It can be said that when people think of reliable car import brands, Toyota and Honda typically come to mind. Whether you buy one new or used, you can usually count on them being in service for a long time.

This man’s Honda proved the brand’s legendary status as being a longtime street roller. Dexter Mills hit the 1,000,000 mile mark on his Honda Accord after 19 years. The North Carolina resident bought the car brand new in 2000 and was sharing the miles with his wife for a while.

When she got a new car in 2006, it became his full-time ride. Mills, who works as an independent vehicle inspector, frequently makes trips throughout the state for work. It’s nothing for him to put 60,000 to 65,000 miles on his car per year. He told WRAL that he averages 440 to 460 miles per tank.

That’s awesome. While working, the odometer reached 999,999 miles and Mills stated that he pulled over to take a picture of it. It was a momentous occasion so he posted it on Facebook:

Jokingly referring to the car as a “she”, he said that he thinks she is ready for retirement based on the warning lights she flashed after hitting the milestone. The odometer did not know how to react.

Mills, a former auto tech, is experienced in making repairs and has replaced the engine in his Accord twice. The first time was at 375,000 miles and the second at 695,000.

He’s also swapped out the alternator, compressor, and starter. His advice for maintaining the longevity of a car? Keep up with regular oil and filter changes and drive right:

“Probably one of the biggest things is I don’t drive cars hard. Every car that we own or have owned, I typically drive it in a non-aggressive manner. I don’t do jack rabbit starts.”

It’s advice that has been doled out before by auto and insurance experts. You can lower your engine’s fuel economy by constantly accelerating and decelerating and skipping oil changes causes the engine to have to work harder. All that wear and tear can eventually lead to a breakdown and have a domino effect on other parts of the car.

Hondas and Toyotas are not the only stars in the million-mile game, as there have been a few Volvos, Chevy Silverados, and Mercedes Benz models that have also crossed the finish line. All the owners kept up with maintenance and replaced new parts when necessary.

As for Mills and his 2000 Honda, he plans to put it to rest and is in the market for a SUV. He hasn’t said whether it will be a Honda model, but definitely recommends the brand to anyone who is in the market for a car. As long as you take care of it, why not?

Do you have a Honda or other vehicle that has super high mileage on it? Are you impressed with this Accord? Have you bought used or new Hondas in the past with success?