I'm a Mechanic: These 4 Reliable Sedans Are Still Worth Buying With 100K Miles

Buying a used car can be tricky business, as you’re sifting through vehicles that have already likely seen considerable road-time, and with that mileage comes wear, tear and the potential for breakdowns. Specifically, when a vehicle hits 100,000 miles, its factory power train warranty has expired and it most likely needs a significant and costly tune-up (new spark plugs, coolant flushes, timing belt replacement and more).

However, a used vehicle with 100,000 miles under its hood is also quite often very affordable, meaning thrifty car shoppers must weigh that cheaper cost against long-term reliability.

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With that in mind, MoneyLion recently spoke to car expert Roger Bible, director of operations for the nationwide vehicle transport and logistics company, ATC Driveaway, about which used sedans are still worth buying, even at 100,000-plus miles. Bible has spent over two decades working with commercial vehicles and transportation equipment, and said there were a few sedans he’d buy with 100,000 miles or more.

Below are four such cars he always trusts.

Toyota Camry

"The car that has always been on the top of my list is the Toyota Camry,” Bible said. “Camry is known to have very good long-life reliability due to its dependable power train, ubiquitous parts and lower maintenance costs.”

Bible added that, on higher-mileage models, “You'll definitely want to look for maintenance receipts, transmission health and fluid color/consistency, worn suspension components and any potential shortcuts taken.”

Honda Accord

“Known for its overall solid reliability, many Accord drivers maintain ownership and keep their cars driving well into [the car’s] teens,” Bible said. “When shopping around, I would be scrutinizing the maintenance records, look for patterns in tire wear, test the suspension and look for any indication that routine maintenance was neglected.”

Toyota Avalon

“Another forgotten vehicle,” Bible said of the Avalon. “These cars were built to be durable and comfortable, and usually kept by owners who took good care of their possessions. Many Avalons have traveled countless highway miles, instead of city miles, meaning that you can often find great bargains in the used market.”

Lexus ES

Another sedan Bible would consider, even with 100,000 miles, is the Lexus ES.

“While its design and mechanicals are based on Toyota's trusted platforms, they often get very well maintained by the previous owners,” he said. “High mileage for these doesn't scare me nearly as much as poorly maintained examples do.”

The Bottom Line

While mileage can be an important factor in buying a used car, Bible suggests you should never make a purchase based on mileage alone.

“I would gladly buy a 140,000-mile sedan with full maintenance receipts over an 80,000-mile car with tons of unknowns,” he said. “If you do buy a high-mileage sedan, be sure to get a pre-purchase inspection by your trusted mechanic — a few hundred bucks now can save thousands down the road.”

Finally, Bible added that condition, history and maintenance records — rather than mileage — will often prove to be far more important when determining a used car’s value and reliability in 2026 and beyond. Don’t let that big number sway you when searching for your next sedan.

Editor’s note: Photos are for representational purposes only and might not reflect the exact year, make or model of the vehicle(s) listed in this article.

This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.

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