Some cars seem determined to outlive their owners. They shrug off brutal winters, abusive commutes and mileage that would cripple most modern machines. These vehicles built reputations not through flashy features but through stubborn durability. Canadians have driven them for decades, often handing them down like family furniture. Here are ten cars famously known to keep going long after you are ready to stop.
Toyota Land Cruiser
The Land Cruiser became legendary because it simply refuses to die. Its engines run forever, its frames withstand unbelievable punishment and its components rarely fail. In Canada it moved through mining sites, forests and frozen backroads without complaint. Owners have seen these trucks cross half a million kilometres as if it were routine. When people say a vehicle will outlast you, this is the one they mean.
Toyota Corolla
The Corolla’s secret is not power or excitement, it is consistency. Year after year Toyota built engines and transmissions that thrive on neglect. Even old models start on bitter winter mornings when newer cars struggle. Many Corollas run two or three hundred thousand kilometres with only basic maintenance. For young drivers, retirees and commuters, the Corolla feels like a car that keeps going no matter what life throws at it.
Honda Civic
The Civic earned its reputation by surviving decades of hard Canadian driving. Students abused them, families overloaded them and yet they kept returning to the road. The engines resist wear, the transmissions stay smooth and rust protection improved dramatically over the years. A well maintained Civic wears its mileage like a badge. It is the kind of car that ends up in the hands of three or four owners before finally resting.
Toyota Camry
The Camry combines comfort with bulletproof engineering. Its V6 and four cylinder engines have become famous for running far beyond expectations. Many Camrys quietly rack up mileage numbers usually reserved for commercial vehicles. The smooth ride and calm demeanour hide the fact that these cars are built like machines designed to outlive their drivers. In long term ownership rankings the Camry remains near the top every single year.
Subaru Outback
The Outback thrives in brutal climates. Its symmetrical all wheel drive keeps it planted during nasty winters and its engines, once maintained properly, remain dependable for astonishing distances. Rural Canadian drivers trust the Outback to get them home safely even when roads disappear under storms. These cars often remain in service long after their odometers tell you they should have retired.
Lexus LS
The LS is one of the most durable luxury cars ever created. Its engines are silky smooth yet remarkably tough. Owners regularly see three hundred thousand kilometres with barely more than routine service. The cabin materials hold up beautifully which keeps the car feeling young even in old age. If you want a luxury car built to last longer than you, the LS stands alone.
Honda Accord
The Accord blends refinement and longevity better than almost any midsize sedan. Its engines run cleanly well past two hundred thousand kilometres and the transmissions consistently impress mechanics. Accords survive years of family duty, winter salt, long commutes and everything in between. They age gracefully, both mechanically and cosmetically. For many households an Accord becomes the dependable car that never leaves the driveway for good.
Toyota 4Runner
The 4Runner is one of the last true old school SUVs, built on a sturdy frame that does not flex or fatigue easily. Its V6 engine is famously long lived and the interior materials are built with rugged practicality. Outdoor enthusiasts love it because it handles trails and winters without wearing out. Resale values remain absurdly high because buyers know these machines run nearly forever.
Volvo 240
The 240 became a legend because it never seemed to stop. Though production ended decades ago these cars still appear on Canadian roads with huge mileage numbers. The engines were simple and incredibly stout, the body structure resisted corrosion and the mechanical parts were designed to be repaired instead of replaced. The 240 became a symbol of longevity that even modern Volvos struggle to match.
Mercedes W123
The W123, built through the late seventies and early eighties, remains one of the toughest European cars ever produced. The diesel models became famous worldwide for crossing continents without major failures. Many Canadian examples survived impossible winters and relentless commuting yet kept running smoothly. Even today the W123 is admired because it feels engineered to outlast generations rather than owners.
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Car loans are one of the most common ways people fund car purchases. Like any other kind of loan, car loans can have certain features that can be regarded as an advantage or a disadvantage to the borrower. Understanding all essential facts about car loans and how they work to ensure that you get the best deal for your financial situation is essential. Here are 25 shocking facts about car loans that most drivers don’t realize:
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