I didn´t drive my last cars over a longer distance, the only one, I drove longer, was my first car, after that they were only max. 2 years in my hands!
But my presently coupé should keep more than 3 or 4 years in my ownership,
so I´ve to spare lot of money for a new (used) car. I hope the E46 wouldn´t
make a lot of (big) problems, but I´m optimistic.