I don't think you can put a time limit. It depends on your adventures with the car. The good time, the bad times. My Escort D was like an old faithfull dog. Would sometimes need to go to the vets to get better, but just wanted to do me good and serve me well. I regret scrapping her, even tho, I know she would never have passed another MOT.
I hated my Mazda. Nice car and all, but was like going out with a high maintence girl. Always wanted new things, at high cost, because of numbers. It would be a wheel bearing here, a hub there, a shock here, and a stearing rack there, a new set of tyres as the tracking was out and recked the £180 each ones on. Tracking done, stearing wheel wobble because the 18'' rims were not set right.
Lovely car to drive, but what a bitch.
And my Evo :love: love at first sight. I first saw her in 2007 when my mate owned her, and I said to my step bro ''im going to have her one day'' and I have! I have to respect her every time I get in. Knowing, that she can hurt me at any chance she wants.