2006 Chevy Equinox Life Expectancy
You’ll get between 150,000 to 200,000 miles out of a 2006 Chevy Equinox with proper maintenance and light use.
Written by Jessica Gibson
Reviewed by Amy Bobinger
The 2006
Chevy Equinox
has the same average life expectancy as most full-size SUVs. You can expect to get between 150,000 and 200,000 miles if you follow the regular maintenance schedule and practice good driving habits.Quick Look:
- A typical Chevy Equinox will last between 150,000–200,000 miles.
- You can improve the life expectancy of your 2006 Chevy Equinox by performing proper maintenance, driving it less often, and avoiding accidents.
- Be aware that this model is known to experience engine troubles and electrical problems.
How many miles can a 2006 Chevy Equinox last?
Most auto websites like Vehicle History and Hot Cars state that a 2006 Chevy Equinox can last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles with regular maintenance. If you drive around 15,000 miles a year (based on the national average), your SUV should last between 10 and 13 years.
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How long does a Chevrolet Equinox engine last?
A better question is how long can the transmission last. According to Motor and Wheels, the 2006 Chevy Equinox transmission can go for around 120,000 miles before it starts to wear out. The transmission powers a 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine (available on both
LS
and LT
trims). Both engines put out 185 horsepower and get about 19 mpg.Can a Chevrolet Equinox last 500,000 miles?
We’re not saying it’s impossible, but it’s very unlikely for any car to reach 500,000 miles, especially a Chevy Equinox. It’s more realistic to expect to get up to 200,000 miles.
Average life expectancy for a Chevrolet Equinox
So, you know that your 2006 Equinox has the potential to hit 200,000 miles, but let’s consider what affects the average life expectancy. These are just a few factors that impact your car’s lifespan:
- Regular maintenance: You know oil changes are essential—even skipping one reduces your car’s lifespan. Plan on changing the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, or whenever the SUV needs it.
- Mileage: Average life expectancy assumes you’ll drive the vehicle about 15,000 miles a year. If you don’t drive as much, your Chevy could last well over 13 years.
- Accident history: Even just one accident can reduce your car’s lifespan. If you’re a cautious driver and your Equinox hasn’t been in an accident, you’ll have a better chance of hitting 200,000 miles.
If you’re shopping for a used SUV, always consider how many miles are already on the vehicle. Since most cars have an average life expectancy of 200,000 miles, if the odometer is close to that mark, it’s probably a good idea to search for a vehicle with fewer miles on it. If you don’t have many options other than a high-mileage Equinox, check out the vehicle’s history and get a mechanic to inspect it before you buy it.
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversHow to extend a 2006 Chevy Equinox’s life expectancy
This recommendation won’t come as a surprise: stick to a maintenance schedule.
Even though your Equinox is getting up there in miles, regular maintenance can help it perform its best. Read through Chevy’s recommended maintenance schedule to stay up on oil changes, tire rotations, and brake services (among other things).
Common 2006 Chevy Equinox problems to watch out for
Unfortunately, the 2006 model year is notoriously problematic, getting more complaints than later Equinox generations. Here are some of the most common issues to be aware of:
- AC and heater don’t work correctly: A faulty part is prone to breaking, which causes the car heater to only blow cold air and the AC to blow hot air. It typically costs over $800 to repair this issue.
- Engine failure: General Motors’ engines struggled with blown head gaskets around this time, and the company refused to recall faulty models. Expect to pay around $2,000 to fix the problem unless you’ve gotinsurance that specifically covers engine failure.
- Engine might shut down while driving: Engine trouble plagues the Equinox, and there aren’t many solutions. Drivers report paying around $3,500 to replace the engine.
- Faulty dash lights: Be prepared to see the “Check engine light” appear frequently—drivers note that it comes on for no apparent reason.
- Key and ignition problems: Some owners experienced their keys getting stuck in the ignition or falling out while the SUV was running. Most owners pay around $400 to repair this issue.
- Poor safety ratings: The first generation of Equinox received “Marginal” to “Fair” safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. While the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rates the Equinox a little better, other crossovers of this era enjoy better safety ratings.
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FAQs
What percentage of cars make it to 300,000 miles?
Only 1% of vehicles make it over 200,000, and just 0.03% hit the 300,000-mile mark. Statistically, your best bet is owning a Toyota, but the Suburban is Chevrolet’s longest-lasting vehicle.
What is the highest mileage on a Chevrolet?
The
Chevrolet Suburban
consistently has the longest average lifespan. You can expect to push 265,000 with this popular full-size SUV.If you’re wondering about the highest mileage ever put on a Chevy, the winner is Frank Oresnik’s 1991 Chevy C1500 pickup truck. Even though it had 40,000 miles when he bought it, Osniek managed to get 1.29 million miles! He credits rust-proofing the undercarriage and regular maintenance as keys to his success.
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