Americans keep their clunkers longer (10.8 Years)

CNN ^ | 01/17/2012 | Peter Valdes-Dapena

[Second Amendment First]

My very first car in high school was a Chevy Cavalier. The roof dripped during heavy rain and driver door had a bump that at high speeds on the highway I always felt would just shake off. But on dates, the back seats were it’s greatest assets...

My first was a '61 Rambler. Definitely a dork car. It was all I could afford as a sophomore in college. The windshield wipers would slow to a stop going up a mountain. But the front seats fully reclined into the back. For some reason, guys who had nicer wheels wanted to borrow my car overnight for hot dates.

[Wordkraft]

I’m still driving my 2002 Hyundai Sonata. It is comfortable, gets great MPG, and looks good. I have just over 100k miles on it and my mechanic says it should easily go for another 100k.

[reed13k]

Hardly clunkers - just better engineered then in the past, and very well maintained (at this household) - our Sienna will be 11 this year and running fine - only things I’ve had to fix were self created (minor ding), nature induced (wind reversed the driver door breaking the hinge), or normal wear (tires, battery, sparks, etc). Still under 100k miles and expect to get another 10 out of her provided we don’t self - induce an early demise.

Prior had a ‘93 Nissan pathfinder I bought for $4.5K at 100k miles took to 200K, sold it in ‘08 for a grand, and a month later the buyer (got it for his son) told me she gave up the ghost - blew the engine. He shrugged and said no biggey he knew what he was getting into, he was just glad he was driving or he would have accused his son of racing the engine.

[al_c]

GM, Ford and Chrysler vehicles just don’t even measure up to the “imports”.

Late last summer, I traded in my 1997 Olds Cutlass. 175,000 miles and still operating just fine.

Take good care of a car and it'll last.

[jpsb]

"GM, Ford and Chrysler vehicles just don’t even measure up to the “imports”."

Curious is there anything you like about this country or are you just here to bash everything from our cars to our Constitution?

[Responsibility2nd]

I nearly bought a 2007 Avalanche last month. It was in good condition with only 48,000 miles. And for sale at 19,900.

Trouble is.. the dealer would only give me $8,500 trade in on my 2005 Xterra with only 88,000 miles.

I also have a travel trailer. It only weighs 3200 lbs. and my X pulls it fine. So I decided to keep the X

[cicero2k]

I think more of us are doing the math. New cars: big sales tax bill, borrowed money(ususally), high insurance. Old cars: paid in full, maintenance not that much more than new.

Just like gambling at casinos, people are wiseing up; doing the math and acting accordingly. Same applies to timeshares and second homes. If it does not pencil out, out it goes.

Soon education will take a hit. Not trade education, just general higher education. If it does not lead to a better job, why take on the loans?

1999 Honda Civic - zero maintenance costs the two years I’ve owned it.
2000 Saab 9-3 - same
2005 Trailblazer (fuel level sending unit replaced, partially by GM)

Transportation portion of expenses continue to shrink.

[The Sons of Liberty]

Heard on the news this morning that AAA is predicting “near” $5 gas by Memorial Day. If Iran starts feeling froggy, then $5 a gallon will be a bargain.

[linn37]

Pretty impressive.

[ArrogantBustard]

Heard on the news this morning that AAA is predicting “near” $5 gas by Memorial Day.

Yeah ... predicting.

So, in fact, NOBODY is actually paying $5/ gallon for gasoline.

BTW, gasbuddy is a great resource for finding and tracking fuel prices. There's also an Android/iPhone/Blackberry app for them.

[discostu]

And styling barely changes anymore. If your car works and the new model looks basically the same there’s just not much reason to replace it.

[MissMagnolia]

My 26 year old Acura Legend just bit the dust. The mechanic warned me in November that I needed to find new transportation by the next inspection. Drats!

[Responsibility2nd]

Do you enjoy following me from thread to thread?

Most folks might get creeped out at your stalking others, especially since most Paultards are violent sociopaths.

But you don’t bother me. I feel sorry for you - all alone in Mommy’s basement.

[married21]

“I am a fanatic when it comes to vehicle maintenance.

The trick is not is having the car you want, but wanting the car you have.wow.”
______

Wow. If only more people took care of their spouses like that.

[Peter from Rutland]

Been riding my Chryslers until they’re spent. Current one I’ve had 3 years. Got it with 70k and now has 160k. One before that had 220k. One before that 202k. I’m going to hold onto it hopefully until I get a 2014 dodge Dart R/T. 40 mpg baby!

[massgopguy]

1996 Mercury Marquis. 65,000 mi. Got hit in the side. The adjuster said “This car’s cherry. There’s no way I’d total it.” After the body work was done, my friends detailed it. Looks new.

[WOBBLY BOB]

I had a Hyundai when they first starting importing here. Back then they were little econocrap boxes. They’ve come a long way.
That new Genesis looks great.

[linn37]

Mines an 01 Durango with a 180,000 miles. Goes thru the snow,pulls the boat and she still looks good inside and out.

[TASMANIANRED]

And this after cash for klunkers

[GourmetDan]

Hey... you spelled ‘voila’ correctly!