How Long do you keep your car?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If it's older than 2010 then you should keep it forever.
If you know, then you know.

Just got rid of my 19 year old car. Was starting to have too many issues/

[Anonymous]

We just got rid of our 2009 Honda. It was running fine, but the AC broke and it was starting to feel like other things were going to start as well. Low miles, so we still got $5k for it, which was a nice surprise.

[Anonymous]

We have a 2007 Accord still in use. We retired a 2013 Odyssey this year rather than fix it because we didn’t trust market to be stable under Trump.

[Anonymous]

I don't like to go longer than 10 years. It's a balance of frugality vs. having something nice.

I don't want to be driving around a 15-20 year old car - they start looking dingy and all the tech and safety features are outdated.

I currently have an 11 year old car that I'm trading in for a 2025 model this summer. I may accelerate to a 5-7 year cycle going forward.

[Anonymous]

My car is 15 years old. 2010 Civic EX. I really like it but want a minivan because kids.

My previous car was also a Civic that I drove for 10 years.

DH has a 2013 Hyundai hatchback that’s still running fine.

[Anonymous]

How do you guys keep your cars for so long? Do you have a trusted mechanic or DIY repairs?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How do you guys keep your cars for so long? Do you have a trusted mechanic or DIY repairs?

Regular maintenance, low driving mileage helps. The 15 y.o. car that lived to be 16 was about 120K miles when it died. So not a lot considering the age.

I regret that I do not have a trusted mechanic. I have to make my own judgment calls about always expensive repairs.

[Anonymous]

I'm driving my 2009 Volvo wagon as long as I can. That thing is a beast.

[Anonymous]

My last car I kept for 15 years until the engine died. My current vehicle will be 10 years old in September. It's only got 67k miles but I am thinking about replacing it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How do you guys keep your cars for so long? Do you have a trusted mechanic or DIY repairs?

Pure luck, with a well built car. Its very hit or miss. We had one car that was terrible but others that lasted many years with little work needed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How do you guys keep your cars for so long? Do you have a trusted mechanic or DIY repairs?

We buy used, boring cars that weren't cutting edge at the time of manufacture. Currently, we have a second generation Prius (2007) and a third generation Odyssey (2008), both with over 200k miles. Yes, we have a long standing relationship with a local garage (Allen Automotive). It's not that their hourly rates are low, it's more that they work with me on what needs to be fixed and what doesn't. I told my wife that I no longer give my cars names because I don't want to get emotionally attached. At some point they all turn into Old Yeller.

My neighbor has a 2018 Hyundai with 110k miles and that thing is on its last legs; fuel pump, power window mechanism, steering rack, rear suspension, alternator, crank sensor - a laundry list of stuff that just keep breaking. So, yes, it matters what car you get and how hard you drive it.

[Anonymous]

I trade mine in every three to four years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How do you guys keep your cars for so long? Do you have a trusted mechanic or DIY repairs?

I just keep up with all the maintenance and I'm not a hard driver. The only DIY work I do on my cars is topping up the fluids if needed and with regular oil changes they check that for you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I trade mine in every three to four years.

Do you own or lease?

[Anonymous]

20+ years it's stupid and irresponsible not to.

This thread is a good read:
https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1266808.page