Or, buy a new car/pre owned every five years and enjoy your car to the maximum.... 31,000 after 15 years? BFD
My '05 Silverado has convinced me that what you say is true: hassle-free these last two years, something I'm not used to, but a blessing nonetheless.
Funny thing, I'm not as emotionally attached to this truck as others I've had, yet, it keeps on ticking. I do maintainence myself as before, and almost expect to have a problem someday- as I drive a lot.
I'm beginning to think newer is better, especially if you stay within the maintainence parameters. This little half-ton has earned my respect, to say the least.
$31,000 savings over 15 years comes to about $2,000 a year. Not exactly what most people would consider adequate compensation for driving an old, crappy car over much of that time.
It might make sense if you don't drive around much, make a low salary or are on a fixed income. But most people would rather upgrade their car every 4-5 years and don't mind paying a little more to do so.
For myself, I drive about 40,000 miles a year for my work. I suppose I could theoretically put 600,000 miles on my car as I maintain it well. But the prospect doesn't appeal to me.
Best buy I ever made was a three year old Lexus 300 coming off a lease with a shade under 40,000 miles. Still running like new after 250,000 miles. Although has had a couple expensive repairs, it still has been cheap at the price and remains a fine car.