I have a used truck. Great truck, paid $29,000 for it. A new one is $40K.
My wife has an older Buick. No so good. But a new vehicle of that type is $35K.
So we keep driving hoping that they both keep going. Don’t have the money for a new car, and few people do.
My car is 16 years old, but it works. Anything I can do to avoid indebting myself with car payments will be done (including living through our 3 week heat wave without AC). I’m in no position to make car payments, and will make do for as long as I can. Most of the infrequent repair bills are still lower than one month’s payment on a new car.
My 2006 Honda CRV is still like new. I’m going to drive it til it drops.