Dayna and I have two vehicles - a 1999 Acura TL3.2 with 79,000 miles and a 2000 Nissan Xterra SUV with 93,000. The two cars are 8 and 7 years old, respectively. At this point, my plan is to not purchase another vehicle until Morgan's fifth birthday. That would make our cars 12 and 11 years old at that time. Yes, I know, many folks have told me I'm a miser and have unrealistic expectations when it comes to the life of a vehicle.
Here are some stats for you from the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration...
In 1977, half the cars on the road survived until they were ten years old with an expected useful life of 107,000 miles
In 1990, half the cars on the road survived until they were twelve years old with an expected useful life of 127,000 miles
In 2001, half the cars on the road survived until they were thirteen years old with an expected useful life of 152,000 miles
When I do finally buy another car, it will not be new. I will be looking at vehicles that are one year old at the time I make a purchase. I have no need to have the latest and greatest popular vehicle to impress friends. This all goes back to one of my core financial values... "Don't envy what others have".
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