How long should a car last?

JackeeBoy

I am aware that there are many variables so please be open minded. Let's say you buy a new car, drive it sensibly, service in regularly and do about 10,000 miles a year on the motorway and city/town driving. How long do you reckon a car should last before developing a major problem?

If you're clutch or engine goes within the first year of 50,000 miles of ownership, I think we can all agree that should not be the case.

So, you buy a new car. How long do you reckon is a good time for it to last before developing a major problem?

DUTR

JackeeBoy wrote: »

I am aware that there are many variables so please be open minded. Let's say you buy a new car, drive it sensibly, service in regularly and do about 10,000 miles a year on the motorway and city/town driving. How long do you reckon a car should last before developing a major problem?

If you're clutch or engine goes within the first year of 50,000 miles of ownership, I think we can all agree that should not be the case.

So, you buy a new car. How long do you reckon is a good time for it to last before developing a major problem?

If you are aware there are many variables then the answer is also many variables, it's fair to say racing cars are thrashed per use, yet there are vintage racing cars.


Perhaps actual data show that cars last around 20years before they are uneconomical to repair.

[Deleted User]

Cars are usually 10 years old with 100k miles before they are classed as banger territory. A lot depends on how you drive.

AdrianC

Define "major problem".

It's all about your attitude to maintenance. Cars are complex mechanical objects.

FWIW, our youngest car is 22yo with 80k miles on. It probably needs the rear suspension rebuilding soon. It failed to proceed this afternoon, with major electrical shenanigans probably caused by a cracked battery clamp I should have noticed when replacing the battery and alternator a year or so ago. Meanwhile, the camper (31yo, somewhere around 200k miles, probably) is currently fairly heavily dismantled for a lot of replacement pipes and a full brake rebuild. It's likely to need an engine rebuild or replacement soon. The Landy (only 40k miles across its 39 yrs) needs a bit of bulkhead welding for the MOT. I regard all of this as basic routine maintenance.

sevenhills

Kia offers the longest warrant as standard, covering certain parts of their vehicles for 7 years or 100,000 miles. No other manufacturer can offer this length of warranty on their vehicles. Hyundai is next in line offering a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.

EssexExile

They last a lot longer than they used to. When I started buying cars in the 60s they'd be falling apart before they were 10 years old.

EdGasketTheSecond

Later cars and more expensive cars may not last so long due to the ever increasing complexity and costs if something goes wrong. Once you get into the game of replacing this and that module and fixing fancy gearboxes it soon becomes uneconomic to keep a car going. A basic old design by which I mean an ecu, immobiliser and not much else electronic and a standard manual or old style auto box could last 20 years if looked after. A modern car I wouldn't give much more than 10 years; after that its a gamble if something expensive goes.

Carrot007

I have an 09 polo that is nearing 155555 (itks a few k off but it's a nice target).


We are the second owners. It was high milage when got at three years, we have not lowered it much!


It runs great. Given good upkeep any modern engine will outlast the car. Yes it is all what you do to them.

worried_jim

My Merc is 20 years old this year, 80k, serviced last week and driving like a dream. Currently there is no end for it in sight, just getting run in.

wymondham

sevenhills wrote: »

Kia offers the longest warrant as standard, covering certain parts of their vehicles for 7 years or 100,000 miles. No other manufacturer can offer this length of warranty on their vehicles. Hyundai is next in line offering a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.

Dacia also offer 7 year 100,000 but you have to purchase it - not too expensive though....£795

LandyAndy

I bought two cars new in September 2009.

Mazda2. currently 93,000 miles. No breakdowns in that time. Brakes and tyres have needed replacing. Still on original clutch. Still drives well.

Mazda6 Tourer. currently 163,000 miles. One fault, stretched timing chain at 86,000 miles. Brakes and tyres replaced. Still on original clutch. Still drives well.

I can't see any reason to replace either at present.

Conclusion: Mazdas of ten years ago were well built reliable cars.