Quote:
Originally posted by gsxr
A new or rebuilt OM617 should last 400-500kmi if cared for properly. There are many on the road today with 300k+. Usually the car doesn't last that long (accident, rust, etc). Which is partly why there are plenty of good used 617's available.  Any 617 that fails sooner is probably due to neglect or poor maintenance. They're pretty close to indestructible. 
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As the owner of 2 VW TDIs, this is what I thought. So now, it seems like a good strategy is to find a good rust-free example, with a clean interior and a clean history of accidents. Then, if you live in the Houston area like I do, where there is never salt on the road, one could hope for a very long and reasonably affordable relationship!