Use Vs. Reliability

[onthecut]

Hi all.

I've often pondered, looking at the incredibly varied range of issues covered on the forum, if there is an inverse relationship between the amount of use an XM gets and the number of problems the car suffers.
I can't recall exactly how many I've had now, but it's certainly into double figures and most versions except V6. Generally I've had one at a time and all will have been in the 25 - 50k miles a year use range while I have them. The three serious issues I've had have been 2.1 head gaskets; (3), 2.5 Smoke (all except the new toy) 2.5 Gear loss (1). Dubious ABS, about half of them.
Aside from that though and the usual bulbs out on the dash, I really have had very reliable and consistent motoring out of all of them and any one of them, you could get in and set off for anywhere, without having to lift the lid first. My theory is that constant use, with proper servicing, keeps a big number of gremlins at bay. Things don't get damp and seize or corrode (linkages, electrical contacts etc.). Interiors, especially with aircon, stay dry and the movement of the car makes sure that wet or damp is tilted or ventilated out of doors and chassis rails etc. On the one hand, I cast an envious eye over the collections some of you guys have, but on the other do you have time to keep on top of them ??

Mike.

[Little&Large]

Hello Mike
I am sure you are right-regular use and by that I mean not popping to the supermarket or station but a decent run everyday where the car gets to its operating temperature for a good amount of time.On at least 5 days a week I do at least 50-100 miles in mine,on the other 2 days it is used but sometimes less.Like you I did over 30K in mine last year with virtually no problems.I had a 2.1 before with the poorer earthing and if I left it for even a couple of days all sorts of problems appeared until it had dried out again if it was in wet weather.
Of course you might not be able to drive it those distances but the point that Mike is making that regular use increases reliability.We have seen the comments about the low mileage XM on Ebay and lack of use can mean spending as much money replacing parts as on a well used example.
Regards Rob

[Ciaran]

I'd tend to agree Mike.
My green 2.1 when I got it, had a number of issues. It had been sat for a year, and was generally grubby, with several random electrical issues, a filthy cooling system, etc.
Now its in everyday use it performs much better, and exhibits much less of these symptoms.
Ok, so regular use does cause wear, and more faults have shown up as a result, but to be honest I think, as you say, the fact that you have to service an active car regularly, helps keep many things at bay.
Again, with my original S1, when it went off the road for almost two years, it was the beginning of the end. It developed numerous spurious faults, and it looked worse everytime I saw it.
Definately think cars don't like to not be used, and keeping them ticking over, even if its only once or twice a week, is much better than having them laid up somewhere, never moving.

The other thing is that over here, the vehicle test is very strict, computer controlled, and must be carried out at a government run regional centre. While this can be a pain sometimes, the upshot of it is that it forces you to maintain your cars in excellent condition, which can't be a bad thing. I just wish some of the tests weren't so damn abusive to the vehicles.

This post has been edited by Ciaran on July 01, 2007 09:42 pm

[xmexclusive]

Hi Mike

I am not so sure that frequency of use is critical. Predominantly daily use for short heavy town traffic will eventually take a heavy toll on any car. Of the XM's I buy to use I find the first year of ownership the sort out time. Maintenance gets brought up to a level I am comfortable with and a selection of faults emerge to be cured. By keeping at least two XM's on the road at a time I can favour the one in the best state for the more onerous jobs. This means the V6 may stand out unused in the weather for a fortnight but so far it still starts first turn of the key.
My rational in collecting XM's is simply that I want to be running some of them as main cars in 10 to 15 years time. I have decided not to risk all on one near perfect example for a number of reasons. Like you I kick up a fairly high annual mileage and over 5 or 10 years this will turn a good low mileage XM into a worn high mileage car. I have also lost the use of one well cherished XM already to the error of other drivers. My current high number of XM's is just a passing phase created by the number that have become available at bargin prices and represent an amalgam of long term cars, good secondhand spares and high spec trim etc that is currently missing from the long term ones. My ideal XM was never built (2.5 auto exclusive estate) but I still fancy trying to put one together with the bits left over when I have sorted the long term cars.

Regards

XMexc

[DrTim]

xmexec, I'm thinking the same by keeping two now, so I've got a backup XM!

I had a lot of starting probs with the old one in the first few years but it does start every time now even after standing for weeks, which is one reason I like it so much, even inthe current less than optimal and only 5 weeks till MOT out state.

10-15 years. we'll see. You're probably more likely to make it than me.

[demag]

Xmex,

Interesting thought 2.5 auto. Do you think you'd have to use a better box though?

[onthecut]

Hi all.

Yes -- they would and it wouldn't have to be German !!!!!! I am presently in contact with someone working at one of our major auto firms on developing their next fire breather; what won't take it --- the gearbox. Who makes it --- you don't even need to ask !!
If you want a proper auto, go to the USA --- they've been at it a very long time and they are rather good at it !

Mike.