There’s some truth to the fact that Germans make some of the best cars in the world. But making an engineering marvel does not necessarily mean it lasts long.
It gets interesting when you look at other manufacturing giants in Asia and North America. Brands such as Toyota and Ford are some of the biggest competitors to European and, particularly, German cars.
In this article, we’re looking at how many miles German can cars last with some exciting examples.
Meanwhile, there are some problems with German cars you should be aware of.
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Here’s the Answer to How Many Miles German Cars Last:
The average German car can last at least 200,000 to 250,000 miles. It’s also not uncommon to see German-made automobiles lasting over 300,000 miles either.
One thing is certain, with a German vehicle, durability is almost always guaranteed.
German Cars That Are Most Reliable and Last Longer
Brands such as Audi, BMW, Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz have made a name for themselves in the auto industry. However, how many of these brands are actually reliable and last long enough?
It goes without saying that a car that is well-maintained will last longer than one that is neglected. However, bad engineering and design from the factory can also affect the car’s longevity.
Here are a few examples of German cars that last long:
1. Volkswagen Passat
VW Passat models from 2015 have been revamped and improved upon to make them last longer. The Passat can now last well over 250,000 miles, maintained well enough.
This model is also one of the oldest releases from the German manufacturer. It has had a long and successful run as one of the best VW sedans around.
Owners can expect over 100,000 miles without major engine overhauls on the VW Passat. It has a stellar engine, and its performance has improved throughout the years.
Overall, the VW Passat is just one of those cars that needs good maintenance in order to exceed the 100,000-mile mark. However, the car’s design has gradually increased and so has the lifetime of this VW.
Models that were made before 2010 had an average lifespan of about 9 years.
Models like the 2015 VW Passat can go as long as 12 years if maintained well.
Meanwhile, here’s why German cars are so fast.
2. Porsche Cayenne
Luxury cars made by Porsche might have lower mileage scores than regular cars. However, the Porsche Cayenne has been proven to last between 200,000 to 250,000 miles on average.
Luxury cars like the Cayenne are often on the low end regarding longevity and durability, but if taken good care of, they can outlast even the most durable of cars.
This German-made model is actually much more expensive than some cars in its class. That means parts and maintenance will be more expensive.
Maintaining a Cayenne becomes expensive and tedious for some owners and they opt to skip maintenance schedules. This is where problems start to creep in and eventually, the car does not last as long.
Other than maintenance schedules, the driver is also a factor in determining the car’s longevity. Aggressive driving and braking also affect how the car will perform over a longer period.
Fortunately, Porches typically come with a 4-year warranty that covers most repairs and parts. If used properly. This benefit may lead to a longer lifespan for Porsche Cayenne.
3. Volkswagen Polo
The VW Polo is still one of Germany’s most trusted and highest-selling hatchbacks throughout the world. As such, it is no surprise that the VW Polo can last up to 200,000 miles with a good maintenance plan.
There have been many reports of Polos even going as long as 10 years before a major engine overhaul. This comes as a big surprise when considering the price and size of the Polo.
Many Volkswagen mechanics report that mileage and longevity on a VW Polo are affected by driver behavior. A lousy maintenance schedule also plays a big role when it comes to how long the Polo will last.
For such a small car as the Polo, it is quite expensive to maintain and do repairs. This might be due to the complicated German parts of the car.
On average, an annual repair cost for the VW Polo will set you back around $680. This is not too bad when compared to other vehicles in the same class.
German cars are known to be a lot more expensive to maintain than other brands.
4. Mercedes Benz E300e
With proper care and maintenance, the luxurious Mercedes-Benz E300e can last between 200,000 and 250,000 miles. A good maintenance schedule and driver behavior will affect the car’s longevity.
Mercedes cars are known to be quite expensive to not maintain but to repair if something goes wrong. This might be due to the complex German engine design and expensive replacement parts.
One thing that is beneficial for the E300e is the electric motor, which pushes out around 440Nm of torque. Electric motors also last much longer due to minimal moving parts than diesel engines.
Mercedes-Benz is not a cheap car to own and maintain and will have more ownership cost overall. The cost goes even higher if the car needs an engine overhaul or even a scheduled major service.
5. Porsche 911
The Porsche 911 has been reported to last up to 10 years, with a good maintenance schedule adhered to. If looked after well enough, you can expect your 911 to last as high as 200,000 miles.
An average of 10 years is pretty good for a luxury sports car, such as a Porsche. Most sports cars are prone to need constant repairs and engine overhauls within five years.
The Porsche 911 is one of Germany’s most loved sports cars because of its excellent design and craftsmanship. The German company also provides a good warranty plan covering parts and maintenance.
Reports also show that Porsche cars last a lot longer than competitors such as Corvette and Ferrari. These are also really well-made cars, but German ingenuity comes out the winner.
6. BMW 3 Series
It’s no secret that the 3 Series is one of Germany’s most loved cars and it’s been like this for years. The BMW 3 Series can easily last up to 250,000 miles when well looked after.
There is also a number of these models that have gone up to 300,000 miles without serious engine issues. That just goes to prove that a well-looked-after car will return the favor with longevity.
The 3 Series represents the best of German engineering and craftsmanship in this model. Its exceptional build quality and weight distribution are good factors that add to the 3 Series’ durability.
Furthermore, the 3 Series always maintains great reliability scores throughout the years.
The 2022 BMW 3 Series got a 79 out of 100 for reliability from J.D Power.
Additionally, the 3 Series also comes with a robust 4-year/50,000-mile warranty for the petrol engine. The electric version BMW 330e has a longer 8-year/80,000-mile warranty for the battery.
7. Audi A4
The Audi A4 is also one of Germany’s most loved luxury sedans and lasts a long time when maintained well. It is not uncommon for an Audi A4 to last up to 13 years or around 150,000-200,000 miles.
German cars are also improving when it comes to durability and how long they can be driven. Other than the design, maintenance and the way the driver drives affect how long the A4 will last.
Abrupt braking, over-acceleration, and general driver behavior are good ways to know how long the car will last. A good maintenance schedule must also be adhered to in order to replace parts that wear and tear easily.
The longer a car is driven, the faster reliability will decrease, and the Audi A4 is no exception to the rule. With that said, if the car runs out of warranty, the repair costs can be enormous for a luxury German car.
The Audi has had its fair share of problems throughout the years, including airbag recalls and engine problems. As such, an Audi A4 that has been driven well over 100,000 miles is considered high mileage.
8. Volkswagen Golf
The VW Golf is still considered one of the best German hot hatches around and for good reason. This hatchback is reliable and built to last well over 100,000-200,000 miles.
Following a good maintenance schedule, you can expect the Golf to last around five years. This means
- Regular oil changes
- Timing belt replacement, and
- Other regular maintenance checks
Other factors that can affect mileage include using the gear, accelerator, and air conditioning sparingly. This ensures the car runs normally and durability and reliability are increased over a longer period.
Volkswagen is a giant in producing reliable and robust engines that last a long time. On top of that, their models are priced just right with a mixture of premium but affordable materials.
What Are the Most Durable German Cars?
- BMW 2 Series
- BMW 3 Series
- BMW 5 series
- Mercedes Benz GLC
- Mercedes Benz E300e
- Audi Q3
- Audi A4
- Audi A6
- Porsche Cayenne
- Porsche 911
- Volkswagen Golf
German automobile durability may be the reason why German cars are so expensive.
What German Cars Are the Least Durable?
- Audi Q5
- Audi e-tron
- Opel Astra
- Volkswagen Tiguan
- Volkswagen Jetta
- Mercedes Benz A Class
- Mercedes Benz CLA
- BMW X5
Do German Cars Last More Miles Than U.S. Cars?
German cars are built to last longer than U.S. cars, but they are more expensive to own and maintain. Compared to American cars, German cars are also more expensive to buy upfront.
American cars like
- Chevrolet
- Ford, and
- Dodge are designed to be bigger and more functional
On the other hand, German cars are designed to be sleek and sophisticated.
As such, a German car will last longer but will be more expensive to maintain and pay upfront. This is mostly due to the high-quality materials and complex engine designs.
Another difference between German and American cars is the size, whereas U.S. cars are much bigger. German manufacturers prefer much smaller designs which give off a sense of sophistication.
German cars are also known to be really fast because of looser speed limits on highways such as the Autobahn.
However, American brands such as Ford and Chevrolet get bigger and faster engines that can compete with some of the fastest cars in the world.
As such, both American and German cars have their own pros and cons to look into. Neither is better nor worse than the other and most people will have to research to find their best fit according to their preferences.