.. So what is the minimum mileage we should put on our cars!?
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
.. So what is the minimum mileage we should put on our cars!?
Jason's recent post had me pondering this question , especially since I intend to only put between 3-4k miles p/y on my 993.The winters aren't so severe here in Ireland that the car needs to be laid up , so I've been averaging about 300 miles a month , running the car on average twice a week. It's got 47k on the odo at the moment , so that's pretty much its average mileage so far anyway.
Is 3-4k enough!?
Is 3-4k enough!?
#2
Weathergirl
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
If two rules of thumb are 1) don't let it sit more than a week (min 52 drives per year) and 2) warm it up fully before shutting it down (min 10 miles per drive), then you could drive as little as 500 miles a year and still have a "regularly used" 993 that theoretically wouldn't suffer from any of the maladies of garage queens.
#3
Racer
Thread Starter
Wow , that little!
That makes me feel much better about the small mileage I am putting on it.
I'm certainly not trying to treat my 993 as a garage queen (I know you weren't suggesting this) .
I don't even have a garage , but it's in such good condition and to my mind , is as iconic as a car can get , so I'd love to think there'd be life in the ole girl 20 years from now , with me still behind the wheel (I may be drooling a bit , and I'll have bought the folding techquipment zimmer frame but I'd still be on for a good runout!!)
That makes me feel much better about the small mileage I am putting on it.
I'm certainly not trying to treat my 993 as a garage queen (I know you weren't suggesting this) .
I don't even have a garage , but it's in such good condition and to my mind , is as iconic as a car can get , so I'd love to think there'd be life in the ole girl 20 years from now , with me still behind the wheel (I may be drooling a bit , and I'll have bought the folding techquipment zimmer frame but I'd still be on for a good runout!!)
#4
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
It is more a question of running it up to proper operating temperature before the seals have a chance to dry out and crack. How long does it take a gasket that properly lubed to dry out and weaken?
#5
The minimum mileage you should put on your car is zero. The maximum is infinity.
IMHO, everyone needs to worry less about the numbers on the odometer. It's really getting silly around here. A stranger from another planet upon seeing this spectacle would think that there are profound geopolitical and moral consequences to whether you drive 5 miles a week or 500.
IMHO, everyone needs to worry less about the numbers on the odometer. It's really getting silly around here. A stranger from another planet upon seeing this spectacle would think that there are profound geopolitical and moral consequences to whether you drive 5 miles a week or 500.
#6
Racer
Thread Starter
That's a bit of a sweeping statement Noah.
The reason I asked is because I have two cars and generally do 7-8k miles a year so chances are I'll be doing 4k or less in my 993, and I wanted to hear if folk reckoned this was enough mileage to see my porker into it's dotage.
I value folk opinions around here , there's a wealth of info , and I didn't expect to be put down and told what I'm asking is 'silly'.
Stop taking potshots .. Get a nights sleep , or stop in for a whiskey or somethin...
The reason I asked is because I have two cars and generally do 7-8k miles a year so chances are I'll be doing 4k or less in my 993, and I wanted to hear if folk reckoned this was enough mileage to see my porker into it's dotage.
I value folk opinions around here , there's a wealth of info , and I didn't expect to be put down and told what I'm asking is 'silly'.
Stop taking potshots .. Get a nights sleep , or stop in for a whiskey or somethin...
#7
R.I.P
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
If anybody on the east coast is worried about not puting enough miles on their P car, I would be glad to take it on a road trip or two, at no charge either. It's a problem that I just haven't faced yet.
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#9
Racer
Thread Starter
Fantastic posts Rich and Adrienne .. It's great to see those high mileages .. Though it makes me wonder even more if I should be trying to put more miles on mine .. Seeing as it's an Iris(h) !!
#10
Rennlist Member
I've had my 993 for 7 years. I store it every winter between Dec 15 and April 1. I've averaged 2700km per year and the car is impeccable. The only gaskets or seals I've had to change are the valve cover seals on both sides. Just make sure it gets to operating temp every time and occasionally take it for a real good run.
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
#11
Shamrock, no offense or pot shot intended -- just noting that there is a constant stream of posts on this forum of people fretting and worrying and torturing themselves over how many miles they are, or are not, putting on their cars. My point is simply that it doesn't matter in the slightest, as long as you keep up with the scheduled maintenance. Drive your car however much, or however little, you want.
#12
Racer
Thread Starter
Thanks very much receiver , I'm lucky in that my place of work is about 15 miles from the house , and the journey involves some motorway speeds and some quiet backroads , so the car always gets up to temp. I don't think I've done a journey yet where the oil cooler hasn't been in use.
.. And from the advice I'm getting here , that's the way it should be .. Thanks y'all.
.. And from the advice I'm getting here , that's the way it should be .. Thanks y'all.
#13
Racer
Thread Starter
I hate to tell ya Noah , but you come across fairly strong
... But I do appreciate you posting back thanks.
I've waited a long time for this car to come into my life , and I'm kinda eating and drinking 993 at the mo (ask my wife ) , little 993 questions pop into my head all the time , and it's absolutely brilliant to have such a resource at hand.
I apologise if my topics are a bit 'same ole same ole' to those who have spent a bit more time on this forum , or a bit inane to those who are a lot more technically proficient ... I'll try to catch up!
... But I do appreciate you posting back thanks.
I've waited a long time for this car to come into my life , and I'm kinda eating and drinking 993 at the mo (ask my wife ) , little 993 questions pop into my head all the time , and it's absolutely brilliant to have such a resource at hand.
I apologise if my topics are a bit 'same ole same ole' to those who have spent a bit more time on this forum , or a bit inane to those who are a lot more technically proficient ... I'll try to catch up!
#15
I've put nearly 20k on my car since I got it last year. I change the oil every 5k, and drive the car for MY enjoyment as often as I can.....miles be damned. Just finished reading an article of a guy who has 380k on his 1968 targa.