If you have shopped for a used car in the past several years, you probably know how difficult it is to find a good deal. Prices are higher than ever, and inventory is hard to come by. You may be trying to decide if it is worth holding onto your current vehicle a little longer, and if you own a minivan, it might be worth it. According to a recent auto industry study, two minivan models have the potential to keep going down the road for over 230,000 miles.

A minivan can be part of major milestones for a growing family

A minivan that can last more than 230,000 miles can see a family through many of life’s most defining moments. From the maternity ward to the college dorm, a minivan capable of lasting that many miles has inevitably become part of the family.

Minivans are surprisingly the most-driven vehicle type, averaging 13,235 miles per year. That means owners could hold onto one of the listed minivans for almost 18 years before it’s time to replace it. Not only would it be a good investment for a growing family, but the minivan would also see its fair share of soccer practices, road trips, school drop-offs, and family vacations.

Two minivans with a potential lifespan of over 230,000 miles

According to a recent iSeeCars study, the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna have potential lifespans of over 230,000 miles. 

Analyzing more than two million vehicles, the car search engine company looked at the models produced for at least 10 of the last two decades. They ranked every model according to the highest mileage-achieving vehicles.

To create a list of the “Top 20 Cars Offering the Greatest Potential Lifespan,” the top-ranking models had cleared 200,000 miles, with the top one percent having a range between 230,000 and 297,000 miles over the past 20 years.

An iSeeCars Executive Analyst explained, “this study isn’t reporting the maximum lifespan of these vehicles. This is simply a measure of current odometer readings. Most of these cars are still in use and going strong.”

What you can do to extend your vehicle’s lifespan 

The most important thing you can do to extend the life of your car is to follow the manufacturer’s recommended schedule for routine maintenance. Changing the oil, rotating tires, and checking brake pads can go a long way in keeping a vehicle on the road longer. Checking transmission, coolant, power steering, and brake fluid levels can ensure proper vehicle operation andares essential to a car running efficiently. Regularly washing and waxing your vehicle will help to prevent dirt buildup, rust, fading, and water spots. 

Listen for any unusual noises that could indicate a problem. Correcting issues before they worsen can save money and extend your vehicle’s lifespan. Maintaining tires by rotating them every 6,000 to 8,000 miles and regularly checking tire pressure to ensure the correct PSI will help reduce wear and tear, helping the tires last longer, and saving you money.

Csaba Csere, former editor-in-chief of Car and Driver, emphasized the importance of paying attention to vehicle warning lights, in particular when the “check engine” light comes on. He explained how people tend to ignore odd smells or sounds coming from a vehicle, especially when money is tight. Csere told Today, “None of these things will go away by themselves, and a repair later is likely to be more expensive than a repair now.”

Properly maintaining a vehicle and making repairs as needed will extend the life of your car and keep it going down the road until you’re ready for an upgrade.