow a trailer, haul loads, or take on home projects in retirement. The key is to buy a model with a proven drivetrain and keep up with maintenance. Do that, and it will outlast many SUVs and cars.
Toyota Corolla
If your goal is absolute simplicity and affordability, the Toyota Corolla stands at the top. It is the global champion of durability, with millions sold worldwide and countless examples surpassing 400,000 kilometers. The Corolla is cheap to buy, cheap to run, and cheap to fix.
It may not be glamorous, but if you just want a reliable companion for errands, trips, and day-to-day life, the Corolla will deliver without complaint. Buy one in your 50s, and it could still be humming along well into your 70s.
Lexus ES
The Lexus ES is essentially a luxury version of the Toyota Camry, but that combination makes it nearly unbeatable for long-term ownership. You get the comfort and premium feel of a luxury sedan, combined with Toyota’s legendary engineering underneath. Unlike many German luxury cars that turn into repair nightmares after 10 years, the ES ages gracefully.
Owners regularly report their ES models running flawlessly beyond 300,000 kilometers. Its quiet ride and plush interior make it an ideal retirement car, and its dependability means it could easily be the last car you ever buy.
The Last Car You’ll Ever Need
Choosing a vehicle in your 50s with the goal of keeping it for life is all about finding the right balance between reliability, comfort, and practicality. Models like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Lexus RX, and Toyota Tacoma are proven to last decades. SUVs such as the CR-V and Outback are versatile and tough, while sedans like the Corolla and Lexus ES provide simple, efficient motoring well into old age.
These vehicles may not be the flashiest, but they are built to go the distance. With proper maintenance, they can carry you through retirement and beyond, letting you enjoy the road without the stress of breakdowns or constant repairs. For many, that peace of mind is worth more than horsepower or styling and it is exactly what makes these cars, trucks, and SUVs the ones that can see you out.
