Can Your Car Last 1 Million Miles?
06-09-2009, 08:37 AM
#2
Drifting
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When I see things like this I always end up thinking about car companies engineering things to break at certain points for repair revenue. Not talking normal wear things obviously.
06-09-2009, 09:26 AM
#3
AZ Community Team
We've always gotten rid of our Honda's and Acura's before the 300K mark. With the exception of a Prelude that was totaled all made it to 200K+.
200K on most Acura/Honda's (without the infamous 4AT/5AT failures) is easy.
A friend recently went in for his first tuneup for his 1998 Chevy Silverado at 150K miles. Mostly highway driving, the service manager and some of the dealership mechanics were still amazed and gathered around it when he told them.
200K on most Acura/Honda's (without the infamous 4AT/5AT failures) is easy.
A friend recently went in for his first tuneup for his 1998 Chevy Silverado at 150K miles. Mostly highway driving, the service manager and some of the dealership mechanics were still amazed and gathered around it when he told them.
06-09-2009, 09:29 AM
#4
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Amazed that it was getting its first tuneup, or amazed that it lasted 150K?
06-09-2009, 09:29 AM
#5
Drifting
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Mechanics were amazed at a 150k Silverado? That doesn't seem that crazy. Is there something I'm missing?
We'll see how long my CL lasts I made the decision last year to keep it for the long haul as I like the uniqueness 99 2.3MT. I keep it pretty well maintained mechanically and recently had pretty much every suspension bushing replaced this year.
We'll see how long my CL lasts I made the decision last year to keep it for the long haul as I like the uniqueness 99 2.3MT. I keep it pretty well maintained mechanically and recently had pretty much every suspension bushing replaced this year.
06-09-2009, 10:29 AM
#7
The sizzle in the Steak
Don't want any of my cars to go to 1 mill. miles.
Life is too short...too many cool cars to own and drive.
Life is too short...too many cool cars to own and drive.
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06-09-2009, 10:34 AM
#8
Not Registered
Are these stories consist of cars that are just driven and last this long or are they perfect maintained cars? Timing belt/chains every 70k, new wheel bearings, all fluid flushing every 30k, oil every 3k... To by-the-book service your vehicle and get 1 milllion miles would probably cost $15,000-$20,000... which is cheaper than new cars every 100k, but these stories make is sound like cars just run forever, when it probably cost a lot to maintain one to achieve high miles. My mother-in-law has 250,000 on her '94 Jeep Cherokee, original engine and transmission, but I couldn't tell you how much it cost her in replacing most everything to keep it running.
06-09-2009, 10:40 AM
#9
I didn't know about the Honda Mile Makers club.... Seems like a good way to promote the Honda hype....
BTW the ford police cruisers do log a significant miles and then they end up as taxis logging a lot of miles. Does anyone know what kind of miles are on your average cruiser converted to taxis.
BTW the ford police cruisers do log a significant miles and then they end up as taxis logging a lot of miles. Does anyone know what kind of miles are on your average cruiser converted to taxis.
06-09-2009, 01:13 PM
#10
AZ Community Team
The Silverado's first tuneup was at 150K miles, that's what the mechanics were amazed at. My friend who owned it, only did periodic filter and fluid changes up to that point.
The mechanics were impressed with the condition of the plugs and throttlebody. They plugged into OBD2 and read some codes and said the motor was in great condition (O2 sensors and all).
It now 200K+ miles, it's only problem is a 4WD warning light that comes on for a lock/unlock anomaly. His wife has a Tahoe with ~150K miles, also fairly troublefree.
The mechanics were impressed with the condition of the plugs and throttlebody. They plugged into OBD2 and read some codes and said the motor was in great condition (O2 sensors and all).
It now 200K+ miles, it's only problem is a 4WD warning light that comes on for a lock/unlock anomaly. His wife has a Tahoe with ~150K miles, also fairly troublefree.
Mechanics were amazed at a 150k Silverado? That doesn't seem that crazy. Is there something I'm missing?
We'll see how long my CL lasts I made the decision last year to keep it for the long haul as I like the uniqueness 99 2.3MT. I keep it pretty well maintained mechanically and recently had pretty much every suspension bushing replaced this year.
We'll see how long my CL lasts I made the decision last year to keep it for the long haul as I like the uniqueness 99 2.3MT. I keep it pretty well maintained mechanically and recently had pretty much every suspension bushing replaced this year.
06-09-2009, 01:13 PM
#11
AZ Community Team
Here's another article on the subject. Laughed my ass off while reading it too. Weingarten is pretty good.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...032001654.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...032001654.html
06-09-2009, 01:14 PM
#12
AZ Community Team
06-09-2009, 01:44 PM
#13
TellinItLikeItIsSince1/06
This was an interesting read. I've been thinking about going the high mileage route mainly because I want to keep my 3.2CL-P as a daily driver beater (which it is NOT as of now 
lol) because I really want to settle my Sports Car fix 
in about 2-3 years when I'll be looking to purchase something else that probably won't be able to be a DD!! 
The way I see it, I just replaced my transmission, costing me $3500
and I need to get my money's worth! It really is running perfectly now with 92,250 miles, and I promised myself to drive it with utmost respect every time (I let it warm up 5 minutes everyday when I first turn it on). Also, the resale on the CL sucks ass and since Decemeber 2005, including the cost of the car, I've spent around $20,000 on this thing 
, so I plan on getting as many miles out of it as possible 
and giving it some use as a winter beater when the Sports Car comes...
lol) because I really want to settle my Sports Car fix in about 2-3 years when I'll be looking to purchase something else that probably won't be able to be a DD!! The way I see it, I just replaced my transmission, costing me $3500
and I need to get my money's worth! It really is running perfectly now with 92,250 miles, and I promised myself to drive it with utmost respect every time (I let it warm up 5 minutes everyday when I first turn it on). Also, the resale on the CL sucks ass and since Decemeber 2005, including the cost of the car, I've spent around $20,000 on this thing , so I plan on getting as many miles out of it as possible and giving it some use as a winter beater when the Sports Car comes...
06-09-2009, 02:00 PM
#14
I have a '94 F150 with around 380 000 kilometers that I can't bring myself to get rid of. Last winter I changed the water pump. The year before that the alternator, ball joints, tie rod ends, and replaced a valve cover gasket. Still bone dry underneath and doesn't use a drop of oil. The truck has been very well maintained and I expect to last for some time yet.
My '00 F150 has about 260 000 kilometers on the clock without any problems so far. I have noticed, however, the rear pinion and both rear axle seals are beginning to weep. I hope my '09 will be just as reliable.
We have used a number of vehicles throughout the years for commercial use that have accumulated a large number of kilometers that have for the most part still been serviceable when sold. As long as a vehicle is maintained and serviced regularly, and any necessary repairs performed when required, then many cars are capable of many years of service. A million miles however on a passenger vehicle? I suppose you would have to like that particular vehicle very, very much.
Terry
My '00 F150 has about 260 000 kilometers on the clock without any problems so far. I have noticed, however, the rear pinion and both rear axle seals are beginning to weep. I hope my '09 will be just as reliable.
We have used a number of vehicles throughout the years for commercial use that have accumulated a large number of kilometers that have for the most part still been serviceable when sold. As long as a vehicle is maintained and serviced regularly, and any necessary repairs performed when required, then many cars are capable of many years of service. A million miles however on a passenger vehicle? I suppose you would have to like that particular vehicle very, very much.
Terry
06-09-2009, 02:07 PM
#15
Evil Mazda Driver
My Santa Fe turned over 100,000 in September and just two days ago it rolled over 122,000. It always starts, never falters, doesn't make noise, doesn't burn oil, shifts like a dream and has never left me stranded. I don't ever see myself getting rid of the car and would love to see it hit 500,000 miles.
06-09-2009, 02:36 PM
#17
TellinItLikeItIsSince1/06
06-09-2009, 03:05 PM
#18
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
Im about to roll past 90k on the CL. It might not seem like much, but I purchased the car in August 2008 with 56,6xx on it. Im averaging almost 1k miles a week. I think this car could last 1 million miles, but not the way I beat the crap out of it.
As Moog said, life is too short to settle down with one car. I feel the same way about marriage
As Moog said, life is too short to settle down with one car. I feel the same way about marriage
06-09-2009, 04:54 PM
#19
One on the right for me
I used to work on a guy's mid-90's Camry. When I left the shop he was at 650k or something around there. If the car is still running he will be nearing the million mile mark.
06-09-2009, 05:45 PM
#21
TellinItLikeItIsSince1/06
on a porsche? now thats awesome!
another thing to be noted in this thread is how many people today believe cars are simply trash when they hit 100,000+ miles and few want to buy them. If the owner was serious about the car and did ALL of the maintenance with no expense spared, I'd save some money and buy the car in a heartbeat...but finding someone who would care for their car like that and then just sell it is few and far between.
another thing to be noted in this thread is how many people today believe cars are simply trash when they hit 100,000+ miles and few want to buy them. If the owner was serious about the car and did ALL of the maintenance with no expense spared, I'd save some money and buy the car in a heartbeat...but finding someone who would care for their car like that and then just sell it is few and far between.
06-09-2009, 06:32 PM
#23
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
Companies have scared people so much that they think having a warranty is the only way to own a car. People fail to realize that if you dont do scheduled maintenance, then the car wont last very long.
06-09-2009, 06:35 PM
#24
ah, at times I feel sorry for you, then with posts like these I feel you deservedly receive the bashings that you do.My car is approaching 90,000 miles, and I've done all the major fluid changes. Doesn't burn a notable amount of oil, and starts up every time within 2 seconds. Quite a few people on LS1tech have gone over 200,000 miles with the original engine and tranny. There are LT1s have gone over 300,000 miles, not to mention the legions of taxis who have gone even longer.
oh and another thing.... my car was made in
and your CL was made in Ohio. Guess which car has the catastrophic tranny issue?
06-09-2009, 06:40 PM
#25
ah, at times I feel sorry for you, then with posts like these I feel you deservedly receive the bashings that you do.My car is approaching 90,000 miles, and I've done all the major fluid changes. Doesn't burn a notable amount of oil, and starts up every time within 2 seconds. Quite a few people on LS1tech have gone over 200,000 miles with the original engine and tranny. There are LT1s have gone over 300,000 miles, not to mention the legions of taxis who have gone even longer.
oh and another thing.... my car was made in
and your CL was made in Ohio. Guess which car has the catastrophic tranny issue?Now, if a design flaw is better/worse then assembly flaws can be a separate debate.. but just wanted to point that out. There are a lot of American cars I would own... problem is the list is very, very small.
06-09-2009, 07:03 PM
#27
While I do agree with you and your post... the one thing you need to keep in mind with the tranny failures on the CL/TL (etc) is that it has nothing to do with being made in Ohio. It was a design flaw. The car could have been assembled in Tokyo, Mexico, or Canada and it would have had the same issue.
Now, if a design flaw is better/worse then assembly flaws can be a separate debate.. but just wanted to point that out. There are a lot of American cars I would own... problem is the list is very, very small.
Now, if a design flaw is better/worse then assembly flaws can be a separate debate.. but just wanted to point that out. There are a lot of American cars I would own... problem is the list is very, very small.
06-09-2009, 07:08 PM
#29
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The '97 TL is getting close to 200k, I can't get rid of it since everything still works perfectly.
I can see out of it (unlike most cars these days), the A/C blows ice cold and its still getting better gas mileage than the EPA says it should
I can see out of it (unlike most cars these days), the A/C blows ice cold and its still getting better gas mileage than the EPA says it should
06-09-2009, 08:25 PM
#31
One on the right for me
06-09-2009, 08:42 PM
#34
TellinItLikeItIsSince1/06
I left out one important part I meant to stress: american cars SUCK (its Only my opinion!!) RELATIVE! to other cars in the world...whereas american Trucks tend to be the Best RELATIVE to other Trucks in the world.
this is a very general statement. Not only can I be wrong, but there are indeed millions of stories that would go against MY opinion (but also millions more that would be in my favor). I never said what I said was a fact...but the real fact here is, I would never buy an American CAR ever in my life!! But if people find good with american cars, thats completely fine with me...in fact, i 100% respect your camaro "i go to costco" and hope it lasts as long as you want it too.
plus i hope i am wrong because now it seems american Car companies are finally starting to try...and the long time that they continued to produce crap has forever lost my respect. there was a time that people ONLY bought american cars, and american car companies thought it would never change...but when it did, they couldn't keep up! but finally it looks to me like they have caught up...
this is a very general statement. Not only can I be wrong, but there are indeed millions of stories that would go against MY opinion (but also millions more that would be in my favor). I never said what I said was a fact...but the real fact here is, I would never buy an American CAR ever in my life!! But if people find good with american cars, thats completely fine with me...in fact, i 100% respect your camaro "i go to costco" and hope it lasts as long as you want it too.
plus i hope i am wrong because now it seems american Car companies are finally starting to try...and the long time that they continued to produce crap has forever lost my respect. there was a time that people ONLY bought american cars, and american car companies thought it would never change...but when it did, they couldn't keep up! but finally it looks to me like they have caught up...
Last edited by '01White3.2CL; 06-09-2009 at 08:47 PM.
06-10-2009, 05:56 AM
#36
AZ Community Team
While I do agree with you and your post... the one thing you need to keep in mind with the tranny failures on the CL/TL (etc) is that it has nothing to do with being made in Ohio. It was a design flaw. The car could have been assembled in Tokyo, Mexico, or Canada and it would have had the same issue.
Now, if a design flaw is better/worse then assembly flaws can be a separate debate.. but just wanted to point that out. There are a lot of American cars I would own... problem is the list is very, very small.
Now, if a design flaw is better/worse then assembly flaws can be a separate debate.. but just wanted to point that out. There are a lot of American cars I would own... problem is the list is very, very small.
The manufacturing flaw was at a large metal fabrication company in Ohio, and Honda of Ohio also deserves blame for failure to perform proper incoming inspection and vendor certification.
06-10-2009, 07:09 AM
#37
Moderator
As long as you don't crash it, any car could last 1 million miles.
The question is, how much maintenance/repairs are you willing to invest in the car in order to get it to 1 million miles?
The question is, how much maintenance/repairs are you willing to invest in the car in order to get it to 1 million miles?
06-10-2009, 07:19 AM
#38
Senior Moderator
My 2000 TL has 320k miles on the body(only thing not original is brakes and shocks). The ONLY reason it has a different motor in it is because of the 6 speed swap due to the auto trans failure (5th one) If it werent for that the car would still be going strong and most likely have 400k on it (car sat for near a year for the swap) million miles is easy for any car with the correct maintenance at the correct intervals.
06-10-2009, 07:55 AM
#39
06-10-2009, 08:31 AM
#40
The Honda 4AT/5AT was part manufacturing flaw (poor machining/processing/hardening on the countershaft) and part design flaw (ATF flow).
The manufacturing flaw was at a large metal fabrication company in Ohio, and Honda of Ohio also deserves blame for failure to perform proper incoming inspection and vendor certification.
The manufacturing flaw was at a large metal fabrication company in Ohio, and Honda of Ohio also deserves blame for failure to perform proper incoming inspection and vendor certification.
So yes, HoA should share a small part of the blame for not properly inspecting and testing the tranny but that should have been done in Japan before the tranny was built and shipped. Plus, this just only proves my point further. If it was assembled somewhere else like Mexico or Canada and they followed the same procedures, then they would have been at fault and the issue would have still been present.
Now, if I am mistaken and full assembly was in the US, then yes, both Honda and HoA share some blame... but for some reason I recall the decals on my car (2002 TL-S) indicating the tranny and engine were from Japan.