how long you typically keep your car

[PandaBear]

Originally Posted By: PT1
Originally Posted By: Gary Allan
Quote:
Got a new one due to wife's nagging,



I hope to never buy another new vehicle in my lifetime.


I never will again. Especially when I can find a 1 year old car with 10-15k on the clock and save 20-30% off the price of a new one. Besides breakin is a PIA.


When your wife want a particular color and a particular interior color that they don't make, and the nearest used one is on the other side of the coast without much discount, then you have to buy new and custom order.

What's up with vehicle interior color?

 

[Tornado Red]

Originally Posted By: M1Accord
Originally Posted By: Tornado Red
I was planning on handing my 2003 VW to my niece in 2010, when she gets her license. But now it looks more like I'll be keeping it, maybe look for a replacement when it gets up to about 700k miles or so. Should be around 2014 or so. (Assuming it doesn't get totaled in an accident)

do you think a VW can last 700k? i almost got a 99k miles VW Passat wagon w/ a turbo engine. i looked and drove very well but i wasn't sure how expensive it would be to maintain a turbo engine VW so i passed on it. the price was right as well, 4k for a 1999 model. i guess my lack of knowledge of european cars and the typical mentality that they're meant for non-DIY owners have consistently steered me away from them. i may take a shop class or get a part time gig at the local lube joint to learn about them.

VW uses all or mostly Garrett turbos, which generally last a long time. The key is to use the proper synthetic oil.

Within a few years, many more cars (Euro, Japanese, and domestic) will be switching to smaller-displacement engines with forced induction. VW has a 1.4-liter TSI gas engine with both a turbocharger and a supercharger, able to power a 7-passenger van! About 170 hp and 170 pounds of torque. Not going to win drag races, but it should get 50-100% more miles per gallon than your typical 6-cylinder engine in that class of vehicle. And in a sub-compact like the Polo, around 55-60 mpg with decent performance.

As for the '99 Passat wagon you passed on, certain compromises were made to install that engine in that platform. Oil sump capacity was reduced, engine oil requirements were not rigidly enforced, and many of those engines suffered catastrophic sludge problems. So you were probably wise to pass on that vehicle.

 

[andyd]

O2 Pilot, I retired my 88 528E with 345kmiles on the clock. I know of a 533i with 460k on it. The 528e never needed a tow in the 11 1/2 yrs, 200k I put on it. I hear you re the wonky electrics, though 75% of the gremlins I had were directly related to the fuse box. I replaced it with another 88 528e that has less rust.

 

[VeeDubb]

Between 5 and 8 years depending on my budget situation. If I have enough cash to splurge on a new toy after all other expenses, IRA contributions, and projected expenses are covered, then I will consider a new car. But I would never consider a new car unless I have the flexibility to pay cash though I'll take the financing if the dealership is willing to give it to me at less than what my savings account or CD yields.

 

[ekpolk]

No "typical" for me. I've traded in as little as nine months (only once, it was an 83 TransAm I bought new, and upon which almost everything that could fail, failed...), and kept one car, a 1988 Civic for over 10 years. The rest, somewhere in between. This summer, I'll have had my 2004 Prius for two years. It's running perfectly, and I see no trades on the horizon (though if the next generation Prius, or even TDIs turn out to be really appealing -- who knows...). But it has been a long time since I had a car that made me think, "I love this car," every time I drive it (and especially on those rare occasions when I actually stop at a gas station).

 

[Saturn_Fan]

Used to trade-in cars upside down on a whim and other bad financial choices. Five years ago, I woke up and decided to quit [censored] away money. Fortunate enough to pay cash for my vehicles, which is no big feat since the most expensive vehicle I own is my Corolla that cost only 14K.

1. 08' Corolla--plan on keeping the car until 200K. I think that figure is realistic. By that time, I really hope Toyota has a diesel powered Corolla type vehicle that gets 55-60mpg. That would be really nice.

2. 00' Saturn SL--plan on keeping the car until 250K because it is just too cheap to drive to get rid of it. (up to 45mpg) Currently has 73K on it, which I hear is no even halfway broken in on these cars. Has a very slight case of blowby resulting in about a half of quart of oil loss every 5K.

3. 95' Nissan Pickup V-6 hardbody--plan on keeping this pretty much forever. Bought it used with odometer not functioning, stuck on 110,000. My mechanic guesses the truck has at leat 200K on it. Used only for towing an ATV, boat, and moving stuff. Slapped a timing belt on it, ran some ARX, planning to keep it a long time. I hear that the VG30E in these trucks is a bulletproof motor. (Dealer swears they have seen these hard body trucks routinely go 250K and as much as 500K, that have come into their place of business.)

Best vehicle I ever had was a 1981 Ford Courier pickup. It had the same engine as the Pinto and was yellow with a brown stripe running down the side. Parents bought it for me for 750 bucks when I was a senior. That truck just would not die. Oil never checked, air filter never changed, multiple friends helping me to abuse and redline the truck at every chance. Stuck in snow I rocked the tranny back and forth many times. That truck never died. When I went into the military from high school, we sold the truck for 500 bucks.

 

[leftlane]

I keep my vehicles long term until theyre about to become more problems than theyre worth then I sell them and buy others.

 

[Cutehumor]

Originally Posted By: ekpolk
No "typical" for me. I've traded in as little as nine months (only once, it was an 83 TransAm I bought new, and upon which almost everything that could fail, failed...), and kept one car, a 1988 Civic for over 10 years. The rest, somewhere in between. This summer, I'll have had my 2004 Prius for two years. It's running perfectly, and I see no trades on the horizon (though if the next generation Prius, or even TDIs turn out to be really appealing -- who knows...). But it has been a long time since I had a car that made me think, "I love this car," every time I drive it (and especially on those rare occasions when I actually stop at a gas station).

ekpolk,

what's the latest buzz on the next gen prius? prices? mpg? last I heard they were targeting 80mpg, it was a rumor though.

 

[mrsilv04]

I keep a vehicle until I lose confidence in its reliability. So, that varies from vehicle to vehicle. I've lost confidence in Fords at as little as 90,000 miles.

Last one that I sold was an '87 Monte Carlo with a 305 V8, with 252,000 miles. Original engine and transmission. It was a three owner car, two of those were my sister, and then me. I was getting that feeling of impending trouble, so I sold it for $800. I think a lot of it was to take it to 250k, and then once that was accomplished, it was time to move on.

Even though I sold it two years ago, it is STILL on the road. I see it occasionally around town. Guess I sold it too quickly...

 

[ekpolk]

Originally Posted By: Cutehumor
Originally Posted By: ekpolk
No "typical" for me. I've traded in as little as nine months (only once, it was an 83 TransAm I bought new, and upon which almost everything that could fail, failed...), and kept one car, a 1988 Civic for over 10 years. The rest, somewhere in between. This summer, I'll have had my 2004 Prius for two years. It's running perfectly, and I see no trades on the horizon (though if the next generation Prius, or even TDIs turn out to be really appealing -- who knows...). But it has been a long time since I had a car that made me think, "I love this car," every time I drive it (and especially on those rare occasions when I actually stop at a gas station).

ekpolk,

what's the latest buzz on the next gen prius? prices? mpg? last I heard they were targeting 80mpg, it was a rumor though.


From what I've heard, you're right on the target, but who knows. I've also heard that they reluctantly had to stay with the current NiMH battery for the next gen (I'm guessing they still haven't tamed the lithium ion tech just yet). The car is also supposed to be a turbo. Nothing definite from Toyota, though.

 

[98LS-WON]

Until it costs more monthly than a new car payment to keep it running/looking good.

 

[crinkles]

I've been thinking that if I get 10 years of reliable service, with me undertaking some additional maintenance, that I would be happy if that 10 years occurs AFTER I've finished paying off the loan. so, 10 years of trouble free motoring while making no finance payments.

so that would mean between 12 and 15 years I guess, but if it goes longer, why the heck not... and I'd prefer it to go longer but I am realistic too. If I ever hit 300,000km (185,000miles) I'd be happy.

Paying off a car loan is a P.I.T.A.

 

[Redlightning]

I have 4 cars in the driveway, well 2 in the garage and two in the driveway.
1. 1987 Ford EXP (work beater) 20 years 190,000 miles.
2. 1992 Chevy Camaro (customized week-ender) 12 years 88,000
miles.
3. 2001 Ford Explorer Sport (wifes work car) 7 years 117,000
miles.
4. 2001 Ford Lightning (another week-ender) 7 years 47,000 miles.
I'm really bad about getting attached to a good car and will keep it for as long as possible.

 

[thunderchild]

Man, I feel like a light weight compared to some of you guy's and gal's. 2003 Dodge Durango. Bought new, now with 126,2** miles. I have a goal to get her to 250,000 miles. Once I reach that, then I will consider another vehicle. She looks like new ( lot's of waxing ), and I keep her maintained to the nine's!

 

[OVERKILL]

I have an '89 Town Car with 330,000Km on it, was my dad's car up until a few years ago. It's in incredible shape.

I also have an '82 Capri Black Magic, but it's no where near original. Powertrain is out of my old '87 GT which had an unfortunate encounter with some diesel fuel on the road, followed by a ravine. Engine has 33x,xxx on the stock bottom-end.

I have a real affinity for 302's, even have one in my boat

 

[meep]

varies. I grew up with parents that drove basic cars until they couldn't be trusted. In HS I got what was left. Grateful, but I went through a couple. think that started some bad habits. Graduating college, I bought a civic...

1995. 96 civic lx. new. hurt my back like a sombiatch. traded at 10 months, 19000 miles. I lost sales tax on the trade.

1996. 97 base legacy. new. put 112000 love-hate miles on this sturdy, awkward car. Loved its capabilities, outgrew its limitations.

2002. 01 town & country, 18000miles used, 1 yr old. these depreciate like mad, so it didn't hurt that bad. loved this car! Sold @ ~70000 miles. Wife hated it, passenger safety issues were real, long commute and fuel mileage just didn't make sense. I still miss that car.

2005. 02 accord @30000miles. decent car. ran great, odd tranny behavior as it aged. got nervous about trans and life changed, needed more cargo. sold at 88000 miles. wife got a new hybrid in exchange in late 2007

2007. after selling the car so wifey (drives a bunch, me not so much now) could get the hybrid, I picked up a '93 jeep GC in its twilight years. It's older, no a/c, and looks past prime. I love it. Will drive it until the failing head gasket/whatever results in a meltdown. 240,000 miles and counting. think I'll get at least 2 yrs out of it. I'm not buying ANYTHING until the market swings stabilize... fuel vs car offerings vs swings in used prices.

M

 

[GROUCHO MARX]

"how long you typically keep your car"
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Until the super glue and duct tape no longer adhere to the metal.

 

[ericthepig]

I've owned my 88 Mazda for 15 years and my Sienna for 7 years. I plan to drive the Mazda till the electronics start to dry rot. And I'll keep the Sienna till the wife has a fit (hopefully close to 250k).

 

[mazduh30]

I have a 94 Saturn (96,000 miles), 89 Nissan Coupe 323,000 km), 2000 Mazda (85,000 km) and a 97 F150 (120,000 km). Usually I'll keep a vehicle until the repair costs increase and are more frequent, or when no longer needed. The longest I kept a vehicle was a 92 Dodge 3/4 w/ 5.9L Cummings...400,000+ miles.

 

[D189379]

I can't say I've kept any car more than a couple of years. Hopefully my new truck outlasts the others.