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Dependability is hardly the biggest perk of owning a sports car, but here are a few thrilling models that break that mold.
Whether you're going for a used or brand-new sports car, one of the most underrated factors every buyer should consider is longevity. With the high cost of many sports cars, buyers no longer see them as just performance machines that go from point A to point B in a fast and graceful manner. Sports cars are treated as automotive investments, so reliability cannot be overlooked.
While getting a sports car that hits 200,000 miles is not exactly the easiest thing in the world, it's definitely not the hardest thing, provided you do your homework. If you desire to have a sports car that lasts for decades without costing an arm and a leg for maintenance and repairs, this piece is for you. Let's take a look at 10 sports cars that will serve you for at least 200,000 miles.
Related: 10 Dirt-Cheap Used Cars That Will Last You 200,000 Miles
Simply taking the 2010 Corvette Z06 for a spin will revolutionize your thoughts about Chevrolet. Since the Corvette Z06 is fast, practical, and quite expensive to get, you’d want to know how long it lasts. Well, if you maintain the Corvette Z06 properly, it can take you up to 200,000 miles.
In essence, the Corvette Z06 can continue running for 13-15 years, with adequate maintenance. Instead of going for a Porsche 911 Carrera, which costs more than the Corvette Z06, but has just about the same life expectancy, you can settle for the former, which is more of a bargain.
Ford showcases its expertise in delivering a sporty vehicle with sharp handling and ultimate performance. The 2011 Focus RS500 is a special edition vehicle powered by a 2.5-liter 20V DOHC RS engine that cranks out 345 hp and 339 lb-ft.
When it comes to longevity, Ford Focus has a reputation for serving owners for up to 200,000 to 250,000 miles. That means the service life of the Ford Focus is around 13-16 years. To ensure your Ford Focus stands the test of time, avoid aggressive driving, because it can increase the wear and tear rate.
Toyota’s luxury division, Lexus, adopted the styling of the LF-LC concept car for the RC, which is an acronym for “Radical Coupe”. It comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that pumps out 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of peak torque.
With regular upkeep routines and conservative driving habits, your Lexus RC350 can last up to 300,000 miles . If you use an average of 15,000 miles annually, the RC350 can serve you for up to 20 years, depending on your maintenance culture.
Related: Here’s What We Love About The Lexus RC
Given the mid-engine layout of the 2014 Porsche Cayman, it’s well-balanced compared to the Porsche 911 that comes with a rear-engine layout. The top-of-the-line Cayman S engine is the 3.4-liter DOHC 24-valve flat-6 that makes 325 hp and 272 lb-ft.
For a used sports car that's not exactly inexpensive to start with, it’s important that you know how long it lasts before making such an automotive investment. The Porsche Cayman S can cross the 200,000-mile mark, but you have to consider factors such as service history, and driving habits.
Many Nissan enthusiasts would agree that the 370Z is one of the best Z cars to date, with crisp sports car handling and superb driving dynamics. The 3.7-liter V6 of the 2015 370Z delivers 332 hp and 270 lb-ft of peak torque.
Going by the testimonies of some 370Z owners and opinions from 370Z forums, this sports car can hit 200,000 miles on the odometer. This means you are looking at a service life of 13 years if the average annual mileage is 15,000. To ensure the 370Z reaches its expected lifespan, you should use only authentic Nissan repair parts and strictly follow the recommended maintenance routine.
A muscle car speedsters can’t get enough of is the Ford Mustang. It delivers an insane performance on the freeway or the drag strip, with the GT's V8 cranking out 435 hp and even the base V6 churning out 310 hp. Even though the Ford Mustang tends to be a gas guzzler, it’s quite durable.
While longevity largely depends on maintenance and driving habits, the Mustang can reach 200,000 miles or more. To prolong the life of your Mustang, follow the owner's manual maintenance schedule and make sure you wax it from time to time and park in a garage when possible to prevent rusting in the winter.
Related: Everything We Know About The Next-Gen Ford Mustang
Mazda’s philosophy for the MX-5 Miata has always been to keep the fun factor high and the weight down as much as possible. The frisky acceleration, thrifty fuel economy, and responsive handling of the 2017 MX-5 Miata make it a worthy consideration for sports car buyers.
When it comes to durability, the pint-sized roadster can last up to 200,000 miles, according to a study by iSeeCars. While the MX-5 Miata is well-prepared for the road ahead, you have to follow the recommended maintenance procedures to prolong its service life.
The 2017 Audi TT comes fully redesigned with excellent road manners, sleek styling, and rugged performance. The 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine releases 220 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, and the sports car sprints to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds.
Besides being wicked fun to drive, the Audi TT should last a long time, with proper maintenance, of course. Many Audi TTs can push past the 200,000-mile mark without you breaking the bank to maintain them.
Related: 10 Reasons Why Every Gearhead Should Drive An Audi TT RS
The comfy cabin, retro-styled design, and elevated performance make the 2018 Challenger quite irresistible to performance car lovers. Engine choices range from a 305-hp V6 all the way up to the 840-hp, aptly-named and very rare Demon.
When you think of a Challenger, performance on the track comes to mind before longevity, but a well-maintained Challenger can be on the road for roughly 15 years, with 200,000 miles. Maintaining the Challenger annually may set you back about $650.
The Subaru WRX STI is one of the best-handling sport-compact cars with reasonable pricing out there. The 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four engine makes 305 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque. The all-wheel-drive system of the WRX works pretty well, and the chassis/suspension setup can take on anything the street brings on.
The WRX STI can get to 200,000 miles, and live up to 13 years, with responsible driving and proper maintenance. You may want to avoid over-the-top modifications and keep fluids always topped up to prolong the life of your Subaru WRX.
Peter Akpejeluh is a content writer with years of experience in the automotive industry. His love for cars makes crafting colorful stories around them quite effortless. When Peter is not developing automotive content, you can find him taking one of his favorite cars for a spin.