Robots build better cars than humans as far as precision and consistency is concerned and that's part of the reason why car last longer now than 20 years ago- they come off the assembly line in much better fit and finish and technology has made the engines better.
Until 2024, I had a 2003 VW van and a 2005 Saab. The VW had around 73K miles, the Saab around 37K. I hated to give them up but with age comes lots of repairs even with the low mileage as the gaskets and other products dry out and cause issues. I bought a 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid. I wish I still had the other 2 cars. I, like many others, wish we could go back to cars that we could fix ourselves. Cars with crank windows, heat you could turn on with a knob instead of a computer etc. etc. Because, like Bill, I don't drive much, working from home and all, my battery died twice last winter and now I need to keep it trickle charging during the cold months (I live in VT). Fun stuff! My advice, follow Bill's lead and keep your car.
Another benefit to keeping around a older car, is that for the jurisdictions that charge property taxes on cars the fair market value is lower so your property tax on that car is lower than buying a new car. Another savings.
I drive a 2010 Nissan Cube that we bought new, and I plan to drive it until it can’t go any farther. I love having no car payments, low insurance costs, and great fuel economy. Why buy a new vehicle just to dodge potholes and travel on poorly maintained highways?
Reason #1274 I drive an '87 E250. Fuel economy sucks, but you can't beat the space, the no car payment, and the $40/mo insurance - even in Utah. I'd much rather pay for repairs than have a car payment along with some repairs.
Robots build better cars than humans as far as precision and consistency is concerned and that's part of the reason why car last longer now than 20 years ago- they come off the assembly line in much better fit and finish and technology has made the engines better.
Until 2024, I had a 2003 VW van and a 2005 Saab. The VW had around 73K miles, the Saab around 37K. I hated to give them up but with age comes lots of repairs even with the low mileage as the gaskets and other products dry out and cause issues. I bought a 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid. I wish I still had the other 2 cars. I, like many others, wish we could go back to cars that we could fix ourselves. Cars with crank windows, heat you could turn on with a knob instead of a computer etc. etc. Because, like Bill, I don't drive much, working from home and all, my battery died twice last winter and now I need to keep it trickle charging during the cold months (I live in VT). Fun stuff! My advice, follow Bill's lead and keep your car.
Another benefit to keeping around a older car, is that for the jurisdictions that charge property taxes on cars the fair market value is lower so your property tax on that car is lower than buying a new car. Another savings.
I drive a 2010 Nissan Cube that we bought new, and I plan to drive it until it can’t go any farther. I love having no car payments, low insurance costs, and great fuel economy. Why buy a new vehicle just to dodge potholes and travel on poorly maintained highways?
Reason #1274 I drive an '87 E250. Fuel economy sucks, but you can't beat the space, the no car payment, and the $40/mo insurance - even in Utah. I'd much rather pay for repairs than have a car payment along with some repairs.