I'm not a car expert, but I aspire to be. I try to fix more and more as I have problems (mostly with my 13 year old Subaru).

Quote:
- the exhaust catalyst

I would say 10 to 15 years based on experience with my 1993 Trooper. It bit the dust at 10 years. Not becauase of rust... the car was failing emissions testing.

The one on my Subaru lasted 12 years before I replaced it, but it was still good. I just had a custom exhaust built for it. Also, I'm not sure how the emissions test in NY works, but I know they can't do the dynamometer tests on AWD cars.

Quote:
- the driver airbag

In NY (and probably the US), this is not required once the car is sold as new. Many of my friends just put aftermarket steering wheels on their cars when the airbag light eventually comes on. Of all the cars I've had, I think all of them recommend having the dealer check the airbag every 10 years.

That's all the info I can contribute...

Oh yeah, in the US, manufacturers have to make parts for 10 years after the last model year. Subaru of America already forgot they sold the SVX here since many parts are stocked only in Japan. You often have to wait to get parts (even OEM radiator caps!). I hate to see what will happen in 2008 when they don't even have to make parts anymore!