[GTiJohn]

These are the original rear pads from my R3 vi.



And here's new vs old



I'd noticed a small rusty ring appearing in the middle of the braking path on the nearside disc, which on closer inspection was caused by uneven pad contact as it had started crumbling away.

Still they've been used for 25 years and have covered 60k miles

There must be other examples of getting-your-money's-worth out of parts out there...

(The nearside pads on on the left in the pics and show significantly more wear than the offside pair - this is normal and is caused by the larger amount of road debris chucked up by the nearside front tyre, compared to the offside, finding it's way to the rear disc over time.)

[Topcat Tomcat]

You clearly drive sensibly, looking well ahead and planning according to the conditions.

I remember reading that the average life of brake pads is 10 K! It’s probably due to those idiots who tailgate and are continually braking and/or drive hard towards red lights!

Incidentally, the original front pads on my Tomcat lasted 72 K.

[GTiJohn]

Incidentally, the original front pads on my Tomcat lasted 72 K.

Is that because you drive sensibly, looking well ahead and planning according to the conditions too or just don't brake ?

[Topcat Tomcat]

Can’t say.

[Johnny 216GSi]

You won't believe me, but I had the same Pirelli P4000 tyres on the car when I bought it with 19K on the clock until I changed the fronts... at 85K. The rears lasted another 15K. This was back in 2012 when MOT testers weren't the least bit concerned about the age of the tyres on your car provided they had the legal tread depth all over.

I know that sounds incredible, but I've been a very careful driver of the car that seemed to cost so much money when I purchased it.

I went the budget tyre route for a while before getting my current set of Goodyear tyres on. All the budgets I've ever had on the car have barely lasted 10K before developing problems. I've had tyre bulges and blowouts, rim leaks, the lot.

I wonder how many miles the Goodyear tyres will last compared to the original P4000 tyres?

[Paul_1978_yorks]

Very true John. My Dad always told me, get the best tyres you can as regardless whether you drive a Mini or a Ferrari it’s the only part of your car that’s in contact with the road.