No car can last forever. OTOH, any car can last a really long time if enough parts are thrown at it. Given the simplicity of a 240D, I'd guess it's CAPABLE of lasting longer given a fixed budget for repairs and maintenance. However one would be giving up a lot by driving a 240D compared to a TDI IMHO. I've had both and it's a night and day difference, even though the 240D has its charms.

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2004 VW Jetta TDI (manual)

Past MB's: '96 E300D, '83 240D, '82 300D, '87 300D, '87 420SEL