Greetings,

I have a 2011 Malibu with 115,000 miles. It runs as well and as quiet as the day I bought it in 2011. I always change oil and fluids on schedule. My question is, can I assume the same reliability as when it was new? Since I am retired, I like taking long road trips (several thousand miles) and wonder if I can be confident in it's reliability. Are there any studies done by GM or other sources about reliability of a well running car with mileage above 100,000?

Thanks

 

Like people, the older it gets the more parts wear out; no way around it. Manufacturers do MEAN time to failure studies so they know the life of parts. They use this data to set warranty life. I would not touch a vehicle over 300 000 kilometers or over 12 years old. its tired and ready to fail. It will need lots of $ for maintenance. At that point, you put in more money that the car is worth.

For your car. Have someone you trust inspect the vehicle at least once a year. Quick lube shops don't do this. I have not problem with people using quick lube shops but at least once a year have a mechanic inspect the suspension, tires, pull the wheels, inspect the brakes, fluids and for leaks.

I heard people in the industry say the manufacturers rate the life of a car at 4 years 80 000km. other say the life is the end of the powertrain warranty...hence filled for life trans fluid. at 5 years old all of the maintence items come due. spark plugs, all the fluids, tires, brakes....suspension components will be worn.

I drive old high mileage vehicles (most 10 years, 180 000 plus kilometers but as high at 18 years old and 355 000km). I have not been stuck on the side of the road. i am a mechanic and i keep my vehicle in better than new condition. I don't drive it in a way that stresses the powertrain.