What is the service life of a family car?
3 Answers
Generally, the service life of a family sedan is 15 years or when the mileage reaches 600,000 kilometers, after which it is considered scrapped. However, Chinese law does not mandate the compulsory scrapping of non-operational private family cars. As long as the vehicle meets the annual inspection standards and continues to comply with the scrapping criteria, it can be used without requiring approval. Relevant information about vehicle restrictions is as follows: 1. Regulations: The Ministry of Transport stipulates that since September 21, double-row vehicle transport trucks are prohibited from entering expressways; starting from July 1, 2018, non-compliant vehicle transport trucks are completely banned, and standard freight vehicle models are promoted. Portable overload detection equipment STW-18 can be set up at expressway entrances for random inspections. 2. Cancellation of the 15-year scrapping rule for pickup trucks: The cancellation of the 15-year scrapping rule for pickup trucks is only a new regulation in some regions. However, vehicles that fail the annual inspection or reach 600,000 kilometers in mileage must be scrapped. Currently, most regions still enforce the 15-year scrapping rule.
I've been driving family cars for over twenty years, and I feel there's really no fixed rule for service life; it all depends on maintenance and driving habits. My old car lasted 13 years and ran 180,000 kilometers—it could still barely run, but parts started failing, like needing new brake pads and the engine making loud noises. Generally, a well-maintained family car can last 10 to 15 years, but after 10 years, minor issues become more frequent, and repairs may get expensive. Legally, there’s no mandatory retirement age for regular family cars—as long as they pass annual inspections, they’re road-legal, though stricter inspections now require frequent safety system checks. My advice: stick to regular maintenance, don’t slack off, and consider replacing the car after 15 years—safety comes first.
The lifespan of a family car mainly depends on long-term costs and cost-effectiveness. From an economic perspective, as a car ages, fuel consumption increases, and maintenance costs skyrocket, making it less hassle-free than buying a new one. Generally speaking, driving for around 12 years is the breakeven point; beyond that, the cumulative repair costs may approach the monthly payments for a new car. Depreciation must also be factored in—a car that's been driven for 15 years is practically worthless, and selling it would mean taking a loss. My neighbor's family car lasted 14 years and eventually became a burden, with constant complaints about needing repairs here and there. Therefore, I believe the most economical approach is to plan to replace a family car within 10 to 15 years, balancing savings and comfort.
