At what age do cars start being a PITA?

[Anonymous]

We have a 12-year old Chevy with 60k miles on it that we would love to replace but nothing is wrong with it! I’d kill for an estimate of 3k for repairs because that would be an instant excuse to trade it in for a new car. I hate this car and can’t wait to get rid of it, despite it being very reliable. It’s uncomfortable, I hate the visibility while driving/parking, and newer models have cool stuff I’d like (backup cam, etc.). I know that’s old news to most people but I’ve never owned a car with a later model than 2009!

Anyway, that’s me. Your parents feel differently. Maybe they love that car, maybe they are holding out for something specific, maybe they can’t agree on their next car so they keep kicking the can down the road. Their money, their car, their choice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Stop talking to your parents about it. It’s their choice, even if you don’t agree, even if it’s just an objectively bad choice.

You are making no sense. Why shouldn’t OP help his parents if they are taken advantage of by the dealer?

[Anonymous]

My 23 year old Corolla has never needed anything beyond routine maintenance and it only has 140k miles. So it depends on the car.

[Anonymous]

Some brands (Toyotas) handle neglect better. Any car can probably last to 200k if it’s taken care of. When I was a younger (aka a dumbass) I had a Pontiac sunfire. It had to be towed away at 10 years old/100k miles. It was done. But I still see the odd sunfire driving around. I always wonder how the heck that’s even possible.

I sold my next car (a Camry) when it was twice as old, with twice as many miles.

[Anonymous]

It all depends on the car and how well it has been maintained, I have a 1995 bronco going on 600,000 miles and still reliable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It all depends on the car and how well it has been maintained, I have a 1995 bronco going on 600,000 miles and still reliable.

Wow, that is unbelievable. Original engine?

[Anonymous]

Stop talking to your parents about it. Is their hyundai really the hill you want to die on? Especially since the car is still passing inspection and reasonably safe.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It all depends on the car and how well it has been maintained, I have a 1995 bronco going on 600,000 miles and still reliable.

An OJ-Simpson era bronco!

We lived in LA at the time, and my dad had one (his was white, too) and I'm still mad he sold it!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It all depends on the car and how well it has been maintained, I have a 1995 bronco going on 600,000 miles and still reliable.

Wow, that is unbelievable. Original engine?

it does have the original engine it burns about a quart of oil between changes but no major problems.

[Anonymous]

I would’ve gotten rid of a 10 year old Hyundai 4 years ago.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My parents have a 10-year-old Hyundai with 160,000 miles on it that keeps needing more and more repairs (and they are the type to do everything through the dealer). I think they’ve put in *at least* $3,000/year for the last several years. I keep telling them to just buy a new car (they won’t buy a slightly used car). At what age/mileage do you just throw in the towel on an old car?

Who cares if your parents want to pay $3,000 per year to own a car. How much will they spend on a new car? It isn't cheaper to buy a new car.

You could absolutely lease a new car for less than $3,000 a year. Sure you can't sell it when the lease is over but a 13 year old lemon of a Hyundai isn't worth much either. Basically the same price except you're driving a brand new car every three years instead of a s*itbox.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Happy ending (or at least an ending) to the story! They just called and said they bought a new VW (but apparently there are no dealer rebates these days). Trade-in value was $2,800.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My parents have a 10-year-old Hyundai with 160,000 miles on it that keeps needing more and more repairs (and they are the type to do everything through the dealer). I think they’ve put in *at least* $3,000/year for the last several years. I keep telling them to just buy a new car (they won’t buy a slightly used car). At what age/mileage do you just throw in the towel on an old car?

You have identified their biggest problems. An honest, skilled independent mechanic can keep a car going for many years/miles beyond 10/160K for less money, and often does better work too. Try to help your parents find someone reputable near them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Happy ending (or at least an ending) to the story! They just called and said they bought a new VW (but apparently there are no dealer rebates these days). Trade-in value was $2,800.

That is nice, VW has one of the best bumper to bumper warranty

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Happy ending (or at least an ending) to the story! They just called and said they bought a new VW (but apparently there are no dealer rebates these days). Trade-in value was $2,800.

That is nice, VW has one of the best bumper to bumper warranty

No it’s back to standard. It was only increased for 1-2 model years.