How long do gas/nitro r/c cars last?

I am thinking about getting one but how long do they last before you need parts or the engine fails

as long as you don't run the engine too lean it will last awhile, but my suggestion would be find a well stocked hobby shop to buy your car from, and buy one they stock a lot of parts for as you WILL WRECK IT. don't worry besides the engine parts are dirt cheap.