Author Topic: The 100K myth... (Read 1416 times)

johngenx · « **on:** December 11, 2011, 04:46:00 pm »

It shocks me how many people still believe that most cars are pretty much shot once the 100,000km reading shows up on the odometer. Thanks in many ways to emissions laws, today's cars are so much more reliable than their 1970's counterparts, there is literally no comparison. (Emissions laws brought low sulpher gas, cleaner engines, better lubricating oils, etc, etc as well as longer warranties...)

Now, some cars are more troublesome than others. Typically, complexity adds long term operating costs, so if you buy a gadget-laden luxury machine, odds are you will have more long term repairs.

Has anyone really had a car that worn out and truly unreliable at mileages under 200K? Or even 300K? It seems to me that if you buy a brand/model with a good reputation, 300K seems like an easy mark to head to without much trouble. Sure, lemons happen. We've had a couple, and they got ditched early in their lives, but overall, we rarely have a car leave our home with less than 300K on the clock, and below that mileage, most have been solid, reliable vehicles. Our current 01 Forester is often loaded to the roof and used for long trips without a moment's hesitation.

It is true that service costs are more as a vehicle ages. But, there is no savings in buying new. The depreciation expense on pretty much any new vehicle is far, far, more than the service costs on most cars with less than 300K and maintained major parts.

tpl · « **Reply #1 on:** December 11, 2011, 04:53:23 pm »

Even when I was commuting I'd be at less than 100,000km after 4 or 5 years. 5 years is about my boredom limit. The nice thing about longer warranties is that now my GTI hits 4 years and end of warranty at the same time so I'll keep it for one more year until 5 years, still be at only 80,000 km or so and then by a new car.

Nothing to do ( for me ) with mileage but I prefer to have at least one car under warranty. My cars usually get "over maintained" extra oil changes, and stuff like coolant checked more often than the mfr calls for...just because. And of course I keep every service record even those for summer/winter tire swaps.

airbalancer · « **Reply #2 on:** December 11, 2011, 04:57:14 pm »

the 100k started off as miles, and the car industry kept the 100,000 but changed it to km
and like you wrote there a big difference since the '70's

I change trucks but there was 16,000 $ off the price and 3% money, this truck should take me me until I close the company

I also think most people get tire of their car after 5 years and want not need a new one

1TSX · « **Reply #3 on:** December 11, 2011, 04:58:21 pm »

I agree with you, however, we never keep our cars that long (or drive that much) for them to see 200k km. We get bored of cars fast

However, our 2004 TSX is coming close at 149k km, with no major issues. Other than fluid, tire and brake changes, it has needed a new circuit board for the centre console lighting (warranty), new bushings and suspension links (damn crappy roads), and a brake light switch.

Railton · « **Reply #4 on:** December 11, 2011, 05:09:46 pm »

The Escape is almost at 9 years with 170k on it now. We replaced a lower control arm this Fall. Whopdedoo.

Railton

mmret · « **Reply #5 on:** December 11, 2011, 05:11:31 pm »

TSX at 93k, mechanically zero issues. I replaced brake pads once. Otherwise just oil. Not even on the 2nd sets of tires yet, but soon.

Brigitte · « **Reply #6 on:** December 11, 2011, 05:57:16 pm »

Miss Jetta is at ~220,000 km now. Never had any unusual issues with her - just the one front tie rod that seems to crap out every three years or so. At this point, the old parts are just starting to wear out. I am very happy with the way she has performed over the years. I would not hesitate to sell her to someone else with the utmost confidence that, with proper maintenance, she'd be good for another 100,000 km.

If all goes well, she will be put out to pasture in April. I will miss that car.

Sir Osis of Liver · « **Reply #7 on:** December 11, 2011, 06:33:11 pm »

Usually it wasn't reliability but rust that killed cars we kept long term. Our Tercel, Ranger and Toyota pickup all went 300k pretty reliably. Both Toyotas were killed by rust, the Ranger by rear-ending an F250. It was fixed up, but never quite right after that, so I sold it.

Seafoam · « **Reply #8 on:** December 11, 2011, 07:57:56 pm »

Yes i agree cars can go far beyond 100k and still be very reliable. If i didn't get the new car bug every 5 years I'd be a very rich man. $:-\$
Maybe I'll keep this Fit a little longer.85000km not even broken in yet.

kenm · « **Reply #9 on:** December 11, 2011, 08:32:33 pm »

I sold my '84 Corolla to a co-worker at around 285k and it ran to 355k. My parked '91 Tercel was struck by a cube van at around 220k and I disposed of it. My '02 Corolla has about 300k and is still being driven by my brother. My current '08 Corolla has 135k.

johngenx · « **Reply #10 on:** December 12, 2011, 12:13:23 am »

I know that people often sell/trade their car not because it's worn out, but just because they want something different.

However, there are folks that exclaim that as the odo moves over that 100K-km mark, it's time to sell, as the whatever-mobile is about to become a money pit.

I've owned quite a few cars, ranging from 1970's models to as new as 2009. For the most part, reliability gets better all the time, and it's easier than ever to have trouble free motoring to high mileages.

kenm · « **Reply #11 on:** December 12, 2011, 10:26:22 am »

Quote from: johngenx on December 12, 2011, 12:13:23 am

I know that people often sell/trade their car not because it's worn out, but just because they want something different.

However, there are folks that exclaim that as the odo moves over that 100K-km mark, it's time to sell, as the whatever-mobile is about to become a money pit.

I've owned quite a few cars, ranging from 1970's models to as new as 2009. For the most part, reliability gets better all the time, and it's easier than ever to have trouble free motoring to high mileages.

There's also something to be said for the old "devil you know" adage. When you've owned a vehicle for a long time, you become really familiar with it and can predict the maintenance and repair schedule fairly accurately. Whether you do your own work or hire it out, there's a certain comfort zone that comes with having an intimate knowledge of the history of your vehicle, sources for parts, and typical issues that accompany that vehicle.

Snowman · « **Reply #12 on:** December 12, 2011, 10:38:38 am »

I agree with cars that are not modded but for me 100k is my limit.....however I did bring my 2002 WRK to 120k and it was heavily modified. The Venza will be driven to destruction and the S2000 who knows.

AP · « **Reply #13 on:** December 12, 2011, 10:49:51 am »

200-300 is very attainable with just basic maintenance.

But for some driving an old car is like wearing Seinfeld's puffy shirt.

bridgecity · « **Reply #14 on:** December 12, 2011, 11:02:10 am »

I was under the impression that today it's more of the 200k myth. When buying a used vehicle, I tend to look for ones with under 100k, thinking the vehicle will take me to 200+k with no major problems.

safristi · « **Reply #15 on:** December 12, 2011, 11:10:10 am »

..The 100K Muff.....

....I'm conflicted the Saf family shops out our cars @ 1,367Km

........but then again....

I like Snowballs iteration (wots dat!!??)...have a go to family vehicle..whether it be a lightly used car/CUV/MINIVAN FOR DRUDGERY......and a vehicle that makes yer chops salivate...from an olde MOOSE'el Kar to a 2nd hand sporty thang to a Cayman(man i saw two of them in Savannah great town greater car..

that makes ya wet yer pants every time you see and DRIVE IT balls out ........the "family vehicle " could have 100,000K on it at purchase and still give 10 years of service no problemo as ~~god~~JohnX says

.......the "TOYS...depends on the BOYS...I give snowballs S2000 ....35 years in Oakville as ya can't get above 29.999 KPH there........

Thinking Out Loud · « **Reply #16 on:** December 12, 2011, 11:57:09 am »

FinL has my (48mo leased from new) 2000 Daewoo Lanos - 220,000 kms with no problems other than reg maintenance / wear and tear stuff.

2006 MPV has over 75,000 kms with no serious mechanical maladies other than some spotty rust I get cleaned up.

richink · « **Reply #17 on:** December 12, 2011, 12:05:33 pm »

Yep it's a myth purpotrated by car manufacturers so you trade your vehicle at max every 5 years.

Both sleds in the daily driver capacity in my household are past 240,000 with little to no hiccups. Both cars have cost so little to service that I am happy to spend money on them.

2004 Civic SiR - 1 fuel tank pressure sensor (warranty), 2 sets of brakes, plugs, 1 wheel bearing, 1 a/c compressor, 2 front lower ball joints, 1 set of summer tyres, 1 serp belt and a whole lot of filters & fluids.

2004 Volvo S60 T5 - 1 heater control module (warranty), 1 set of brakes, plugs, 2 wheel bearings, 1 set of each winter/summer rubber, 2 tie rod ends, 1 water pump, 1 serp & t-belt and a whole lot of filters & fluids.

Neither vehicle is showing any significant signs that it's time. I think lady leadfoot and I will eventually buy new cars out of boredom, not because we have to.

Cord · « **Reply #18 on:** December 12, 2011, 02:45:31 pm »

I don't know about the myth that cars are broken down at 100,000 km (can't say I've really heard of that). I do know that the amount people will pay for a car with 105,000 km vs. 95,000 km is much less than would be expected for only 10k difference. I'd guess it's because a lot of warranties end at 100,000 km and there are a lot of people that value warranty coverage. There is also a psychological barrier at 100k km. The same way that $13,995 seems to be more than only five dollars cheaper than $14,000.

safristi · « **Reply #19 on:** December 12, 2011, 03:31:10 pm »

Dealerships PLAY on that MYTH big time.........99cents says i'm right...... OK a BUCK says I'm wrong.........