[masraum]

Originally Posted by dewolf

I have a 2005 Ford Falcon family beater that has over 400,000kms on it and it still has the original waterpump, A friend has a Holden Commodore with the Buick derived 3.8 V6 that also has over 350,000kms on it and it's still going strong with no engine work

400k km on the orginal water pump is pretty good. I'm not sure that's exactly average.

I consider things like starters, alternators, water pumps, fuel pumps, wires, etc.... to be essentially wear items that do NOT constitute "engine" work (never met a water pump that required removal of heads to replace). Those are going to wear out (bearing and/or seal) and need replacement. Some last longer than others, probably as much about the design and build as the environment. How often does your 2005 Ford Falcon spin at 7000 rpm? How often has the boxster?

Meh, water pump is no big deal. It may not have been cheap or easy to replace, but you knew that going into the deal.