How Many Years Can a New Car Be Driven?
3 Answers
Generally speaking, 15 years is a threshold. The current traffic laws have introduced new regulations regarding the service life of vehicles. For non-commercial vehicles that have been in use for more than 15 years, owners are required to undergo an annual inspection at the vehicle management office every six months. There are also regulations on mileage, stipulating that if a car's mileage reaches 600,000 kilometers, it must be forcibly scrapped. New scrapping standards: 1. Non-commercial passenger vehicles: Non-commercial passenger vehicles with 9 seats or fewer (including 9 seats, such as sedans and off-road vehicles) have a service life of 15 years. If the vehicle is required to continue in use after reaching the scrapping standard, approval is needed. After passing inspection, the service life can be extended, with two annual inspections required each year. For vehicles over 20 years old, four annual inspections are required from the 21st year onwards. 2. Tourist passenger vehicles: Tourist passenger vehicles have a service life of 10 years. If continued use is required after reaching the scrapping standard, the current procedures must be followed, but the service life can be extended for a maximum of 10 years. Tourist passenger vehicles with extended service life require four annual inspections each year. 3. Commercial buses: The service life of commercial buses has been adjusted to 10 years. If continued use is required after reaching the scrapping standard, the current procedures must be followed. The extended service life cannot exceed 4 years, with four annual inspections required each year during the extended period.
How many years can a new car last? I think it depends on how you maintain it. My own car has been running well for almost 12 years, and the secret is regular maintenance—don’t slack on things like oil changes, tire checks, and brake system inspections. Modern new cars are designed to be more durable, averaging over 15 years or 200,000 kilometers. But if you frequently drive in harsh conditions, like high temperatures or desert areas, parts wear out faster, and the car might not last beyond 10 years. Manufacturers say the warranty period is usually 3-5 years, but that’s just basic coverage. To make it last long-term, you need to put in some effort with upkeep. Don’t underestimate small issues, like engine overheating or delaying spark plug replacements—they can lead to early breakdowns. In short, longevity comes down to care. Don’t wait until a major failure happens to regret it.
From an economic perspective, it's most cost-effective to keep a new car for 8 to 10 years. I've done the math - depreciation hits hardest in the first few years, with about 10% value loss annually. After five years when depreciation stabilizes, maintenance costs may rise towards the 10-year mark, but total ownership expenses remain significantly lower than frequent new car purchases. A ¥200,000 new car might depreciate to ¥120,000 in three years, but keeping it for a decade saves substantial money. I've seen friends drive Japanese cars for 12 years with just brake pad replacements and minor part changes - outstanding value retention. However, brand matters - American cars with higher fuel consumption may not last as long. Opt for models with proven reliability and perform economical maintenance like using synthetic oil to extend engine life. This approach ensures worry-free long-term ownership without breaking the bank.
