Average life span

marlot

Part of the secret of long life is to find the right forum and join it - you'll find out about the weak spots on your car and take preventative measures. Some cars have stupid designs which allow water to drop water into the ECU, for example - but these can be overcome.

I do this for each of my cars and fully expect them to last 15+ years.

Lindopski

I drive a Rover 420 SDI (Diesel)
Its done coming on about 150k now and has been treated poorly for its whole life.
I haven't changed the oil since 2008 for a start though I have finally got myself booked in to do it this Sunday in my uncles garage - as he has a pit.
It never fails to start, ever - I have dug it out of snow and driven it past abandoned cars on the way home from work in in bad weather in the past.
The turning Circle is about the same as the RMS Titanic but its fairly comfy and pretty good on Diesel.

I think the Petrol Rovers Ruined the companies image (k-series) - which is a flipping shame as their diesels are fantastic. I reckon you could throw this in a garage for 40 years - drag it out and start it with a good battery and fuel - then drive up to Scotland with no hassle.

For a diesel car with an uncertain past history I reckon you cant go far Wrong with a Rover - mines been totally mistreated and runs perfectly, so one that has been looked after will be a pretty good buy.

For the Rover lovers amongst you - its getting a new Cam belt soon, and will be getting treated better from now on as rather than a crapper due for the scrapper I am going to keep it now as it has proven its worth.
It is rather amazingly (due to its awful life so far) the best car I have ever owned for reliability - never once let me down.
I plan on 'doing it up a bit' now and giving it some love.

Lum

marlot wrote: »

I do this for each of my cars and fully expect them to last 15+ years.

We have two Nissans on the driveway, both performance modles. One is 19 years old, the other 18.

No plans on getting rid any time soon, though I have noticed that one of the bolts holding on a mudflap has gone rusty, so I should probably replace that before it spreads onto the arch?

Tetley_the_Cat

Generally speaking european cars are designed, tested and verified to last a minimum of 150,000 miles or 10 years whichever occurs first. They then build in a safety factor which is why not many warranties go over 5 years or 60K miles. Those that offer more often have restrictions on such as first owner. Here the importer relies on the fact that generally new cars are traded in again after 3 years hence the warranty of unlimited mileage will end.

What's often not known though is certain parts are warranted by the supplier to the manufactuer. So for example, some time ago Bosch who supplies fuel pumps to VW Audi group would warrant them to 100K miles irrespective of age. Don't know if that still applies though!!