Why can a three-cylinder Xiali last over ten years?
2 Answers
Three-cylinder Xiali can last over ten years due to the durability of its three-cylinder engine. Advantages of three-cylinder engines: Three-cylinder engines have relatively low fuel consumption, compact size, and light weight, which can optimize the layout of the engine compartment and even the cockpit. Compared with four-cylinder engines, they offer more flexible arrangement. Disadvantages of three-cylinder engines: Due to design flaws, three-cylinder engines have idle vibration issues compared to four-cylinder engines. Although most three-cylinder engines now adopt turbocharging and direct injection technology, they may lack torque before the turbo kicks in, making them slightly underpowered at low speeds.
I remember my uncle's old Xiali ran for almost twenty years with its three-cylinder engine. Why was it so durable? Mainly because of its simple, no-frills design—fewer parts in a three-cylinder engine meant fewer things could go wrong. Driving gently without stomping on the accelerator reduced engine load and wear. Maintenance was also key; he changed the oil and checked the wiring every year, especially preheating it well in winter. The three-cylinder did vibrate noticeably, but over time you got used to it. Plus, the materials back then were genuinely durable, unlike today’s electronics-heavy cars that tend to fail easily. My takeaway: keeping a car running well for over a decade isn’t just about the engine—it takes careful ownership, avoiding rough roads, and sticking to routine checks. All these help an old car keep going.
