How Long Should I Expect My Car Or Truck To Last?

As reported some years ago by the Raybestos Company (an international manufacturer of automobile parts) vehicles built in America in 1980 could be expected to live, on average, 100,000 miles. By 1986 they would last 150,000 miles and by 1993..... 200,000. It is commonly believed vehicles produced after the year 2000 will achieve 250,000 to 300,000 miles before being retired to the salvage yard. In fact, the federal government thinks they will be on the road for 20 to 25 years.

Vehicles produced in the last 20 years are more expensive than those built years earlier because of the tremendous development and engineering investments made to make them more fuel efficient, less polluting and longer lasting. With their increased cost and life expectancy, it is financially prudent to maintain, repair and continue to use these longer lasting vehicles. It is far more sustainable than throwing them away as we did years ago when the quality wasn't there.