i had a whisper filter run for over 4 years and broke that tank down years ago still have the filter and im sure it still works everything else is still new
I have 12 Aqua Clears of various sizes that have been running for at least 10 years and 4 or 5 for 15 years plus....continously other than cleaning of course. I think I might have changed an impeller or two.
I've got a magnum 350 I bought in 1991 that has at least 10 years run time on it. While its not my favorite filter these days, its nothing if not reliable.
I have a fluval that's been passed down to me running for about 9 years now. But it seems Ehiems are running the longest. My buddy has one running 16 years now. Amazing.