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Toyota Corolla: model runs 2 million km with original engine and gearbox

Written by Alisson Ficher
Published 09/05/2025 às 13:43
Discover the incredible journey of the Toyota Corolla that reached 2 million kilometers with its original engine and transmission. Impressive durability!

Toyota Corolla stands out not only for its incredible reliability, but also for its impressive longevity, with some units traveling more than 2 million kilometers without major mechanical problems. Find out how this is possible.

The Toyota Corolla is often highlighted as one of the most reliable cars on the world market.

However, one specific case of extreme longevity has surprised even the most skeptical in the automotive sector.

Graeme Hebley, a 72-year-old New Zealander, has achieved a feat that many would consider unimaginable: he managed to drive more than 2 million kilometers with his 1993 Toyota Corolla, while keeping the vehicle's original engine and transmission.

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The feat is not only a testament to the car's resilience, but also to the dedication and care taken with preventative maintenance.

This 1993 model was purchased by Hebley in 2000, when the car's odometer showed 80 miles.

Since then, the New Zealander has been responsible for pushing the Corolla to its limits, driving around 5.000 kilometers per week.

Your daily commute is from Wellington to New Plymouth, a distance of approximately 700 km, traveled six times a week.

Hebley's daily routine of delivering newspapers has remained the same since the 1960s, and the Toyota Corolla has been his faithful road companion throughout all those decades.

The importance of constant maintenance

The longevity of the vehicle is not just a matter of chance.

The secret lies in an ongoing commitment to maintenance, something Hebley takes very seriously.

Every 15 days, the car undergoes a careful inspection at Guthrie's Auto Care in his hometown.

According to John Sherman, the mechanic responsible for the services, the Corolla has undergone few replacements over the years: only belts and bearings needed to be changed.

Hebley also shared that he has replaced the car's timing belt more than 20 times during these years of intense use.

According to the owner, “no matter what happens, it always recovers. The car may last longer than I do now”, demonstrating immense affection for his vehicle, which seems to be unbeatable, regardless of the number of kilometers it travels.

Mechanic Sherman also highlighted that, apart from normal wear and tear items, the car never presented serious failures in its engine or gearbox, further highlighting the robustness of the model.

Toyota Corolla: durability as a trademark

The Toyota Corolla, produced since 1966, is one of the best-selling cars in history, with more than 46 million units sold around the world.

In Brazil, the model is considered a true classic, being one of the most recognized and admired cars for its fuel economy, reliability e exceptional durability.

The Corolla has earned the trust of drivers and experts throughout its more than 50 years of history, and Hebley's trajectory is yet another example of his World Fame.

Not only in Brazil, but in several other countries, Toyota has consolidated the Corolla as one of the most successful automobiles, with units being produced in several versions to meet local demands.

The model's durability, as proven by Hebley, stands out in a context in which many modern cars, with advanced technologies, still present reliability and durability challenges.

In addition to being an icon of energy efficiency, the Toyota Corolla has been acclaimed for its consistent performance e baixo custo de maintenance, which helps to justify the model’s popularity among drivers of all ages and usage profiles.

And even with the launch of more modern models, the Corolla continues to be a preferred choice for those looking for a simple vehicle, but with unbeatable resistance characteristics.

Graeme Hebley next to the Toyota Corolla with over 2 million km on the clock. (Image: Reproduction/Reddit)

Toyota and the legacy of quality

The Corolla's longevity and reliability are not only a consequence of good engineering, but also of Toyota's continued effort to maintain its quality standards.

The Japanese brand has become synonymous with innovation with efficiency, always prioritizing manufacturing quality e component durability.

Each generation of Corolla has been designed to meet different needs, maintaining the balance between accessible technology, comfort e low maintenance.

According to a car experts, the secret behind the Corolla's success can be explained by its simplified engineering, which prioritizes robustness over excessive technological innovations.

This factor ensures that the car continues to function for long periods without presenting significant failures, something that is quite rare in more modern models, which, although more technological, can present complexity problems due to the large number of electronic and mechanical systems.

Corolla in Brazil: a lasting success

Toyota not only maintains the model's reliability over the years, but also stands out in the local production of units in Brazil, where the Corolla continues to be one of the best-selling cars.

The national version has been a success due to the cost-benefit offered to Brazilian consumers, who can trust the Corolla to run for many kilometers without major problems.

Why is the Toyota Corolla the choice of so many?

For over 50 years, the Toyota Corolla has established itself as one of the most reliable cars e durable from the market.

Hebley’s story is just one example of what the model represents for millions of drivers around the world.

With more than 2 million kilometers driven, it has not only overcome the challenge of many modern cars, but has also become a symbol of strength and reliability in the automotive industry.

Hebley, with his experience, makes clear the value of regular maintenance and vehicle care.
A well-maintained car, like your Corolla, can exceed any expectations in terms of longevity and performance.

The New Zealander's story serves as a reminder that, with proper care, some cars can go much further than we imagine.

Have you ever had an experience with a car that exceeded your expectations in terms of durability? What is your favorite model when it comes to reliability and durability? Share your opinion in the comments and join the conversation!

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Louis Maduro
Louis Maduro
11/05/2025 17:58

Driving 5208 km per month for so long is incredible. I was most impressed by the resilience of the citizen.
It doesn't matter if it's a paid article, since 1 case among 8 billion people is insignificant. Now the old man deserves congratulations

Alisson Ficher

Journalist graduated in 2017 and working in the field since 2015, with six years of experience in print magazines, stints on broadcast TV channels and over 12 online publications. Specialist in politics, jobs, economics, courses, among other topics. Professional registration: 0087134/SP. If you have any questions, want to report an error or suggest a topic on the topics covered on the site, please contact us by email: alisson.hficher@outlook.com. We do not accept resumes!

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