Depends on the car.<p>The old diesels or atmospheric petrol engines in sedans were build to serve almost forever (petrol 500k, diesel 1m). Even &quot;newer&quot; (cca end of nineties) turbo-diesels were robust - I was once in a taxi (Skoda Octavia), that had 800k on the odometer...<p>On the other hand, new compact cars with their 1.0 - 1.2 three cylinder, turbo charged engines will be done in the 100-150k range. Again, if you want to buy a new car and get rid of it after the lease is paid, they will be fine. If you want to keep it longer, look somewhere else.