Best and worst over 100000 miles?

[cymtriks]

Recent posts have attacked both the Ford Duratec V6 and the Rover K Series engines for reliability. Who makes engines that last? Who makes engines that don't? Any thoughts guys?

As most of us have to fork out for garage bills sooner or later this has to be handy to know.

[cymtriks]

I just thought I'd say where this thread originated. I have a Ford KA which at 100000 miles has had to have a new engine fitted. The camshaft had worn away on one lobe. Not an economic repair so a change of engine it was. I thought pushrod engines were reliable. When I mentioned this at work I was told a few stories about Ford engines having dud valve gear. A metalurgist said he once insisted on personally inspecting every cam follower his local Ford garage were going to use to repair his engine before he would let the garage fit them. He rejected half of them. I was considering a Focus for my next car. I hope it's better.

On the other hand I know a guy who has an old Saab 900 turbo that he has done a lot of engine mods to. It has done over 250000 miles and he's wound up the power to something well over stock. I heard that the old Saab block is very tough.

I also know of someone who had a nearly new Rover go pop. The cylinder head went. Has the K series really been on Watchdog?