Cars are commonly kept for three years and driven between 20,000 to 25,000 miles by lessees. However, some individuals aim for their vehicle to last ten years or longer for cost reasons alone. On the other hand, there are extreme cases of cars with a million or more miles on the clock, such as a W123 Mercedes 240D in Gran Canaria, Spain.
Record-Breaking Mercedes
A W123 Mercedes 240D in Gran Canaria has reached an incredible milestone of 4.35 million miles. The long version of this model has been used as a cab on the island since 1988, with the current owner, Dominguito, operating it in three shifts of eight hours each day. Despite the high mileage, some parts of the vehicle have been replaced, and it requires frequent oil changes and maintenance.
Extensive Restoration
In 2008, the company that owns the record-breaking Mercedes decided to extensively restore the vehicle and make it their flagship. With a mileage of 2.4 million miles at the time, the car underwent various upgrades and modernizations while retaining as many original parts as possible. The body was reinforced to prevent fatigue fractures, and certain components, such as the brakes, were replaced with newer parts from a more modern Mercedes model.
Other Mileage Millionaires
Aside from the Mercedes in Gran Canaria, there have been other remarkable instances of cars accumulating a high number of miles. A Greek cab driver’s Mercedes 240D reached 2.9 million miles before he was presented with a new car by Mercedes as a farewell gift. In addition, Irv Gordon’s Volvo P1800 had accumulated over 3 million miles before his passing in 2018, earning him a place in the Guinness Book of Records.
Future of High-Mileage Cars
With modern cars featuring a lot of electronics and chips, some question whether they are built to withstand such high mileage. While achieving extraordinary mileage in a vehicle may seem like a labor of love or a hobby rather than a sensible investment, enthusiasts and dedicated owners continue to push the boundaries of how long a car can last.