You can baby the car all you want but after that 10 year mark the rust and typical weather wear ie:hot/cold over and over again really get to it. Atleast that is what I have experienced.
Best to just keep a car for 10 years then move on
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i've had them longer but after awhile you can get tired of it. but it's so easy to just keep on driving it
JHZR2
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Considering that my DD is 21 years old, and I regularly use two other vehicles that are 30 years old, and another 15, Id tend to disagree.
Babying mechanically is one thing, care, both mechanically and interior/exteior is another. Choosing materials and options that are stupid from a lifecycle perspective (long term costs) is another consideration.
Babying mechanically is one thing, care, both mechanically and interior/exteior is another. Choosing materials and options that are stupid from a lifecycle perspective (long term costs) is another consideration.
Wait - 10 year old car, or drive it for 10 years?
Bought my '93 Mazda when it was 8 years old and drove it for 11 years with normal maintenance.
Bought my Honda last year when it was 12 years old (finally the Honda resale dropped low enough!) and I'll drive it for a few with minimal maintenance required.
What's this 'rust' you speak of?
Bought my '93 Mazda when it was 8 years old and drove it for 11 years with normal maintenance.
Bought my Honda last year when it was 12 years old (finally the Honda resale dropped low enough!) and I'll drive it for a few with minimal maintenance required.
What's this 'rust' you speak of?
Mike, my (limited) experience has been similar, but I prefer to think about it a little differently - my 10 year old truck has been very reliable; but now that it is getting older I've converted it from a daily driver to a work truck/beater. I'll do my best to continue to keep it reliable and to keep the rust at bay, but I'm going to forego things like new shocks and dent repair, and I'm going to learn to live with those little annoyances like burned out instrument bulbs and random squeaks. It is what it is. Another 5 years and I might even stop running synthetic oil in it.
I guess the point is, it still serves a purpose, even though its purpose has changed. I'm not ready to write it off completely just yet.
BTW, were you referring to your '01 Grand Am GT? My GF has an '01 Grand Am SE V6 - it has its issues, but it runs (it even starts sometimes ; ) At 180k and I have a hunch it has the original factory wires and spark plugs (originally double platinum, but no more platinum on either electrode!). I think she'll get another 2 years out of it, then it will be time for her to move on.
I guess the point is, it still serves a purpose, even though its purpose has changed. I'm not ready to write it off completely just yet.
BTW, were you referring to your '01 Grand Am GT? My GF has an '01 Grand Am SE V6 - it has its issues, but it runs (it even starts sometimes ; ) At 180k and I have a hunch it has the original factory wires and spark plugs (originally double platinum, but no more platinum on either electrode!). I think she'll get another 2 years out of it, then it will be time for her to move on.
Originally Posted By: surfstar
Wait - 10 year old car, or drive it for 10 years?
Bought my '93 Mazda when it was 8 years old and drove it for 11 years with normal maintenance.
Bought my Honda last year when it was 12 years old (finally the Honda resale dropped low enough!) and I'll drive it for a few with minimal maintenance required.
What's this 'rust' you speak of?
I bought my 2001 Grand Am GT back in October of 2000. The rust I speak of is the transmission lines rusting out and leaking transmission fluid all over the place. Also going down a hill at 50mph and the brakes failing(without warning) because the brake lines were totally rusted. Also minor things such as the power windows failing(like coming down but unable to go back up).
All in all this was a decent car and I really havent done anything to it. All plugs, water pump, everything u name it is all original except for a new battery 7 years ago and brakes. Oh and I can't forget that bar's leak that I put into the coolant back in 2006 because the intake gaskets were leaking lol.
Wait - 10 year old car, or drive it for 10 years?
Bought my '93 Mazda when it was 8 years old and drove it for 11 years with normal maintenance.
Bought my Honda last year when it was 12 years old (finally the Honda resale dropped low enough!) and I'll drive it for a few with minimal maintenance required.
What's this 'rust' you speak of?
I bought my 2001 Grand Am GT back in October of 2000. The rust I speak of is the transmission lines rusting out and leaking transmission fluid all over the place. Also going down a hill at 50mph and the brakes failing(without warning) because the brake lines were totally rusted. Also minor things such as the power windows failing(like coming down but unable to go back up).
All in all this was a decent car and I really havent done anything to it. All plugs, water pump, everything u name it is all original except for a new battery 7 years ago and brakes. Oh and I can't forget that bar's leak that I put into the coolant back in 2006 because the intake gaskets were leaking lol.
Sure does feel that way sometimes. 10yr/200kmiles seems like a good lifespan, although by then you're already doing repairs. I guess you have to figure out how often you (don't) mind doing repairs.
I am going to experiment with my vehicles from now on with this oil coating stuff, and see if what others say is true. If I can keep corrosion at bay, that is half of my issues. The other half being, repairs. To address that I've kept my last "old" car, and increased my fleet, so that at any time one can be down. Now I'm but a garage away from where I want to be...
I am going to experiment with my vehicles from now on with this oil coating stuff, and see if what others say is true. If I can keep corrosion at bay, that is half of my issues. The other half being, repairs. To address that I've kept my last "old" car, and increased my fleet, so that at any time one can be down. Now I'm but a garage away from where I want to be...
Originally Posted By: danthaman1980
Mike, my (limited) experience has been similar, but I prefer to think about it a little differently - my 10 year old truck has been very reliable; but now that it is getting older I've converted it from a daily driver to a work truck/beater. I'll do my best to continue to keep it reliable and to keep the rust at bay, but I'm going to forego things like new shocks and dent repair, and I'm going to learn to live with those little annoyances like burned out instrument bulbs and random squeaks. It is what it is. Another 5 years and I might even stop running synthetic oil in it.
I guess the point is, it still serves a purpose, even though its purpose has changed. I'm not ready to write it off completely just yet.
BTW, were you referring to your '01 Grand Am GT? My GF has an '01 Grand Am SE V6 - it has its issues, but it runs (it even starts sometimes ; ) At 180k and I have a hunch it has the original factory wires and spark plugs (originally double platinum, but no more platinum on either electrode!). I think she'll get another 2 years out of it, then it will be time for her to move on.
My grand am spent 10 years in Northeast Ohio and seems like things started to really rust once I brought it to Charlotte. Maybe the hot humid weather of the southeast really sped up the deterioration process?
Mike, my (limited) experience has been similar, but I prefer to think about it a little differently - my 10 year old truck has been very reliable; but now that it is getting older I've converted it from a daily driver to a work truck/beater. I'll do my best to continue to keep it reliable and to keep the rust at bay, but I'm going to forego things like new shocks and dent repair, and I'm going to learn to live with those little annoyances like burned out instrument bulbs and random squeaks. It is what it is. Another 5 years and I might even stop running synthetic oil in it.
I guess the point is, it still serves a purpose, even though its purpose has changed. I'm not ready to write it off completely just yet.
BTW, were you referring to your '01 Grand Am GT? My GF has an '01 Grand Am SE V6 - it has its issues, but it runs (it even starts sometimes ; ) At 180k and I have a hunch it has the original factory wires and spark plugs (originally double platinum, but no more platinum on either electrode!). I think she'll get another 2 years out of it, then it will be time for her to move on.
My grand am spent 10 years in Northeast Ohio and seems like things started to really rust once I brought it to Charlotte. Maybe the hot humid weather of the southeast really sped up the deterioration process?
Originally Posted By: mike7139
You can baby the car all you want but after that 10 year mark the rust and typical weather wear ie:hot/cold over and over again really get to it. Atleast that is what I have experienced.
It depends on how many miles traveled per year. My personal consistent finding with vehicles it seems the likelyhood of issues that become more expensive occur at 8yrs/150,000 miles whichever first. I believe 150k is design life of most components car makers use anyway.
Not saying they can't go much longer but something occurs.
The answer is it depends. My mom is using a 13 year old Subaru Forester as daily driver with 140,000 miles. It gives her little trouble and has very little rust. I think she is waiting for a major push but it seems not to have happened for her. Only repairs <$400.
You can baby the car all you want but after that 10 year mark the rust and typical weather wear ie:hot/cold over and over again really get to it. Atleast that is what I have experienced.
It depends on how many miles traveled per year. My personal consistent finding with vehicles it seems the likelyhood of issues that become more expensive occur at 8yrs/150,000 miles whichever first. I believe 150k is design life of most components car makers use anyway.
Not saying they can't go much longer but something occurs.
The answer is it depends. My mom is using a 13 year old Subaru Forester as daily driver with 140,000 miles. It gives her little trouble and has very little rust. I think she is waiting for a major push but it seems not to have happened for her. Only repairs <$400.
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
...Babying mechanically is one thing, care, both mechanically and interior/exteior is another...
Couldn't agree more.
Taking care, and in the rust belt that means proper rustproofing, is the key here, not babying the thing.
If you do that, the car will last much, much longer than 10 years.
My 06 Mazda 3 sure doesn't feel like it's 70% used up. Mechanically and physically it is in excellent shape and the ride quality is still as tight, or even tighter than a lot of newer cars. I don't baby it, but I do maintain and take care of it, that includes rustproofing from day one. Most people though don't plan that far ahead, so even though the car is mechanically maintained, there is nothing done to prevent or slow down rust.
I think in my case, since I drove high mileage, 10+ year old beaters that weren’t properly taken care of, prior to buying Mazda 3, and enduring the hassles that rusty parts create even during the simplest repairs, I had a plan right from the get go to prevent rust since I want to keep this car long term.
...Babying mechanically is one thing, care, both mechanically and interior/exteior is another...
Couldn't agree more.
Taking care, and in the rust belt that means proper rustproofing, is the key here, not babying the thing.
If you do that, the car will last much, much longer than 10 years.
My 06 Mazda 3 sure doesn't feel like it's 70% used up. Mechanically and physically it is in excellent shape and the ride quality is still as tight, or even tighter than a lot of newer cars. I don't baby it, but I do maintain and take care of it, that includes rustproofing from day one. Most people though don't plan that far ahead, so even though the car is mechanically maintained, there is nothing done to prevent or slow down rust.
I think in my case, since I drove high mileage, 10+ year old beaters that weren’t properly taken care of, prior to buying Mazda 3, and enduring the hassles that rusty parts create even during the simplest repairs, I had a plan right from the get go to prevent rust since I want to keep this car long term.
Depends on the car/truck. Maintenance can help but with some they'll still fall apart regardless. Our 22 year old Festiva will easily last another 10 but hasn't been maintained by any of the past owners. Now with our Escape about to turn 10 not sure if it'll make it to 20 due to rust and that's with frequent washes during salt season.
Buy a car you like and you'll maintain it through its midlife crisis. If you get bored of something though, that burnt out ashtray light will be a sign it's time to trade.
My saturn is coming up on ten years in my hands this fall, but will be 18 or 19 model years old by that time.
My saturn is coming up on ten years in my hands this fall, but will be 18 or 19 model years old by that time.
Kestas
Staff member
Originally Posted By: mike7139
My grand am spent 10 years in Northeast Ohio and seems like things started to really rust once I brought it to Charlotte. Maybe the hot humid weather of the southeast really sped up the deterioration process?
No. As with my car, the corrosion started early. It took 10 years to finally present itself on the outside of the car. It's just a continuation of what started in Ohio.
My grand am spent 10 years in Northeast Ohio and seems like things started to really rust once I brought it to Charlotte. Maybe the hot humid weather of the southeast really sped up the deterioration process?
No. As with my car, the corrosion started early. It took 10 years to finally present itself on the outside of the car. It's just a continuation of what started in Ohio.
Nope...don't buy that at all...
The 23 year old Truck runs perfectly...so does the 21 year old Mercedes.
So do both of the 11 year old Volvos...just drove one of them from DC to Virginia Beach yesterday. They're paid for, get good mileage, have low depreciation, insurance and tax costs and the maintenance costs are still reasonable...so they are FAR cheaper to run than purchasing a new car...
And by your reckoning, I should have given up the Packard, uh, let's see, 21 years before I was born?!?
Good thing that not everyone shares your myopia...
The 23 year old Truck runs perfectly...so does the 21 year old Mercedes.
So do both of the 11 year old Volvos...just drove one of them from DC to Virginia Beach yesterday. They're paid for, get good mileage, have low depreciation, insurance and tax costs and the maintenance costs are still reasonable...so they are FAR cheaper to run than purchasing a new car...
And by your reckoning, I should have given up the Packard, uh, let's see, 21 years before I was born?!?
Good thing that not everyone shares your myopia...
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10 years seems pretty subjective, IMO.
My '99 Saturn (knock wood) is holding up pretty well, nothing major on rust, and it sees the salt all winter.
The '94 Saturn my girlfriend had previously was a different story. It made it until 2009 or 2010 but should have been retired earlier. Rust wasn't leaving much of the car (could see through the car below the door among other places).
I think it comes down to cost and time of repairs. I often can stomach the cost over a new car payment, but the lost time and inconvenience of a breakdown is another story.
My '99 Saturn (knock wood) is holding up pretty well, nothing major on rust, and it sees the salt all winter.
The '94 Saturn my girlfriend had previously was a different story. It made it until 2009 or 2010 but should have been retired earlier. Rust wasn't leaving much of the car (could see through the car below the door among other places).
I think it comes down to cost and time of repairs. I often can stomach the cost over a new car payment, but the lost time and inconvenience of a breakdown is another story.
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My 02 "bubble eye" Lexus in my sig, I will keep until the wheels fall off (knock on wood because this model does have a lbj breakage failure problem). It's 11 years old now with only 120k on the dash so it still has a lot of life left. At 150k, I will change spark plugs/wires/coils and every suspension bushing on the car to rehab it to almost new condition. I condition my leather seats every two weeks and sit on a towel in the driver's seat Monday-Friday to stop the wear on the driver seat. I'm anal about my cars and I keep them running in great condition. I'm not a fan of jumping into new car payments for something that will depreciate as soon as you drive it off the lot or the manufacture redesigns the car a year after you purchase it!!
As far as rust, I live in the South so we don't have to worry about that, plus I would NEVER purchase a car that came from the North or any other place that see salt and snow/ice yearly.
As far as rust, I live in the South so we don't have to worry about that, plus I would NEVER purchase a car that came from the North or any other place that see salt and snow/ice yearly.
My folks car is over 14 now.. It still runs like new, but the body is getting bad on it. It's not horrendous yet, but its only going to get worse.
Had they been as meticulous as me about Krown rust proofing and washing in the winter, it likely would still look good. It certainly runs well enough.
Had they been as meticulous as me about Krown rust proofing and washing in the winter, it likely would still look good. It certainly runs well enough.
I used to agree with you, as I kept my cars about 10 years and 100,000 miles.
But, new cars are being built better and more reliable than older cars. Seems I keep my cars about 12 years or 120,000 miles now.
I pretty much baby my 1998 Corvette, 15 years old, it has 140,000 miles on it.
But, new cars are being built better and more reliable than older cars. Seems I keep my cars about 12 years or 120,000 miles now.
I pretty much baby my 1998 Corvette, 15 years old, it has 140,000 miles on it.
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