Can your Monte Last 1 Million Miles ?
#1
05-01-2009, 01:59 PM
Can your Monte Last 1 Million Miles ?
Can Your Car Last 1 Million Miles?
Americans are keeping their cars on the road longer than ever before.
According to a March 2009 study released by R.L. Polk & Co., the median age of passenger cars in operation was 9.4 years in 2008 - a record high.
That means that, assuming a car is bought new and driven 12,000 miles per year (which is about average), many Americans are logging 112,800 miles before selling or trading in their car.
Seems like a lot, right? In fact, according to J.D. Power and Associates, most Americans probably don't make it that long. They say the average length of time owners keep their cars before trading them in is 73 months -- about six years.
Million-Mile Masters
For a few very loyal car owners, however, six years isn't much. Take Irv Gordon, whose 1966 Volvo P1800 made the Guinness Book of Records in 1998 for its incredibly high mileage. Gordon, the car's original owner, has now logged more than 2.6 million miles on trips and in daily driving. In interviews, Gordon attributed his car's extreme longevity to regular maintenance and his use of genuine Volvo parts.
Then there's Wisconsinite Peter Gilbert, who has logged more than a million miles in his 1989 Saab 900 SPG. MSN reports the durable vehicle, now on display in a museum, still features its original engine and turbocharger.
And let's not forget that domestic cars hit the million-mile mark just as often as their foreign competitors. In 2008, Frank Oresnik (coincidentally, another Wisconsinite) was just short of hitting the million-mile mark in his 1991 Chevrolet Silverado truck. Left Lane News reports that the truck has gone though four radiators, three gas tanks, five transmissions and six water pumps, but never a new engine.
Top 20 Selling Vehicles
Sales data shown is of top 20 selling cars and trucks as compiled by Autodata Corporation.
Dependability vs. Longevity
Surprisingly enough, Swedish brands, while traditionally known to rack up the miles, aren't exactly known for their dependability. According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Vehicle Dependability Study, Buick and Jaguar rank highest, while Saab and Volvo rank below average. The study measures problems experienced by original owners of three-year-old (2006 model year) vehicles and is based on more than 46,000 individual responses. So how can Volvos and Saabs last so long? The answer is that dependability and longevity aren't interchangeable.
"You could have a car that's structurally very sound and will last a long time but has problems along the way," explains David Sargent, J.D. Power's vice president of automotive research. "In that sense, reliability and durability are very different."
How to Go the Distance
If you love your car, you might dream of making it to the one-million-mile mark, too. But can it be done? The consensus seems to be that with regular maintenance and the necessary parts replacements over the years, most modern cars can go the distance.
According to Edmunds, the top five ways to make your car run "forever" are: Follow your service schedule, check fluids and tire pressure regularly, go easy during startup, use a single high-grade fuel, and drive smart. If you don't know much about maintenance basics, there are plenty of online resources available, as well as your car dealership or your favorite mechanic. Or check our Space Posts on the MCF.
Most experts agree the best way to make your car last longer is to religiously follow the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual. In addition, make sure to check vital fluids every three months (especially engine oil and radiator coolant), pay attention to your car's gauges, regularly wash the car, and store it in a covered place. Even good driving habits can help minimize regular wear and tear.
Longevity or Bust
A few makes have had enough high-mileage success stories that they've created official clubs to commemorate them. Examples include the Honda Mile Makers and Volvo High Mileage clubs, which are open to owners who have logged 100,000 miles or more. There's even an online petition for a Ford high mileage club. As of April 2009, it had 671 online signatures.
Still, just because these automakers have clubs doesn't mean other makes won't last just as long. There's no scientific way to predict which cars or makes will last the longest. Maybe the only way to know is to see for yourself. Keep an open mind, do your research, and maintain, maintain, maintain - and your million-mile ride just might make the news next
Post your thoughts/comments
Future Hybird site 4 JJ : )
#2
05-01-2009, 02:14 PM
Monte Of The Month -- August 2009
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Highland, IN
Posts: 5,827
I bet it could. A few trannies and many other odds and ends later. I bet the engines in these cars can last with TLC and regular maintenance.
#3
05-01-2009, 02:32 PM
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Henderson, NV
Posts: 6,996
I think its very doable. Noticed what everybody said? Good maintenance and using quality parts. Thats the key.
I'll make it to 1M miles on a hybrid MonteCarlo. But its going to run on Spinach.
I'll make it to 1M miles on a hybrid MonteCarlo. But its going to run on Spinach.
#4
05-01-2009, 03:22 PM
lol `J.J., that's a good funny 4 Sure : ) Just check'in 2 C `if U R read'in the posts : ) lol________________________________________________
I also think that todays modern engines/vehicles could do a Millon miles or more `if ? You maintain & Baby....., not always E.Z. if U have a Mean Motor'in Machine, with a SuperCharger, Big V8, torque, sounds of the exhaust @ near Max
, yes, it would be difficult to not enjoy the POWER @ MAX........4-Sure.....So, I'd be get'in on my `Ride many times @ MAX, but ++ Maintain, and settle for only do'in 1/2 a Million miles 
lolI'm not a greedy person
U can not put a Price on Auto Fun 4-Sure I'll slow `down when I get over 100....yrs old, not MPH : )
#5
05-01-2009, 04:04 PM
Monte Of The Month -- September 2009
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: providence, RI
Posts: 1,614
i had my geo prizm at just under 200k miles and my corolla was over 220k, and they both coulda kept going and going (they could still be going for all i know). with good care and maintenance and the occasional replacement part, most cars could probably go on forever....
#6
05-01-2009, 06:27 PM
Space, what are you doing posting this thread in this section? Have you been up half the night or something???????
I HOPE my Monte doesn't see that many miles, but I'll tell you this: I've been throwing around comments of selling him, because of finances. My wife does NOT like to drive my car, but she JUST told me "You'd BETTER NOT sell your car!!!!" So we'll see. Got 107K on him now.
I HOPE my Monte doesn't see that many miles, but I'll tell you this: I've been throwing around comments of selling him, because of finances. My wife does NOT like to drive my car, but she JUST told me "You'd BETTER NOT sell your car!!!!" So we'll see. Got 107K on him now.
#8
05-02-2009, 07:30 AM
Space, what are you doing posting this thread in this section? Have you been up half the night or something??????? Wayne: Yes, Yes & Yes : )
I HOPE my Monte doesn't see that many miles, but I'll tell you this: I've been throwing around comments of selling him, because of finances. My wife does NOT like to drive my car, but she JUST told me "You'd BETTER NOT sell your car!!!!" So we'll see. Got 107K on him now.
I HOPE my Monte doesn't see that many miles, but I'll tell you this: I've been throwing around comments of selling him, because of finances. My wife does NOT like to drive my car, but she JUST told me "You'd BETTER NOT sell your car!!!!" So we'll see. Got 107K on him now.
Wayne, just try'in 2 fill in the Void, and empty `space's
on the MCF.
I think it would be sad, if a member visited the
MCF & there were no new posts : )
Plus, I wanted 2 see what member's thought of
keep'in their Monte's & putt'in on a Million + miles : )
WoW....Thanks 4 your post & input
#9
05-02-2009, 12:59 PM
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Bushkill, PA
Posts: 3,279
my 5th was at 152,220 when i bought it, an it runs great.
ive found its rare to find a gas job car with a million miles on it, i have a hemmings muscle macheines with an article on an original owner 71 mustang coupe with 550,000 on it, same story as above, mantanince & quality parts.
i have a friend who is into desiel trucks, and in the club magizine he gets they have a whole section for trucks with 1,000,000 + miles, its usually at least 2 pages.....
ive found its rare to find a gas job car with a million miles on it, i have a hemmings muscle macheines with an article on an original owner 71 mustang coupe with 550,000 on it, same story as above, mantanince & quality parts.
i have a friend who is into desiel trucks, and in the club magizine he gets they have a whole section for trucks with 1,000,000 + miles, its usually at least 2 pages.....
#10
05-02-2009, 01:11 PM
Hi `Ryan,
How many owners was there B-4 you Stole `it ?
Did U get the Service Records ?
You Got a Super Deal 4 - Sure
It's another Beautiful Monte Carlo
I took a Web Trip to BushKill Falls,
I would love to put that spot on my Million mile `journey
4-Double Sure.
It sure is a beautiful area to live.
Thanks 4 all your posts.
The Niagara of Pennsylvania
The "Niagara of Pennsylvania", Bushkill Falls is among the Keystone State's most famous scenic attractions. This unique series of eight waterfalls, nestled deep in the wooded Pocono Mountains, is accessible through an excellent network of hiking trails and bridges which afford fabulous views of the falls and the surrounding forest.
Hiking the trails and viewing the towering 100-foot Main Falls are not the only activities possible on the expansive grounds of Bushkill Falls. Check out the Pennsylvania Wildlife Exhibit, Native American Exhibit, fish Twin Lakes, visit our variety of gift shops, stop at the Fudge Kitchen for delectible sweets in the Wagon Wheel Pavilion, take a paddle-boat ride, or enjoy a round of miniature golf. At Bushkill Falls there's plenty for the entire family to see and do!
Click here for Lodging Information!
How many owners was there B-4 you Stole `it ?
Did U get the Service Records ?
You Got a Super Deal 4 - Sure
It's another Beautiful Monte Carlo
I took a Web Trip to BushKill Falls,
I would love to put that spot on my Million mile `journey
4-Double Sure.
It sure is a beautiful area to live.
Thanks 4 all your posts.
The Niagara of PennsylvaniaThe "Niagara of Pennsylvania", Bushkill Falls is among the Keystone State's most famous scenic attractions. This unique series of eight waterfalls, nestled deep in the wooded Pocono Mountains, is accessible through an excellent network of hiking trails and bridges which afford fabulous views of the falls and the surrounding forest.
Hiking the trails and viewing the towering 100-foot Main Falls are not the only activities possible on the expansive grounds of Bushkill Falls. Check out the Pennsylvania Wildlife Exhibit, Native American Exhibit, fish Twin Lakes, visit our variety of gift shops, stop at the Fudge Kitchen for delectible sweets in the Wagon Wheel Pavilion, take a paddle-boat ride, or enjoy a round of miniature golf. At Bushkill Falls there's plenty for the entire family to see and do!
Click here for Lodging Information!
Do U WhiteWater Raft/Fish ?It's awesome there!!!! Thanks