A USA TODAY Cars reader recently reached out to me in response to a story about high-mileage maintenance tips.
Stephen Seakan informed me that his 2003 Hyundai Sonata had accumulated over 500,000 miles. At first, I was in disbelief and asked Stephen for a picture to confirm the vehicle's mileage.
Seakan sent over a picture displaying an odometer that read "548,201" miles, which is astounding for even the most long-lasting vehicles. Here's why this Hyundai Sonata is such an anomaly.
This 2003 Hyundai Sonata accumulated over a half million miles
A reasonable life span for a modern car is around 200,000 miles, according to Consumer Reports. This 2003 Hyundai Sonata has lived two lives in a sense, because it has outlasted thousands of cars with mechanical issues related to high mileage.
Seakan bought a brand-new
2003 Hyundai Sonata in September of 2003. In 23 years of ownership, Stephen managed to rack up 548,201 miles. The average driver travels around 13,476 miles a year, according to the Department of Transportation.
Seakan averaged roughly 23,834 miles a year in the last 23 years, which is practically double the average annual driving distance for American drivers. He says that the Sonata still uses its original engine.
How the Hyundai Sonata managed to last for over 500,000 miles of driving
Hyundai models are reliable, but brands like Toyota, Lexus, and Honda are typically recognized for the longevity of their vehicles more often than Hyundai. So, how did Seakan's Sonata manage to travel for over half a million miles without serious debilitating mechanical issues?
"I have friends that are mechanics and they all recommend the same thing, to change the fluids as required and keep them topped off to the proper levels," Seakan told USA TODAY Cars.
This Hyundai Sonata's mileage is nothing short of miraculous and though there must be some luck involved with its longevity, Stephen's maintenance tips are sound advice for drivers. Regular oil changes help to reduce friction and wear on crucial mechanical components including the engine.
Other liquids like engine coolant absorb extreme heat and also prevent corrosion or freezing in cold weather. Transmission fluid lubricates and cools gears for smooth shifting.
Why you should get comfortable opening your car's hood
The average modern driver may not ever need to check out their engine bay thanks to the reliability of modern vehicles and the availability of auto service centers. If you do take the time to familiarize yourself with what's under the hood of your vehicle, you could reap major longevity benefits, like Seakan and his durable 2003 Hyundai Sonata.
Staying on top of oil changes, fluid replacements and other regular maintenance items drastically increases your car's chances of surpassing 200,000 miles and beyond. Reliable nameplates that are regularly serviced can surpass 250,000 miles.
Most drivers may never own a vehicle that has accumulated over 500,000 miles, but Seakan and his Hyundai Sonata give gearheads and budget-conscious drivers a challenging goal to aspire to.
Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at CSingh@Gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: This 2003 Hyundai Sonata reached 548,000 miles on its original engine
