How far can this baby last?

[dandxg]

I have 203k on a well maintained DX 1.8 that I have owned since 20k. I flush all major fluids at 30k. I run 0-30 Mobile 1 full synth for cold starts and extended drain. I drain and fill tranny at about 5-7k. Still runs good. Heard that someone on this forum had 215k with almost no maintenance. Trying to balance safety vs. law of diminishing returns. Kelly BB has not changed in 3 years, 1800.

Almost all major parts are original tranny, engine, alternator, water pump and timing belt have 80k on them.

So what's your thought. Is she going to decline soon or should I keep up the car and push for 300k?

[wei]

Originally Posted by dandxg

Almost all major parts are original tranny, engine, alternator, water pump and timing belt have 80k on them.

There's gotta be a better way to write that

[cipher93]

Technically, interval for the timing belt is 60k... but you could probably stretch it longer. if it breaks the engine is non inference so it won't smash the internals up but obviously will need put back in time by a trained mechanic. If you drive through salt roads, your fuel and brake lines are probably getting rusty; if they are seriously rusty have them replaced, otherwise check them once a month for week. I would say though you've gotten your money's worth, with a fair lifespan for these probably being 200-250,000 miles. Synthetic is not going to make much, if any, difference in the life of the engine though, given you're not in the desert or an environment with heavy dust. Your transmission service intervals are also much shorter than needed; I think it's somewhere around 30-50k on these. I would however use a high quality lubricant in your transmission simply because it's something you don't change often and is much more vulnerable to heat related breakdown then engine oil.

[WTFseabass]

my uncles has his 96 with 255k. never had any major problems with it, just replacing the common stuff the wears out. i would say just do the regular oil change and stuff...my 01 has 209k and is still running

[Zembonez]

Never heard of anybody changing trans fluid every 5-7K. I think you are throwing a lot of money away there replacing perfectly good fluid. You should get a good 250K out of that car.

[azcorolla]

No reason you can't see 260K or even 300K on that engine. Mine has about 260K and is doing fine so far. knock on wood.

[Suprawillis]

Been keeping tabs on my rorra since 65k miles. Here is a rundown:

1. Always changed oil. Never went past 5k miles without an oil change. ALWAYS has burned a quart of oil every 1000 miles.

2. First alternator went out at about 110k miles. Got a duralast and those have had about a 90k mile life expectancy, so I've replaced a few of them.

3.. First timing belt snapped at about 250k miles. I have the 7AFE so I changed it on the side of the road with friends running back and forth bringing tools.

4. 3rd gear synchro went out at about 300k miles. Around 290k miles it would sometimes grind into gear, or pop out. I don't even use it my car is a 4 speed now. I shift from 2nd to 4th like a boss.

5. Replaced both CV axles with used units at 200k miles. driver side was okay, I just go a deal on two.

6. At 220k miles my gas tank cracked. That was my fault though since I jump my car frequently. Also replaced seized driver side caliper while inspecting other parts. $40 bucks from autozone.

7. Original fuel pump went out at 315k miles. Then the starter went out at 316k.

8. Original clutch went out at 317k miles. So between 315-317 is when I felt things started falling apart.

9. Replaced leaking power steering line at 345k miles. Also the Crank position sensor went out at that time. Replaced any and every tune up/ignition problem chasing this down.

9. Original AC compressor went out at 368k miles. The pulley/clutch on the compressor completely came off the compressor while driving.

10. Original accessory belt went out at about 374k miles. Drove home overheating because I don't give a FAWK!

11. Just started leaking from either the front main (crank seal) or it's the oil pump at 405k miles. Haven't gotten around to it.

Other things to mention, I haven't replaced the water pump yet. Changed the timing belt a few months ago just for preventative maintenance. Still feel all the whole 105 horsepowers since 65k miles. Changing the fuel filter and plugs and oil always gives it a slight oomph. For some reason replaced all the EGR parts from the junkyard really gave the car a kick surprisingly. The rest of the car is duralast.

Replaced about 4 cast manifolds due to cracking down the middle. Replaced with ebay header at 220k miles. All good since. Suspension is and has been completely blown since 2006. Rear tires always wear out within 40k miles due to blown shocks. But I frequently jump the car so I don't care about that either.

Future plans is to get that front main taken care of, and into maaco for a sweet coat of teal mist.

[TheNightWolf]

Mine being poorly maintained before I got it lasted 253k, since then I have done regular oil changes, and have flushed the clutch fluid, soon the brake fluid.

And soon the timing belt will be done since I have no records of whats been done and what hasn't.

Even though its been poorly maintained it runs almost new with no tick, no strange noises except for my intake sound.