Posted on 06/28/2019 4:07:48 AM PDT by C19fan
The average age of cars and trucks in the U.S. has hit a record 11.8 years, as better quality and technology allows people to keep them on the road longer. The 2019 figures from data provider IHS Markit show that the rate of increase is slowing, but the average age is still expected to go over 12 years early in the next decade. The average age is up 0.1 years from 2018. People are feeling comfortable keeping vehicles longer because they’re built better than in the past, said IHS Markit Director of Global Automotive Aftermarket Mark Seng. “The quality is higher, lasting longer, withstanding the weather,” Seng said.
(Excerpt) Read more at apnews.com ...
My 2003 Subaru Forester now has nearly 250,000 miles on it.
Only problem with Subis of this vintage is the engine rebuilds that become mandatory every 80 to 90 k miles because of the notorious head gasket issue.
Next car will be a Honda, either a CRV or a Fit.
That car is new in my mind! Keep it, change the oil religiously, keep the brakes maintained and put Michelin Defenders on it....also replace the timing belt every 100k and youve got a car for the long haul.
(1) Metal alloys used in the engines are much better these days. When was the last time you saw a car with a blue cloud behind it? When was the last time you needed a ring and valve job?
(2) Synthetic oil is a godsend. Use it religiously.
(3) Electronic fuel control is another godsend. Don't be cheap: replace every sensor every 80-100K. 1/10 of a volt variance in a sensor's performance makes a big difference. You've gotten you money's worth out of them and they are cheap. Replace your injectors too, and while you're at it, replace the coil packs.
(4) Replace your fuel pump every 100K, no matter what. It's like putting an 18 year-old's heart into an 80 year old man. You'll notice the power curve extending up another 1-2K.
(5) Replace your intake gasket at 100K. Don't argue about it, it leaks no mater what you believe, and you'll notice the difference.
(6) Finally, add one or two more grounding straps from the negative battery terminal to the chassis and the engine block. This is cheap and easy and has a big effect (I find). As noted before, sensors work on 1/10 of a volt. Most engine sensors pick up the negative lead from the block, which is grounded in only one spot, and this gets corroded and fouled with grease over time. If that connection is not 100%, your sensor will not function as it did when the engine was new. Adding new paths to ground keeps the sensors working as designed.
I traded in a 2007 CR-V last year with 150K miles for a 2012 CR-V with 90K miles. The reason I went with a 2012 was because I wanted the rear-view camera, and the 2012 model was the first CR-V to have it.
In response the auto industry can:
a) cut their prices, or
b) go to Washington and lobby for environmental regulation that will force your old car off the road
Which do YOU think they will do?
A few years ago, I purchased a Toyota Tundra new. After a lifetime of buying used, I bought new because a new one was only $2,000 more than a used one equipped the same with 25K miles. Hopefully, I will enjoy the same value retention.
In all, my Tundra was $56,000. A new GM or Ford similarly equipped were $70K or more. Tundra was made in San Antonio, Ford in Mexico and GMC in Fort Wayne.
I love that guy.
My 2003 Subaru Forester now has nearly 250,000 miles on it.
Only problem with Subis of this vintage is the engine rebuilds that become mandatory every 80 to 90 k miles because of the notorious head gasket issue.
Next car will be a Honda, either a CRV or a Fit.
bttt
Detroit is designing cars to last 7 years. At least if you’re in a State with snow/salt/rust.
Everything goes. Transmissions, seals, gaskets, bushings, etc, the body starts to rust. Then you get to 7 years and you’re told you have more repairs than the car is really worth.
It’s happening with Ford, GM, and Chrysler. I’ve had this happen with multiple vehicles.
I wouldn’t agree that the quality is so great - even brands that used to be considered high quality, like Nissan, have gone down hill - since they merged with Renault.
I’ll never buy a brand new car again. I’ll review reliability ratings and go with whatever brand is best - it just costs too much to do otherwise. At least a lot of “foreign” vehicles are at least made in the USA.
We put high end Pioneer navigation car radios in our CRVs, in part because they come with rear view/side view, and front view cameras. I don’t use it, but there is a feature which allows the rear view camera to remain on while driving. I find it too distracting, but it does give an excellent view of your blind spots.
I drive a 1965 Buick Skylark around town. However it does have an LS motor in it. Hehehehehe
There is one other factor not discussed in the comments (yet).
Property tax.
Keeping an old car saves a ton in annual property tax as the value of old cars in relatively low. As property tax rates continue to rise the cost/benefit continues to shift to older vehicles.
The only property tax I pay is based on the value of my house.
There are jurisdictions (other than the DMV) that tax your CAR?
>>>My FJ40 is 52 years old<<<
Love those. A Neighbor of my S-I-L has one and it looks brand new. They are worth a fortune.
My Brother bought one decades ago with the intention of throwing a 327 Chevy in it. That was until he got an offer he couldn’t refuse.
May be wet behind the ears, but this E350XL went with me to Sierra Leone and spent three years picking up people for a Baptist church in Freetown. One tough mama of a van.
currently 13 years, last one was 22 years
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