What’s the Typical Lifespan of a Used Car?

Buying a new car isn’t something a person does spontaneously. They must plan for this purchase, as the cost of a new vehicle has skyrocketed in the years following the global pandemic. However, when a car reaches 70,000 or 80,000 miles, people question whether to look for a new ride.

No set number indicates when it is time to buy a new car. Every car is unique, and its history determines how long it will last. A well-maintained vehicle will last longer than one that has been neglected. This factor plays more of a role in how long a car will last than its make and model. Treat the car properly and it could last another 100,000 miles. Neglect it and a new car will be needed much sooner.

The Lifespan of the Average Car

When visiting northside auto group san antonio, a person might see cars with 200,000 miles or more. They often overlook these cars because of the high mileage. Before doing so, they should look at the vehicle’s ownership and service histories. If the car has been owned by one person who kept every service record, the vehicle may be a good buy.

Many vehicles can last 15 to 22 years. The type of car plays a role in how long it will last, with electric vehicles outlasting internal combustion engine models. They come with fewer mechanical components that will break down and lead to early failure of the car.

S&P Global Mobility reports the average age of vehicles on American roads today is 12.6 years. Some cars are significantly older, while others are brand new. A person doesn’t need to go out and buy a new car simply because their current one has reached a certain age. They need to consider all factors when deciding whether it is time to make this purchase.

The Federal Highway Administration reports that the average driver puts 13,500 miles on their vehicle yearly. Some people drive significantly fewer miles, while others put more miles on their cars each year. No two drivers are alike; a person must recognize this when deciding whether to replace their car.

Drive down the highway today and look at the other vehicles. The average number of miles on the odometers of these cars is 169,000. The driver can probably make that car last another two or three years easily, if not much longer.

However, a person doesn’t need to keep their car forever. Many drivers keep their cars for approximately six years before deciding to buy something new. There are several reasons a person might invest in a new car. They may want a newer model, their current model may be in an accident and cost too much to fix, or the repair costs may be rising drastically.

Factors That Impact Car Age

Specific models have better track records than others. People often turn to Consumer Reports and other authority sites to learn the service history of various models and how frequently they have been recalled. Doing so allows them to get a better idea of how long their current car may last and how much they can expect to pay in repair costs.

However, a car with few issues in the early years could have a fatal flaw that isn’t seen until an owner has owned it for a significant period. They may suddenly find they are looking at a repair that will cost them thousands of dollars because the engine must be rebuilt or the transmission needs to be replaced. The long-term costs could be similar to those of a car that breaks down more frequently, but the repairs aren’t as costly. A driver cannot know how long their vehicle will last when they purchase it because too many variables are in play.

Driving behavior also impacts how long a vehicle will last. There is a reason some decades-old vehicles remain on the road today. Their owners cared for these cars and ensured they were serviced promptly. When a mechanical issue arose with their vehicle, they immediately took it in to be fixed rather than continue driving.

Cars can last for decades when cared for properly, but many people don’t take the time to have their cars maintained and serviced. They rely on their vehicles and don’t want to be inconvenienced by trips to the mechanic, and they pay for this in the long run. They must replace their car sooner. If they choose to trade it in or sell it, they will find the value has decreased because of the lack of care.

Which Factors Impact a Car’s Longevity?

Thanks to technological advances, cars last longer than they used to. Vehicle manufacturers and engineers continuously find ways to improve their offerings and are incorporating more digital and electronic systems. Doing so reduces the number of components in these systems while minimizing the wear and tear on the remaining parts. This change has led to increased vehicle lifespans.

Drivers have come to understand the importance of scheduled maintenance and its role in the longevity of their vehicles. They should follow the maintenance schedule outlined in the owner’s manual and talk with their regular mechanic to learn if there are additional steps they should take or if the schedule should be modified based on their driving behavior.

When a warning light appears on the dash, the driver should immediately determine the cause of the problem. The check engine light, for example, can be a sign of many issues. Visit a mechanic to have them diagnose the problem and determine the correct solution.

Aggressive driving decreases the lifespan of a vehicle by putting more wear and tear on the components. Furthermore, drivers must not exceed factory-issued weight ratings. The payload rating lets the owner know how much weight the vehicle can carry in terms of passengers and cargo. Exceeding this amount can reduce the car’s lifespan because the excessive weight damages vehicle components.

Drivers must take steps to extend the lifespan of their vehicles. They should not leave this to change. Men and women who do so find their vehicle can last hundreds of thousands of miles. They will get tired of their ride before they need to replace it.