The main and most expensive component of any car is the engine. Its smooth operation as a whole determines the cost of operation and maintenance of the machine. And this is especially important when it comes to used models with high mileage, because the older the car, the higher the likelihood of problems with the power unit. Nevertheless, there are very successful models of motors that run several hundred thousand kilometers without any breakdowns. Let’s highlight a few of them.
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VW 1.6 MPI EA 211
Volkswagen brand engines are often ranked in reliability and durability ratings. The unit of the EA 211 line with a volume of 1.6 liters is one of these engines. He has earned the status of one of the most unpretentious, structurally simple and inexpensive engines that are found on budget models of the automaker. In Russia, it is known for its Volkswagen Polo, which has been produced at the VAG Kaluga plant since 2010. Of course, the motor has weaknesses, but basically it lasts a long time and is distinguished by uninterrupted operation.
In the case of the first samples of this engine, one had to get used to significant oil consumption, since the consumption of lubricants reached an impressive 500 grams per 1000 kilometers. But after that, the engineers eliminated all the shortcomings by revising the configuration of the piston group, so the consumption dropped noticeably. They also replaced the timing chain with a belt that does not require special care and frequent maintenance.
It is generally accepted that in models from 2015, all the sores of the VW 1.6 MPI EA 211 have been eliminated. However, the problem with the oil burner sometimes manifests itself on individual cars, as does the leakage of antifreeze through the gaskets. In terms of reliability, engines with a capacity of 90 and 110 liters showed themselves well. with .. They manage to drive 250-300 thousand km without problems.
Renault K7M
In the secondary market, the engines of the French automaker Renault from the Renault K7M series enjoy a good reputation. They have been produced since 1990 and run on gasoline fuel. The 1.6-liter series has earned high marks due to its unpretentiousness to fuel quality and the ability to overcome 400 thousand kilometers without serious flaws.
We are talking about a structurally simple 4-cylinder engine with two valves per cylinder and a power reserve of 75 to 90 hp. c. The cast-iron cylinder block is wear-resistant and invulnerable to overheating. In the case of proper maintenance, taking into account the required timing, timely replacement of the timing belts and the coolant pump, the engine has been living for decades without any problems.
Also in the lineup there are diesel modifications K9K for 1.5 liters. Their power reserve varies from 65 to 115 hp. s. The fourth generation models comply with the high environmental standards Euro-6 and are allowed for operation in European countries.
Opel 1.8 Z18XER
The Opel 1.8 Z18XER series engine is often found on used cars of the Vectra, Astra, Insignia brands, as well as on related vehicles of the General Motors concern. By design, this power plant is considered quite simple. It uses a distributed fuel supply, and there are no hydraulic valve lifters.
Of the design features, a valve timing adjustment system is mentioned, which allows you to overcome 300 thousand kilometers or more without a complete repair. Before this period, it will only be necessary to replace the timing belt, valve cover gaskets, crankshaft oil seals and heat exchanger. The replacement itself will not be very expensive, and the components for the motor are relatively inexpensive.
Toyota 2AR-EE
Toyota powertrains have always been renowned for their uncompromising quality and reliability. They are also unpretentious in maintenance, since they have a simple design with a minimum number of electronic components. But those times when engines from Japan traveled a million kilometers are long gone.
However, the Toyota 2AR-EE engine, which was found on the Toyota Camry and Toyota RAV4 with a volume of 2.5 liters and a power of 180 hp. s., still claims this status. It has an aluminum cylinder block with a cast iron sleeve, which extends the service life and improves future maintainability. When changing the oil at least once every 10 thousand km, the engine will last over 300 thousand km without breakdowns.
As consumables, only the timing chain will have to be changed, for about 150 thousand kilometers. Among the shortcomings, periodic smudges from the coolant pump can be distinguished.
Hyundai/Kia 1.6 G4FC
This motor was installed on Kia Rio and Hyundai Solaris back in 2010. After the change of generations, the unit received an additional phase shifter on the exhaust shafts. The key elements of the engine are an aluminum block and cylinder head, while the timing drive is equipped with a metal chain with a service life of 150 thousand km. The appearance of gaps in the valves is mechanically regulated after 40 thousand kilometers.
Of the vulnerabilities in this engine, a catalyst can be distinguished, which often becomes unusable after 50-70 thousand kilometers. To prevent this, it is enough to identify problems in time and take the necessary actions. If this is not done, the ceramic particles from the collapsed catalytic converter will end up in the piston and lead to the death of the motor.
When refueling the car with high-quality fuel and using the right oil, the engine will travel up to 350 thousand km. True, by this time all seals and gaskets will have to be replaced.
BMW N54/N57
All motors of the Bavarian concern are quite reliable and durable. However, the N54 and N57 series have a special place. They were found on almost all BMW lines – from 1er to 8er and not even some “ekmka”. The first model works with gasoline fuel, and the second with diesel. The service life of each reaches 300 thousand km with the possibility of tuning without reducing strength.
The BMW N54/N57 are 3-litre six-cylinder engines ranging from 300 to 400 hp. in stock (depending on the number and characteristics of the turbines). The N54 gasoline unit is distinguished by high reliability, but is vulnerable to overheating, so in order for it to last as long as possible, you need to change the oil every 5 thousand km. The chain travels over 200 thousand km, but by this period the turbines are already making themselves felt.
As for the diesel model N57, it is less affected by this problem and operates at a temperature of 100°C, while in the case of a gasoline engine, the value reaches 120°C.
Thus, the oil change interval is shifted to 7 thousand kilometers. The average fuel consumption in the urban cycle is 10 liters, and this is with a power of 380 “horses” and a thrust of 750 Nm. At the moment, the BMW N54 / N57 are the most reliable and durable power units from BMW, which you can safely buy on the secondary market without fear of any problems.
Nissan HR16DE
The Nissan HR16DE takes pride of place in the ranking of reliable secondary engines. Its history began in the 90s, when it was massively installed on various cars of the Japanese brand. During its existence, the motor was improved and refined in every possible way, so it was spared from children’s shortcomings and diseases. Cars with this engine are famous for excellent dynamics, especially at high speeds, as well as a quick start from idle. For small cars of segment C, it is more than enough.
In addition, drivers with racing ambitions even stare at this engine. The motor likes high speeds, but it does not like to stand in daily city traffic jams. Frequent driving at low speeds in queues can cause piston ring failure.
To prevent this, you need to periodically “bulk”, increasing the speed above the average level on the track. For the rest of the parameters, there are no complaints about the Nissan HR16DE. This is a reliable and durable engine that does not require expensive maintenance during operation. Even the replacement of the timing chain is carried out after 250 thousand km, while the service life of the motor itself declared by the manufacturer reaches 350 thousand km.
Toyota 1VD-FTV
The diesel monster from Japan with a volume of 4.5 liters replenishes the rating, which was found on all Land Cruisers (from LC70 to LC200). It was even installed on the Lexus LX450D. In the line there is a version with both one turbine and two. The power reserve ranges from 217 to 272 hp. With. subject to modifications to the vehicle.
Each cylinder has 4 valves (32 valves in total). The most current versions of the motor comply with the Euro-5 environmental requirements, while the older ones have the Euro-3 or Euro-4 class. Buyers note that in the case of using high-quality oil and replacing it strictly according to the interval, the resource will exceed 400 thousand km.
Mitsubishi 2.0 4B11
This motor has been installed on Mitsubishi cars since 2005. The motor is all-aluminum with cast-iron sleeves pressed into the block, a 16-valve head and a timing chain.
This “four” is famous for its reliability due to its simple design without complex electronics and high-tech bells and whistles. The quality of the assembly and the materials used is also not in question.
Honda R20A
Closes the top ten reliable engines is another Japanese unit, but now from the Honda brand. Gasoline units of this series were found on the CR-V, Civic and Accord.
The motor began its history back in 2006, so it has gone through a number of upgrades and improvements. Its power is 155 hp. s .. The service life reaches 300 thousand km. Of the minuses, the absence of hydraulic compressors is mentioned, so the valves have to be adjusted once every 50 thousand kilometers.