The question is somewhat vague. What is defined as a serious repair? A repair can be considered serious in many different ways. Expensive? Difficult to fix? Impacts other engine components? Also lack of regular maintenance is not the only cause for things going wrong in a car: Manufacturers defects, a driver's style/habits, an accident, or just a poorly made car can also contribute to maintenance issues even if the car has had regular and scheduled maintenance as prescribed by the owner's manual or a mechanic. For example, let's say somebody meticulously maintained a Yugo and it still broke down a lot. I mean one doesn't see a lot of Yugos on the road these days (not in the U.S. anyway), yet it would be unreasonable to assume that every single Yugo owner neglected to maintain their car. A poorly made car? Most likely it was. A lot to consider. All of the below vehicles were purchased used and were regularly maintained while I owned them. I can only speak from personal experience on this one: 1. 1977 Toyota Corona, at 70,000 miles it had a complete suspension overhaul. It was 14 years old, had been wrecked, but had been meticulously maintained otherwise. In 1991 $1,300. 2. 1986 Subaru GL, at 73,000 miles the automatic transmission went bad and had to be replaced, 4WD, part blew off causing damage to other engine parts. In 1992 $1,800. 2. 1987 Toyota Camry, sold at 119,000 miles. No major repairs. 3. 1993 Volvo 940 Turbo, 117,000 miles required turbocharger replacement. In 2003, $1,300. New radiator in 1998 $550. A lot of small stuff totaling $1,300 in March 2005. Brake/rotor work in 2002 $850. 4. 2001 Volvo S40 Turbo, 55,000 miles required turbocharger replacement (lucky me!). In 2004, $1,900. I insist this is a manufacturer's defect and my mechanic agreed. Ignition coils and wires March 2005 $558, 77,000 miles. As you can see, it varies A LOT. If one wanted to see some reliability ratings on a specific model then check http://www.consumerreports.or Also http://www.autosafety.org/consumercomplaint.php is the Center For Auto Safety. You can check for consumer complaints and most state the mileage at breakdown and the cost. Having said that, there are cars in their database that have less than 10,000k miles on them that have a $2,300 repair. Some cars had 46,000 with a $800 repair. It varies plain and simple. Hope this helps! The question asked for an "average" and it did not account for other variables that lead to a car needing a "serious" repair (I took the time to address some of them). Serious repair was also not defined. I did qualify the answer by stating that this is my personal experience and "on average" with regular maintenance these were MY results. Wide range of vehicles, years, costs, and repairs also.

This IS a vague question that can only be properly answered by those who drive a car similar to yours in a manner similar to your driving style. Speaking from personal experience, and the experience of family and friends, I can say that older American engines are relatively fragile and short-lived. There is a reason that, during my childhood, any car with >50 K miles was considered utterly worn. However, modern American engines (Saturn specifically) run strong past 150K miles with no problems, though my transmission died... twice. My old VW Golf started feeling it's age around 226K, but the floorpans died before the engine despite my ause. And my Honda (228K miles) is just invincible. The question you have to ask is, "Was this engine truly well maintained?". I have a thick stack of records for my Honda, so I know my answer. If the answer is yes, then the car will develop more catastrophic problems before the engine dies.

My general schedule: - 30,000 + miles - Brakes - 60,000 + miles: - Timing Belt / Water Pump - Fuel pump - Altenator * Generally, all my cars have needed these replacements around the mileage specified (give or take)... - A/C - At least once in first 75,000 miles (compressor or condensor, heater core, or all of the above0 - around $900 - I have avoided worse problems by scheduling regular fluid changes, services - (transmission, coolant, differential, etc.) - It will save you a lot of money (like oil changes) in the long run.

Well to make this question informative an short... the answer is ....it is somewhat up to you and how you maintain the engine, including how much abuse its takeing in terms of agressive driving, racing, etc. But for the most part its more important what kind of car it is and the quality the car is built with. an engine is built to last long... Honda in general have long lasting lives themselves.. other cars might not.. and others may. To answer this question my advice would be to have a general idea of cars with high quality for a valued amount of money. Engines like a Chevy 572, or a Soch 1.6 are examples of two engines with opposite output, but still are quality made by two trusted manufacturers, and have a long life.. no matter the redline they produce. So a quality buy, is a long lasting, less work buy, and can save you alot of money, time and stress provided you do your part and maintain it right..

I got 196,000 on a 1991 chevy lumina Currently have 204,434 miles on a 1999 chevy lumina ls--had the head gasket replaced 3 years ago

First of all, we can rule out all engines made by GM, Ford, and Chrysler. they are not even in the running. This only leaves Toyota and Honda. Mechanic told me these engines are good for at least 250,000 miles. I am beginning to believe it. my Toyota Solara has 210,000 miles on it. Oil changes every 7,000 miles. timing belt changed at 95,000 miles and it didn't even need it then.

I think about 100,000mi.-300,00m.? It really sepends on the type of engine and the make.