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.