Some legendary engines are built to last far beyond what most drivers ever expect.
A car engine is much more than just the heart of a vehicle. It’s not only the reason your car moves at all—it’s also one of the most complex and expensive parts to repair, maintain, or replace. Since a car has basically become a second pair of legs for millions of people, every driver wants one thing: an engine that lasts as long as possible without becoming a financial nightmare.
Some engines have earned a near-mythical reputation for durability, regularly crossing 300,000 miles and sometimes even reaching 600,000 miles or more with proper care. Here are seven of the most respected long-lasting engines ever built.
What makes an engine truly reliable? Honestly, it might be easier to list what makes one unreliable. But if there’s one must-have feature, many mechanics would point to a cast-iron engine block.
That’s exactly what the naturally aspirated 3.0-liter Toyota 2JZ-GE has. With basic proper maintenance, this engine can easily run for 310,000 to 370,000 miles without major issues. Toyota’s excellent factory cooling system also plays a big role in its legendary durability.
Its close relative, the 1JZ-GE, is nearly as dependable. This is one of those rare cases where people can honestly say: they just don’t make them like this anymore.
Sometimes people say cars were built better in the past—and when it comes to engines, that isn’t always nostalgia talking.
The 3.5-liter inline-six BMW M30B35 from the 1980s is a perfect example. This engine is often described as “Swiss watch” engineering, even by German standards. Reaching 300,000 miles is barely a warm-up for it.
Some owners and mechanics claim that with exceptional care, the M30B35 could push past 600,000 miles—or even approach 1 million miles in rare cases. Even at high mileage, problems like excessive oil consumption often remained surprisingly rare.
Simple, reliable, fuel-efficient, and with no troublesome turbocharger—that’s exactly what many drivers want from a diesel engine.
That’s what made the AAZ such a strong performer in older Audi and Volkswagen models. If properly maintained and not abused, the AAZ can often reach 400,000 to 435,000 miles before needing a major rebuild.
Some especially careful owners have reportedly pushed them past 600,000 miles, and there are even stories of engines hitting close to 900,000 miles—though hard proof is limited. Still, it remains one of the best examples of smart, durable engineering.
Remember classics like the Mercedes-Benz W124 and W201? Many of them came with the famous 2.5-liter five-cylinder OM602 diesel.
Even among German engines, this one is often seen as the gold standard. Real-world ownership stories back that up. With proper and timely maintenance, the OM602 can confidently run for 900,000 to 1.2 million miles.
Very few internal combustion engines—past or present—can match numbers like that. It remains one of Mercedes-Benz’s greatest mechanical achievements.
Ask enough drivers, and plenty will tell you that old Volvo cars were nearly indestructible. Much of that reputation comes from the B230 engine.
This 2.3-liter inline-four is so tough it practically deserves its own monument. It’s one of those engines that can forgive even some serious maintenance mistakes—though that doesn’t mean you should test it too much.
For the B230, 300,000 to 370,000 miles is nothing unusual. With proper care, reaching 600,000 miles before a major rebuild is absolutely realistic. It’s one of the toughest old-school engines ever made.
What do the RB25 and a samurai have in common? Neither has a final destination—only a long road ahead.
This engine is famous for lasting a very long time, especially if the owner understands the meaning of regular maintenance. For the RB25, 280,000 to 340,000 miles is completely normal.
With excellent care, it can often go much farther—sometimes twice that distance. Its strength comes from a cast-iron block, a simple but effective lubrication system, and a design free from unnecessary complexity.
Some mechanics joke that in certain cars, the odometer breaks before the engine does. Its close relative, the RB26, is similarly respected.
This one is pure American legend.
The GM LS family includes V8 engines ranging from 5.3 to 6.2 liters, and they’re famous for combining power, simplicity, and incredible durability. With basic maintenance, these engines can easily exceed 300,000 miles.
With proper long-term care, many can reach 600,000 miles before needing a major rebuild. Much of that comes down to a design that’s simple, strong, and easy to service.
One standout is the LQ4, featuring a cast-iron block, aluminum cylinder heads, minimal electronics, and a straightforward fuel injection system. It’s one of those engines where actually breaking it takes real effort.
Sometimes, simple engineering really is the best engineering.