Asking how long Canadian drivers can expect their vehicle to last or how long they should last in Canada is kind of a loaded question. There are many factors that need to be considered when determining how long a new car will last, or should we say, how long we expect it should last. When it comes to the automotive industry, we’re pretty confident, but we don’t have any control over how car owners treat their vehicles. What we do have is a massive inventory of used vehicles for you to choose from for your next vehicle, and they come with a limited warranty, so you know we’re helping you to maximize their lifespan. If we haven’t met, FFUN Cars, and we’re all about giving you the best tips on vehicles.
Things have changed
Way back in the 1970’s, the average vehicle lasted around five years or 160,000KMs; in fact, most odometers would reset back to zero once they rolled from 99,999km, which is a good indication that vehicles weren’t lasting beyond 100,000KMs. But, just like the life expectancy of people has increased (yes, we went there), so has the life of vehicles. We said it once, and we’ll say it again, there are many factors that determine the amount of time a vehicle should last. But, we can thank advancements in how cars are being made for their increased lifespan. According to DesRosiers Automotive Consultants, on average, 33.7% of vehicles in the early 2000s lasted at least 15 years, whereas, for new vehicles produced from 2017 onwards, 54% of them are lasting a minimum of 15 years. One of the most significant advancements is in the materials used to assemble vehicles. By having better quality materials, which result in better-made cars, automakers are able to offer longer and more substantial warranties.
The vehicle matters
Whether you have a used car or a new one, or you bought it from a dealership or a private seller, the type of vehicle you drive matters when it comes to the lifespan of your vehicle. That’s not to say that your vehicle won’t last if you choose not to purchase one of the top brands; it just means that statistically certain makes and models have a history of being more reliable. Not to mention, the top vehicles have a higher resale value.
It seems that year after year the same automakers are topping the list for longest lasting/most reliable vehicles. You don’t need to be a vehicle extraordinaire to guess that automakers such as Toyota, Honda, Kia, and Hyundai are some of the best vehicles on the market. If you’re a fancy pants kind of person, don’t be alarmed, some of the most well-known luxury brands, like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Land Rover, are all top-performing and long-lasting in their class.
Car owner
The biggest factor and easiest way to get peace of mind to know your vehicle will have longevity is how you drive it and whether or not you take good care of it. Yes, of course, there can always be mechanical issues that can’t be helped, but by keeping up with regular maintenance, you can help extend the life of your car. Regular maintenance doesn’t mean you have to rebuild the engine every year; it simply means following the recommended maintenance schedule for tune-ups, oil changes, and tire rotations. Not only does keeping up with maintenance prolong your vehicle’s life, it also helps with the fuel economy - and who doesn’t want better fuel economy with what gas prices are these days? While you have your car in the repair shop/servicing department, have the technicians check all your safety features. That’s our pro tip because we care about your vehicle and YOU and your loved ones.
Where you live
Where you live or where you do most of your driving can affect how long you can expect your vehicle to last. With that being said, just because you live in a place that would naturally be harder on a vehicle, doesn’t mean you can’t get the same amount of driving years out of your car as you would living in a more moderate climate. There are just a few more items to add to your vehicle maintenance checklist. For example, if you live in the northern parts of Ontario, there is more risk of the salt applied to the roads causing corrosion, so your vehicle may need to be washed more. As a result of hard winter driving conditions, your tires may wear out quicker, and if you don’t replace your tires when they need to be replaced, it could potentially damage other parts of your car. Whereas when you live in a mild climate like the coastal regions of Vancouver, BC, road salt isn’t a concern, nor is the need for changing your tires all the time.
If possible, store your car in a garage. It gives your vehicle a break from the outdoors, albeit the sun or the winter conditions. Not to mention, car insurance companies often offer discounts if they know your vehicle is secured in a locked garage as there is less likelihood of theft.
We may be a wicked place to buy and sell cars, but we’re more than that. We have a few experts kicking around who would be more than happy to give you some tips and tricks on keeping your vehicle in tip-top condition. Although, if you have a sweet ride, we may see if you want us to buy it from you. But don’t worry; it’s an easy process and can be done completely online. Seriously, you can see what the market value of your car is and what we would pay for it in a matter of minutes. We can also get you qualified for your next car in two minutes, with our super trendy online tools.
We’re not stopping there because we aren’t a vehicle financing company; we’re the coolest way to buy a car - also the most convenient. Buy your car online, in-store, or a combination of the two. Not to mention, we have loads of benefits, like 24-hour test drives and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Go ahead, tell us that’s pretty awesome. So whether you are in the market for a Mazda, Volvo, or Subaru, we got you.
