For buyers considering a used luxury vehicle, Lexus stands out among BMW and Mercedes-Benz for its likelihood of reaching 250,000 miles or more, according to a new longevity study from iSeeCars.
Lexus Leads BMW and Mercedes-Benz in Longevity
The study ranks Lexus as the top luxury brand, with its models showing a 14.4% chance of reaching at least 250,000 miles. That is substantially higher than the 3.4% chance for all luxury brands combined.
Mercedes-Benz ranks sixth among luxury brands, with a 2.6% chance of reaching the quarter-million-mile mark. BMW ranks ninth, with its models showing just a 0.5% chance of reaching 250,000 miles.
The study’s findings point to a significant longevity advantage for Lexus when shoppers are choosing among the three brands.
Older Lexus models also illustrate the brand’s high-mileage reputation. The study notes the number of high-mileage, first-generation LS sedans still around in near-perfect condition, while the more modern LS430 is considered one of the most reliable full-size luxury sedans ever produced.
BMW Repairs Can Be More Expensive
German luxury vehicles are solidly built, but they often use more complex technologies to achieve peak performance. That added complexity can mean more potential problems, while repair costs can eventually exceed a vehicle’s value.
A recent analysis of car brand repair costs between years six and 10 found that BMWs had an average repair cost of $9,300, compared with $5,600 for Lexus models.
For shoppers on a tight budget who are deciding between Lexus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, the iSeeCars study indicates that Lexus is well ahead of its two rivals in the likelihood of reaching 250,000 miles.
“For used-car shoppers, the longest lasting brand rankings can provide valuable context when comparing used vehicles with higher odometer readings,” said iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer.
How the iSeeCars Study Works
The study is based on data covering more than 395 million vehicles. Researchers calculated average odometer readings at each yearly age and then estimated the probability that each model would reach various mileage thresholds using a proprietary model.
iSeeCars explained that the analysis calculated the odds of each specific model and generation reaching 250,000 miles, then averaged those results across each brand’s entire lineup. The results were weighted according to how common each model is on the road.
“To determine which brands build the longest-lasting vehicles overall, the odds of reaching the 250,000-mile milestone for each specific model and generation were calculated and then averaged across each brand’s entire lineup, weighing the results by how common each model is on the road,” said iSeeCars.
The study excludes heavy-duty vans and any other models with insufficient data.
High-Mileage Luxury Cars Still Carry Risks
Buying a well-used, high-mileage luxury vehicle comes with some level of risk. Depreciation can make the initial purchase price more manageable, but a single major repair could represent a large percentage of the vehicle’s value.
The study results show that Japanese luxury brands such as Lexus and Acura are much more likely to reach 250,000 miles than their German counterparts. The findings are also supported by reliability studies, including the most recent predicted reliability scores from Consumer Reports, where Lexus was the top luxury brand.
That does not mean BMW or Mercedes-Benz vehicles are incapable of reaching 250,000 miles. However, they will often require more regular maintenance and more expensive repairs, according to the information presented in the study.
