Perhaps true in the rust belt. But looking at the car, it looks good. Much of what you suppose, in your “I’m sure” statement may not be true.How does it beat buying a new, or newer car every few years? I'm sure the drivers seat is nowhere near what it once was. And I'm sure they only fixed what was necessary to keep the car moving. And ignored all the rest, like dash lights that don't work anymore. Or the dome light, or windows that no longer go up or down, or get stuck up or down. Doors that don't open right. Squeaks, worn out door hinges, speakers that no longer make a sound, heaters that only work occasionally. And paint, that only slightly resembles what it color it used to be. Then the biggie Rust. You know, all the tell tale signs that the car is shot and should be replaced.,,
There is not one inoperative item on my wife’s Volvo XC as it nears 300,000 miles. Not even a bulb. No rust. Anywhere. Leather is good. Seats are nice.
This guy was a military pilot. I doubt he let things stay broken. Most of us aren’t like that.
And, in fact, if you read the article, he says he kept up on those kind of things.
“Items that you don't imagine wearing out have needed fixing too, from the driver seat (its adjustment wore out) to control arms and door lock actuators. Kilmer's Accord is on its third radiator and power steering pump, and he's recently had to replace its wheel bearings and steering rack. And while the engine may be original, the drivetrain didn't get this far with regular fluid changes alone.”
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