Many of today’s cars can last 200,000 kilometres (kms) or more. I know someone with 230,000 kms on his Toyota Corona. So the mileage test can go either way.
Buying a car with a good track record is important in reaching the 200K Club as opposed to just buying any car. Many people would play down Japanese cars in favour of the German or European counterparts for that matter. But the fact of the matter is Japanese cars always perform well in consumer tests and have better-than-average reliability scores for several model years. The European cars’ running costs the world over make one skip recommended service intervals and buying recommended spare parts.
People confuse two aspects about cars, reliability and durability. European cars are generally durable in the sense that they are built with higher quality materials which gives them top notch resilience.
On the other hand, Japanese much as they, until recently, have been using lower quality materials build extremely reliable cars.
A Japanese car will depreciate faster than a European car but will never fail the driver. This is a kind of “argument” that can take all day. Some people might argue that one is a subset of the other. If you are into joining that 200km club there are a number of things you might have to do.
Go by the book
Follow a maintenance schedule and make necessary repairs promptly. If you think you are saving money by skipping an oil change, think again. Missing even one oil change can accelerate premature engine wear and cause engine damage.
Use the right stuff
When it is time for maintenance or repairs, use only parts and fluids meeting manufacturer specifications or recommended by reputable vendors. Know the oil type, radiator fluid etc. Using the wrong type of oil or transmission fluid, for example, could result in damage leading to expensive repairs.
Know what to look for
Problems can arise at any time and for puzzling reasons. So it helps to get in the habit of opening the bonnet and looking, listening, and smelling what is happening in your engine bay.
Look for fraying or cracks in belts, and cracks or bulges in hoses.
For newer cars, investing in a vehicle service manual will help show you what to look for and assist you with minor repairs.
Keep it clean
Get out the cleaning products periodically. Regular cleaning inside and out can make the car a more pleasant place to be as you roll up those kilometres, and washing and waxing can help preserve the paint and keep the sheet metal below it from rusting. Vacuuming rubbish and dirt out of carpets and seats can minimise premature wear that leads to tears and holes. Buy a reliable, safe car.
Buy a car with a good track record. Much as someone who has bought a 1998 E-Class Mercedes might get mad props on the road, the guy in a 1998 Toyota Premio beats him by miles simply because of lower maintenance costs and higher reliability.
