My Lexus

[giant_mtb]

I've never had a breakdown with the 1er.

I've had two ignition coil issues that came up when I started the car and were thankfully replaced by BMW Mobile Service within hours.

Umm.  I'd consider that a breakdown.

[Secret Chimp]

Umm.  I'd consider that a breakdown.

A car that starts and runs funny has not experienced a "breakdown."

[giant_mtb]

A car that starts and runs funny has not experienced a "breakdown."

It sounds like he had to stop and wait for mobile services to come and fix it...unless he was able to get somewhere (work, or whatever) and then have them come and fix it?  Then I wouldn't consider it a breakdown.  I guess I'm just confused on the details.

[cawimmer430]

Umm.  I'd consider that a breakdown.

I don't.

To me a breakdown is when I am driving and the car suddenly stops working and won't start.

In my case the car would start and the engine would run - but very roughly with hefty vibrations - because one ignition coil wasn't working properly. BMW Mobile Service showed up within half an hour after I called them and managed to fix the issue within hours (first time it happened the BMW mechanic didn't have the ignition coil in his vehicle so he returned to his headquarters to pick up the spare part and deliver it back to me).

[Madman]

I don't.

To me a breakdown is when I am driving and the car suddenly stops working and won't start.

In my case the car would start and the engine would run - but very roughly with hefty vibrations - because one ignition coil wasn't working properly. BMW Mobile Service showed up within half an hour after I called them and managed to fix the issue within hours (first time it happened the BMW mechanic didn't have the ignition coil in his vehicle so he returned to his headquarters to pick up the spare part and deliver it back to me).

If the car is not driveable then it is broken down.  If I have to be at work and I can't get there because the damn car doesn't run (or doesn't run properly) then THAT is a breeakdown.

[cawimmer430]

If the car is not driveable then it is broken down.  If I have to be at work and I can't get there because the damn car doesn't run (or doesn't run properly) then THAT is a breeakdown.

I don't see it that way. But that's just me. 

[MexicoCityM3]

I haven't had a breakdown by that "stranded" definition in like 10 years now. And all of those I've been driving the most unreliable brand on earth according to the Spin.

[TBR]

If a car isn't drive-able then it is a break down. And really no semi-new car should be having any breakdowns.

And, I would say that "having confidence in your car" means different things for different budgets. For students and the like, it's probably more about the money than the time/inconvenience.

[CJ]

I always worry about breaking down in the middle of nowhere or my cup holders breaking every single time I drive my non-Japanese car. 

I worried about breaking down in the middle of nowhere in the Volvo.  For the past month or so, I kept breaking fuel hoses.  I replaced them all, and another one broke at the Lexus dealership after I purchased the car.  Those are what I consider breakdowns.  I had a fuel hose break a few miles out of the nearest town.  No fuel getting to the rail, so no start.  That is a breakdown...on the side if I44.  I44 has a speed limit of 75 MPH and a shoulder that is very small.

[AutobahnSHO]

can't drive the car= broken (down)

[Raza]

The only cars I've ever been in that have had a true breakdown have been Mercedes.  My old E320 left us stranded three times, including having my engine cut out at a light.  And then the S320 (different engine, the old I6) which blew up the engine.  The S500 also left us stranded twice, due to a bad voltage regulator. 

I now have a no Mercedes rule.  If the A7 weren't so expensive on lease, my mom would have gotten that over the CLS550.  Although, I can't deny the CLS550 is a pretty damn sweet car.  But considering in just 10 years our S500 has become a rustbucket (after 20 years, our 300SD didn't have a single spot of visible rust on it), I'm worried about the long term. 

[cawimmer430]

I worried about breaking down in the middle of nowhere in the Volvo.  For the past month or so, I kept breaking fuel hoses.  I replaced them all, and another one broke at the Lexus dealership after I purchased the car.  Those are what I consider breakdowns.  I had a fuel hose break a few miles out of the nearest town.  No fuel getting to the rail, so no start.  That is a breakdown...on the side if I44.  I44 has a speed limit of 75 MPH and a shoulder that is very small.

What year was your Volvo?

Modern cars are built with modern production techniques and more durable materials. More durable materials mean a longer service life and improved reliability.

[CJ]

I'm at 133,000 miles right now.  Just got the oil changed and the car washed today.  Looks good.  Drives good.  Gets decent fuel economy.