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How long does a car motor last?

As my first car, my dad is giving me his 1999 Ford pickup. I’m a little worried it won’t last very long. What's the average lifespan of a vehicle engine?

avatar
Chloe Jenkins · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“This is an understandable concern since you’re being gifted a vehicle over 20 years old. But hey, it’s a free truck! That’s still pretty cool.
Although the lifespan of a car’s engine will vary depending on several things, a car motor will last, on average, between 200,000 and 300,000 miles.
Other factors that will impact the life of the vehicle include:
  • Whether or not the car has been
    properly maintained
  • How often the car was driven
  • If it spent any time in storage
  • The quality of the parts used by the manufacturer
Despite the
wear and tear
your dad’s Ford has incurred since 1999, if the truck has been taken care of well and you continue to properly maintain it, it could last you many years.
However, be aware of the cost of upkeep going into this situation. You may find that an older vehicle is more demanding than a newer car. Set aside money as soon as possible so you have reserves when maintenance or repairs are necessary.
And if the truck’s in questionable shape, consider getting a roadside assistance membership through the
Jerry
app so you’ll never have to worry about being stranded. Jerry provides industry-leading roadside assistance, including jumpstarts, lockout service, key replacement, and towing for only $50 a year.”
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