Is My Car a Lemon?

Those of you around my age might remember the phrase “you’ve got a Friday afternoon car.” Back in the day, when the UK car manufacturing industry wasn’t at its peak, the quality of vehicles varied greatly. The term referred to cars that came off the assembly line with issues, from misaligned panels to mechanical problems, likely because workers were rushing to finish before the weekend.

Owning a “Friday car” meant you were always chasing problems throughout its life.

Thankfully, in the modern world, advanced manufacturing techniques and quality control have nearly eliminated this issue. These days, if you encounter frequent issues with your vehicle, it’s more likely down to poor design or the use of cheaper parts, though even that seems rarer now.

So when a friend told me his daughter’s 2008 Fiat 500 was a “lemon” because it was always breaking down, I started to wonder—was it really a lemon, or just suffering the wear and tear you’d expect from an older car with high mileage, and it just so happened that many of these failures were happening under her ownership? So I thought I’d do some digging.

At KnowYourCar, we have statistics on common MOT failures and the costs of standard repairs, but what about non-MOT related failures? When are key parts of a car likely to fail, and what should you reasonably expect as your car ages?

Key Components and Their Likely Failures

While vehicles can vary, especially between petrol and diesel, many common components are shared across different makes and models. Here’s a breakdown of common failure points and when you might expect them to happen:

1. Clutch

The lifespan of a clutch can vary dramatically based on driving style and conditions, but here are some general expectations:

• Average lifespan: 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
• Warning signs: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping clutch, squealing noise when depressing the clutch or a burning smell.

2. Brake Pads and Discs

These are wear-and-tear items that need regular replacement:

• Brake Pads: Typically need replacing every 25,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on usage.
• Brake Discs: Can last up to 70,000 miles, but should be inspected with every pad replacement.
• Warning signs: Squeaking, reduced braking power, or vibrations during braking.

Petrol Engine: Common Failure Points

Petrol engines have certain components prone to failure as they age:

• Timing Belt: Should be replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles to prevent catastrophic engine failure.
• Spark Plugs: Usually last 30,000 to 100,000 miles, but should be checked regularly.
• Fuel Pump: Can fail after 100,000 miles, leading to starting issues or stalling.

Diesel Engine: Common Failure Points

Diesel engines, while generally more robust, have their own set of wear points:

• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF): Often requires replacement or cleaning after 100,000 miles, especially if the car is driven mostly in the city.
• Turbocharger: Can fail around 100,000 miles, with symptoms like power loss or excessive smoke.
• Glow Plugs: Typically last around 100,000 miles and are crucial for cold starting.
• EGR Valve: (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valves in diesel engines tend to fail after around 50,000 to 100,000 miles, but this can vary depending on driving habits and maintenance.

Other Common Failures

There are other parts that all cars—regardless of type—are likely to encounter issues with over time:

• Battery: Often needs replacement after 3 to 5 years.
• Exhaust: Corrosion and damage can occur after 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
• Suspension Components: Shocks and struts can wear out after 50,000 miles, especially on rough roads.
• Alternator: Can last 80,000 to 150,000 miles, but might give up sooner in some cases.

Obviously there are many other items that can fail, but these seemed to be the most common that happen across all makes/models of cars.

Is Your Car Really a Lemon?

It’s important to understand that many car failures are simply due to age and wear, rather than a car being poorly made or a “lemon.” Regular maintenance and keeping an eye on these key components can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns.

So, if your car is breaking down frequently, it might not be bad luck or a faulty vehicle—it could just be reaching the stage where certain parts naturally wear out. If you’re curious about the costs of replacing these and other parts, check out our app for detailed stats on your specific vehicle model!

What this means for buying

Interestingly, looking at the list above, some patterns start to emerge. When you’re in the market for a second-hand car, a potential “danger zone” of mileage seems to be just under 100k miles. It could be argued that a car with 80k miles is more likely to need repairs soon, whereas a car with over 100k miles may have already had many of its key components replaced.

From this, I personally would prefer a vehicle with over 100k miles and a solid service history showing key parts have been replaced, rather than a lower-mileage car where these parts are still original and potentially ready to fail.

As for my friend’s daughter’s Fiat 500, she bought it at 70k miles and over the next year faced issues with the DPF, suspension, brakes, and now the clutch—all of which aligns with the patterns we’ve just discussed.

So, no, I don’t think it’s a lemon. In fact, the only lemon here is me, as I was asked to check it over for her before she bought it. I thought it would be a good buy—whoops! If only I’d written this article beforehand.