Everyone knows someone with an ancient Honda or Toyota that just refuses to die. There’s a reason those stories keep repeating, and it’s now playing out in the used car market. One expert says the explanation starts with a humble four-cylinder engine and ends with resale values that make accountants jealous. A viral clip from auto-minded creator Rudy (@rudycars2) charges head-on into solving the mystery of why the two lauded international brands have price tags on pre-owned vehicles that just refuse to budge. “People ask me, 'Rudy, is it worth even buying a pre-owned Toyota or Honda? Is it worth all that money?’ And my answer is yes, 'cause you're buying high-quality product,” he says in the clip that’s been viewed more than 86,100 times as of this writing. Why the Sticker Stays High The backbone of Rudy’s argument is durability. He points out that the four-cylinder engines in many Honda and Toyota sedans often last “300, 400,000 miles,” making them look like value deals, because they arguably are. Thus, these brands hold value very well. Industry data backs this up. According to the independent research firm iSeeCars, for example, Toyota takes the top spot in its “Longest Lasting Cars” study, while Honda ranks second. The firm reports that Toyota and Honda models are disproportionately represented among vehicles that hit quarter-million-mile odometer readings. On the value side, the valuation authority Kelley Blue Book (KBB) lists many Toyota and Honda models among the winners of its Best Resale Value Awards. Toyota, for instance, has consistently taken top honors for brand-wide resale value. In the 2024 awards, the Honda Civic leads the compact car category, and Toyota scores highly across multiple segments. This combination of a long lifespan and strong retained value helps explain why used Toyotas and Hondas often command higher prices than those of competing brands. Buyers see not just a car that works today, but a car that may keep working far into the future. OWNERSHIP STORIES Viral stories from across the web Our team of experts tracks what owners are saying about car-shopping, repairs, the daily driving experience and more on social media. Part of the appeal is engineering simplicity and proven design. Many Toyota and Honda sedans rely on naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines, conservative mechanical layouts, and mature parts supply chains. In contrast, newer turbocharged, complex systems may incur higher maintenance or failure risks as they age. Moreover, because these brands have built a reputation for reliability, there’s a positive feedback loop: consumers' belief that the car will last leads to higher demand for used models, which in turn supports higher residual values. When a car is perceived as “safe” or “long-haul,” its resale value gets a boost, regardless of age. Is the Toyota and Honda Premium Worth It? Rudy’s succinct answer is that yes, Hondas and Toyotas are worth the higher price for a used vehicle—provided you buy smart. A used Honda or Toyota might carry a price premium over a comparable used domestic or non-Japanese model, but that premium is partly offset by lower risk of large repair bills down the road and higher trade-in or resale value when you’re ready to move on. The lifespan data from iSeeCars suggests that these cars are far more likely than average to reach or exceed 200,000–250,000 miles. Still, a few caveats apply, including buyer expectations. Even a “bulletproof” brand doesn’t eliminate maintenance, parts, or wear items. Finding a well-maintained example, particularly with regard to service history and condition, is still essential. Another concern: opportunity cost. If you’re buying a highly sought-after model at a premium, you must ask whether you’re paying extra for myth or material value. For some buyers, alternatives from brands like Hyundai, Mazda, or Kia may offer “good enough” reliability at a lower price. Finally, depreciation has been unusual recently. The used car market has seen elevated prices across the board since 2020, and while the overall market is normalizing, the gap between “good” and “great” used value remains wide. When you’re in the market for a used Honda or Toyota and paying that higher price tag, look for solid maintenance records, moderate mileage if possible, original powertrains rather than heavily modified ones, and purchase from reputable sellers. Don’t assume the premium alone is a guarantee, and treat the purchase with the same diligence you’d apply to any used car. In short, yes, used Toyotas and Hondas are expensive, but in many cases, the price reflects real durability and retained value rather than hype alone. Rudy’s TikTok clip simplifies it, but the data shows there’s a genuine correlation between engineering, reputation, and resale performance. If you buy one right and plan to keep it long enough, paying extra may pay off. Motor1 reached out to Rudy via direct message and comment on the clip. We’ll be sure to update this if he responds. We want your opinion! What would you like to see on Motor1.com? Take our 3 minute survey. - The Motor1.com Team