How Many Years Can a Car Be Used Before It Can Be Scrapped?

[LailaMarie]

Private cars and commercial vehicles have different scrapping periods, as detailed below: Private car scrapping regulations: For 5-seat family cars and 7-seat SUVs, non-commercial small and micro vehicles have no usage period limit. When the normal mileage reaches 600,000 kilometers, the state will guide the scrapping process. In addition to the above-mentioned vehicles, small and micro non-commercial passenger cars, large non-commercial cars, and wheeled special-purpose machinery vehicles also have no usage period limit. Common commercial vehicle scrapping regulations: Small and micro taxi passenger cars have a scrapping period of 8 years, medium-sized taxi passenger cars have a scrapping period of 10 years, and large taxi passenger cars have a scrapping period of 12 years. Public transport passenger cars have a scrapping period of 13 years, other small and micro commercial passenger cars have a scrapping period of 10 years, and large and medium-sized commercial passenger cars have a scrapping period of 15 years. Micro commercial trucks have a scrapping period of 8 years, while light and large commercial trucks have a scrapping period of 10 years.

[LaylaLee]

I've only driven cars over a decade old, and I feel that scrapping isn't just about the age—it's mainly about how well the car has been maintained. For example, my old sedan ran for 15 years, but the engine sounded odd and often leaked oil. With proper maintenance, a car can last 15-20 years without issue. However, if repair costs skyrocket—like spending tens of thousands to replace a transmission, which could be worth more than the car itself—it's time to consider scrapping it. Safety hazards are also crucial; if the brakes feel weak or the car shakes badly when turning, don't push your luck. I’d advise you to regularly check the engine oil and tire wear records—these details can extend your car’s lifespan and ensure safer travels.

[MacElaina]

Having worked in auto repair shops for many years, I've found that a car's lifespan typically maxes out around 10-15 years. Not all vehicles follow this pattern, but older cars frequently develop issues like carbon buildup causing engine seizures or failing emissions tests. When repair costs exceed half the car's value, it's wise to scrap it and get a new one. Don't underestimate aging safety systems—faulty airbags or brake failures are serious hazards. I've handled many cars with over 200,000 kilometers where parts were scarce and expensive. Regular maintenance can extend life by a year or two, but when you hit the breaking point, don't hesitate—waiting often leads to bigger losses.

[SanRemington]

From an environmental perspective, older vehicles emit higher levels of pollution, especially diesel cars which are prone to exceeding emission standards. Under EU regulations, vehicles over 10 years old may be phased out due to CO2 limits. Scrapping isn't solely based on age, but as vehicles get older, maintenance becomes more troublesome. Switching to new energy vehicles can actually save energy and money. I recommend first testing the exhaust emission indicators—if they fail, it's better not to repair them. Proactively scrapping the vehicle is beneficial for both the environment and health.

[StFrank]

After driving a car for seven or eight years, the repair costs start to skyrocket. My advice is to do the math: if the annual repair expenses exceed 50% of the car's residual value—for example, your car is worth $10,000 but costs over $5,000 a year to fix—it's time to scrap it. It's not about a fixed number of years but rather economic feasibility. Older cars also come with higher insurance premiums, and discontinued parts add to the cost. Developing a habit of keeping track of expenses and comparing them with the budget for a new car can save you a significant amount of money when making a rational decision.

[SadieRose]

The old car I've been driving has been with me for over 20 years, and I've developed a bond with it like an old friend. Scrapping isn't based on a rigid standard of years, but rather when the car becomes unsafe or unreliable, such as loose suspension or dim lights affecting night driving. A well-maintained car can last 15 years, but don't delay when aging accelerates. It's advisable to schedule regular comprehensive inspections to balance emotion with reality and ensure safe travels.