Daily Drivers

[Dibbons]

For the most part, our average household daily drivers average 10 years old when purchased and we drive 'em for 10 years or more after that. I realize that is not real supportive of the auto industry, but for someone who can maintain/repair their own vehicle, I believe we can save a little on loan interest, insurance, depreciation, etc.

I don't know when the practice of purchasing a new vehicle every couple (every few) years began to take hold in the United States (Ford Model T?). I wonder if Europeans have followed suit through the years or if they keep their cars longer? Our current daily drivers are 1992 Jeep Cherokee (purchased 2000: foto #1), 1996 Dodge Dakota (purchased new by Dad in '96: foto #2), 2001 Jeep Cherokee (purchased 2010: foto #3).

The oldest in the corral (1992) seems to have the least maintenance problems (check engine light on, etc.) Rust around the windshields now is my most major concern.

 

[Cranky]

My last new vehicle to purchase was a 2000 Durango in Oct of 99 and it's been fairly trouble free and as far as I know, the X is still driving it. I'm still driving a 95 Dakota that my dad bought new and I got it in 98 with 25k miles on it but it felt like it had 125 miles. Man, kinda know what he did to it in his later years but dayam lol. Bought a 97 2500 diesel around 2001 and still drive that too but since the 95 is getting a bit long in the tooth, I found a pretty nice 96 Dakota about a year and a half ago to replace the 95 but I like the 95 better.

 

[BAFRAID]

For the most part, our average household daily drivers average 10 years old when purchased and we drive 'em for 10 years or more after that. I realize that is not real supportive of the auto industry, but for someone who can maintain/repair their own vehicle, I believe we can save a little on loan interest, insurance, depreciation, etc.

I don't know when the practice of purchasing a new vehicle every couple (every few) years began to take hold in the United States (Ford Model T?). I wonder if Europeans have followed suit through the years or if they keep their cars longer? Our current daily drivers are 1992 Jeep Cherokee (purchased 2000: foto #1), 1996 Dodge Dakota (purchased new by Dad in '96: foto #2), 2001 Jeep Cherokee (purchased 2010: foto #3).

The oldest in the corral (1992) seems to have the least maintenance problems (check engine light on, etc.) Rust around the windshields now is my most major concern.

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My thought for most things these days is that companies build them to only last so long in order to keep customers coming in. You’re right, it doesn’t make sense for them to make something that’s going to last 50 years because they Would lose money Or not make more. I was surprised to find out with one of my very first Apple iPods after speaking to a girl who work there she said they put a battery in that can only be charged so many times then it dies and you have to buy a new one.

 

[Ron H]

I bought two cars new over 40-some years (one a '73 Challenger demo with 3k on it) and had the perk of a company car for some 18 years. I bought a couple of them after it was time to turn them in. Others I've bought were low mileage and a few from the west or south for rust-free benefits. I had two Aurora's liking them for my biz use when I started my biz. In '05 I got an '03 with 10k on it for $20k...new the car was $39k! Two year depreciation almost $20k. My newest vehicle is an '09 we've had for 5 or 6 years now and just passed 58k. It's like new yet. My brother always had to have brand new vehicles. Matter of what you want to spend your cash on or if you're cash swollen enough not to care or don't mind the payments. It was an irritation to see the amount of immediate loss one takes upon signing off on a new vehicle. To each their own.

 

[Mike67]

I've never bought a new car... refuse to take that kind of depreciation... drive an 02 1500 bought from my parents a few years ago.. sold, and regretting it to this day, my 02 Cummins 2500 a couple of years ago that I bought in 08. Actually made money on that deal and to fund my 67 resto...

 

[Ron H]

For some 20 years now I've always sold my vehicles on my own as the trade-in offers were usually a complete joke. Yeah, dealers got to make their money and they get it when selling the car; but didn't like the idea of a double screw. Love those old ads where dealers would offer their deals.."Bring your car in - in any condition, push it, pull it, tow it in, and we'll give you 3 grand for it on your trade in ". What's da phrase about no free lunches?

 

[Big Bad Dad]

$800 at an auction. Been driving it for over 4 years, and have put over 50K miles on it. Love my little 96 Ford....

 

[mr. b]

mine is a 78 w200 power wagon my wife's is a 2015 town and country

 

[Slap Stick]

Batteries have a finite life no matter what kind or what its in. Some are good some not so good.
I've only ever bought one new car and it was the worst car I ever owned.

At present the stable has an 05 Taurus and a 92 Dakota. I've had em both about ten years.

 

[Timmayy]

My 06 Ram, bought a few years ago and believe it or not my 65 Coronet /6. Both are pretty much my daily drivers. Unless the weather is really bad or I need to haul something I drive the 65. I just won't drive it in the snow. I'm not good with computers so it's a lot easier doing work on the 65.

 

[Basket case]

my '81 D150 and her 2015 Journey we bought new, replaced the plugs at 95,000 miles. Regular maintenance on both.

 

[69a100]

I bought a 94 Caravan in 98 with 78K on it, I'm still driving it today with 162K and 25+ years later. I don't believe in the "keeping up with the Jones's B.S!"

 

[Chargered]

For the most part, our average household daily drivers average 10 years old when purchased and we drive 'em for 10 years or more after that. I realize that is not real supportive of the auto industry, but for someone who can maintain/repair their own vehicle, I believe we can save a little on loan interest, insurance, depreciation, etc.

I don't know when the practice of purchasing a new vehicle every couple (every few) years began to take hold in the United States (Ford Model T?). I wonder if Europeans have followed suit through the years or if they keep their cars longer? Our current daily drivers are 1992 Jeep Cherokee (purchased 2000: foto #1), 1996 Dodge Dakota (purchased new by Dad in '96: foto #2), 2001 Jeep Cherokee (purchased 2010: foto #3).

The oldest in the corral (1992) seems to have the least maintenance problems (check engine light on, etc.) Rust around the windshields now is my most major concern.

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We never buy new vehicles. I see it as a total waste of money. Let someone else take the initial depreciation hit. I usually get my wife something that is 2-3 years old and pay cash for it. Then I get the hand me down vehicle. My last Buick was 25 years old with 190K miles and my daily driver now is our old Toyota with 235K miles. Thinking now its time for the Toyota to go and looking for another 06-09 low mileage cheap Buick for my daily driver.

 

[66383]

In 2011 bought a 2003 Cadillac CTS, worst vehicle I have ever owned. Spent tons on it. In July 2016 traded it for a 2010 Lincoln MKX . So far, best vehicle I've owned so far . Four years...1 set of tires and 1 battery, 1 set of brake pads. It had 99,000 miles when I got it and now has 133,000. Don't travel any more since my wife lost her left leg to artery disease. Only 34 miles round trip to my 3-day-a-week part time job at the college. Other driving (flogging) is in the Satellite.

 

[Ron H]

In 2011 bought a 2003 Cadillac CTS, worst vehicle I have ever owned. Spent tons on it. In July 2016 traded it for a 2010 Lincoln MKX . So far, best vehicle I've owned so far . Four years...1 set of tires and 1 battery, 1 set of brake pads. It had 99,000 miles when I got it and now has 133,000. Don't travel any more since my wife lost her left leg to artery disease. Only 34 miles round trip to my 3-day-a-week part time job at the college. Other driving (flogging) is in the Satellite.

Sorry to hear about your better half, hope she's doing fine. I posted earlier I had a couple of Aurora's, they were basically Caddy's under a diff GM division (Olds) having the Northstar motors. Have to say they were finicky maintenance-wise and later bought a cherry Intrigue for the wife...6 cyl. Drove it 20k and at 50k the head gasket went. Well my regular mechanic didn't want anything to do with that job being a Cad engine saying take it to Caddy dealer. $4,700 repair! Was sooo glad I bought an extended warranty that covered it. I had my eyes on a CTS for sometime liking that body style until hearing about very costly engine repairs - like I experienced...no Caddy for me.