[megancheung]

I am thinking of buying a car and I am confused as to the kind of engine I should s, settle for, a diesel engine or a gasoline engine? Others say that a diesel engine is better than a gasoline engine. However, a diesel engine accordingly has a shorter lifespan.
If this is so, is there a standard lifespan for car engines? I need to know about this since I am also considering of buying a used car, hence I have to reckon with the number of mileage. I can't find anything on the internet about engine lifespan.

[BOBCRMAN@aol.com]

No truth in diesel engines being short lived. Properly maintained most modern engines, gas or diesel last hundreds of thousands of miles. Thanks to computers and overdrive trans.

But, there are some that have inherent problems.. GM 2.2 engines ( now an older engine) need head gaskets at about 140 thiusand. 2.8-3.5 V-6 engines need intake/head gaskets at about the same time. Ecotec engines and many others need the timing belt/chain serviced at strict intervals or catastrophic results..

I hate to say it. But, if I was going to buy an economical, reliable used car for my wife or daughter. It would be a later model Honda Accord. A mid sized Toyota. Then any GM sedan with a 3.8 engine in it. Ford Focus has a tough little engine in it.

Even tho I have three Dodge pickups with over one hundred thousand miles and little problems. I work on Chrysler auto engines and see head/valve/gasket and year to year interchange and component electronic problems.

As a PS. I've seen the old VW and Isuzu diesels last thru several bodies/chassis, manyl hundreds of thousands of miles, and still run great..

[oldbogie]

Originally Posted by megancheung

I am thinking of buying a car and I am confused as to the kind of engine I should s, settle for, a diesel engine or a gasoline engine? Others say that a diesel engine is better than a gasoline engine. However, a diesel engine accordingly has a shorter lifespan.
If this is so, is there a standard lifespan for car engines? I need to know about this since I am also considering of buying a used car, hence I have to reckon with the number of mileage. I can't find anything on the internet about engine lifespan.

A properly designed diesel will far out live a gas engine. This is a major reason why you find them in heavy duty use. The problem with them in a consumer product is that the chassis, other systems and finishes usually don't last as long as the engine, not to mention human fickleness which usually has us shopping well before the machine is worn out.

Modern engine life-span across the board has increased in leaps and bounds over the past 15 years. 50 years ago getting a 100,000 miles on an engine was an achievement, today it's midlife.

Bogie

[ap72]

Originally Posted by oldbogie

A properly designed diesel will far out live a gas engine. This is a major reason why you find them in heavy duty use. The problem with them in a consumer product is that the chassis, other systems and finishes usually don't last as long as the engine, not to mention human fickleness which usually has us shopping well before the machine is worn out.

Modern engine life-span across the board has increased in leaps and bounds over the past 15 years. 50 years ago getting a 100,000 miles on an engine was an achievement, today it's midlife.

Bogie

If properly maintained 100k isn't even midlife, but as noted the rest of the car will start to show its age. bushings and shocks are a big one, rust is a big problem here in the midwest, you'll need a clutch or perhaps a trans rebuild (or at least a flush) around then too.

Thanks to better engine controls and manufacturing processes the engines almost always live well beyond the rest of the car- provided you do the regular maintenance.

[LATECH]

this member was banned as a spammer

[bullheimer]

Spam, spam, spam, Eggs, Bacon and Spam.