Which cars have reliability after the warranty lapses? I plan on keeping a car for 12-15 yrs.?

Question

I'm in the market to buy a new car and every dealer I go to swears their make have an excellent history for longetivity. How do I know which ones truly are?
Are there any small car owners who have been driving their car since it was brand new and are still driving it for more than 15 years? I would love to hear from you. If the make and model are no longer being manufactured, would you provide which model replaced it, if you know?
Are the parts to repair it readily available or does it keep having to be taken to the dealership for repainrs and maintenance?

Answer 1

Honda and Toyota are known for quality, long lasting cars. My fiancee drives a 1996 Civic, and it has some problems which come from it being a salvage, and from a break-in where they ripped out the center console. There is nothing wrong that is Honda's fault. My grandmother had a Corolla for almost 20 years, and still has a 1990 Acura Integra (today's replacement would be whatever their cheapest model is). My uncle had a Toyota pickup truck that lasted at least 10 years with several hundred thousand miles.

There must be other great cars out there that aren't Japanese imports, but in general, avoid the super cheap imports (Kia and Hyundai), Mitsubishi (they use the cheapest parts for everything) and American cars.

Answer 2

If properly maintained, which means you do more then just change the oil, most any car will last a long.
I had an '81 Chevy Pick Up that I sold after 18 years of trouble free service. Bought it new.

Answer 3

"More then Just Oil Changes" on any Eng. Honda,Toyota, Isuzu, Smaller ford cars, Had a Neon for 13 years and gave it to my Daughter who ran it for another 3 years. Tires, Brakes, Alignments, Tune-ups, Trany & Rear end Service, Cleaning Regulary, Good Care means Good and Longer Service. (Corney but true!)