New Zealand Man Drives 1993 Toyota Corolla Over 2 Million Kilometers — Still Runs Like New

In a quiet corner of New Zealand, a humble Toyota Corolla has become an automotive legend. The car, a 1993 model owned by Graeme Hebley of Upper Hutt, has clocked over 2 million kilometers — and remarkably, it’s still running on its original engine, transmission, and drivetrain.

What makes this story extraordinary isn’t just the number on the odometer. It’s the consistency, the care, and the almost ritual-like dedication Hebley has shown over 25 years of daily use — delivering newspapers across long stretches between Wellington and New Plymouth, covering nearly 5,000 kilometers every week.

Hebley purchased the Corolla in 2000 with 80,000 kilometers already on it. Since then, it has served him faithfully every day without fail. “That era of Toyota has such built-in reliability,” Hebley told the Whanganui Chronicle. “But if it wasn’t so frequently serviced, it just wouldn’t work.”

Every two weeks, without exception, Hebley brings his Corolla to Guthrie’s Auto Care in Whanganui for maintenance. The shop’s veteran mechanic, John Sherman, has seen the car through countless oil changes and safety checks — but never an engine rebuild.

Guthrie’s Auto Care’s Paul Rod (left) and John Sherman with Graeme Hebley’s 1994 Toyota Corolla. Photo / Bevan Conley

“It still has the original engine and transmission,” Sherman confirmed. “If I hadn’t worked on it myself, I wouldn’t believe it. I wouldn’t believe it could do two million without something going wrong.”

Over the years, Hebley has replaced the cambelt almost 20 times — a routine necessity given the mileage — but other major parts have remained untouched. The car’s resilience has even sparked curiosity from passersby and other drivers.

“People often ask me why I haven’t bought a new car,” Hebley said with a laugh. “But why would I? This one still does the job perfectly.”

The vehicle, an English-built model imported to New Zealand, has also aged gracefully. The bodywork and interior remain intact, and the Corolla continues to operate six days a week along a demanding delivery route through rugged hills and variable terrain.

“It’s not a flashy car. It’s not fast,” he said. “But it’s strong. And it has never let me down.”

To put things in perspective, while Hebley’s accomplishment is stunning, it doesn’t yet surpass the world record for most kilometers driven in a private vehicle — a title held by the late Irv Gordon, an American who drove his 1966 Volvo P1800S more than 5.15 million kilometers before passing away in 2020.

But what sets Hebley’s story apart is the fact that his Corolla is still powered by the original mechanical systems — a feat of endurance few vehicles can claim.

The Toyota Corolla’s global success is no coincidence. Since its debut in 1966, over 50 million units have been sold, making it the world’s best-selling car. Known for its practicality, affordability, and durability, it continues to win over drivers who prioritize reliability above all.

Hebley’s dedication adds a new layer to that legacy. His story offers a timeless lesson: with regular care, even the simplest machines can outlast the odds.

At 72, Hebley has no plans to retire — neither from his paper route nor from his Corolla. “I’ll keep driving it as long as it keeps going,” he said, smiling. “And so far, it hasn’t missed a beat.”