$TiO_2,;ZrO_2$, and $SiO_2$ were added in the concentration of 1 - 3 wt.% to improve long-term stability for the $SnO2$ thick film gas sensor. Short-term sensor resistances up to 90 h were measured to investigate the stabilization time of initial resistance in air. Long-term resistance drifts in air and in gas to 5000 ppm methane for the sensors annealed at $750^{circ}C$ for 1 h and continuously heated at an operating temperature of $400^{circ}C$ were also measured up to 90 days at an interval of 1 day. The long-term drifts in methane sensitivity for the three metal oxide-doped $SnO2$ sensors are closely related to methane sensitivity level, catalytic activity, and long-term drift in sensor resistance in air. Those stabilities are mainly discussed in terms of oxidation state and catalytic activity.