Getting your car to last
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These days, people are looking for any way to stretch a dollar. One way can be holding onto your car longer. Today the average vehicle has been on the road almost 11 years, according to Polk Research. Consumer Reports can help you keep your car going, saving you big bucks! People often are not aware of the long-term financial benefits of keeping a car for so long. Consumer Reports' research shows that if you hit 200,000 miles, which takes the average driver about 15 years, you could potentially save more than $30,000.
First, you need to shop for a car you can live with long-term. Make sure it fits your lifestyle, and don't compromise on features, especially safety features, such as electronic stability control and a rear-view camera, if possible. And be sure you pick a vehicle with a reliable track record.
Then stick to the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual. Missing even one oil change can contribute to premature engine wear. But don't waste money on maintenance you don't need. Many vehicles can go 10,000 miles between oil changes. Instead of just 3,000.
Don't skimp on parts. Trying to save a couple of bucks on cheap parts and fluids could cost you in the long run. Also listen for any strange sounds, and get small things fixed before they become a big problem.
No matter how well you care for your car, someday it will be time to part ways. Consumer Reports says if you are facing a repair that will cost more than the car is worth, or if your car starts to be unreliable even with frequent repairs, it may be time to say goodbye.
First, you need to shop for a car you can live with long-term. Make sure it fits your lifestyle, and don't compromise on features, especially safety features, such as electronic stability control and a rear-view camera, if possible. And be sure you pick a vehicle with a reliable track record.
Then stick to the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual. Missing even one oil change can contribute to premature engine wear. But don't waste money on maintenance you don't need. Many vehicles can go 10,000 miles between oil changes. Instead of just 3,000.
Don't skimp on parts. Trying to save a couple of bucks on cheap parts and fluids could cost you in the long run. Also listen for any strange sounds, and get small things fixed before they become a big problem.
No matter how well you care for your car, someday it will be time to part ways. Consumer Reports says if you are facing a repair that will cost more than the car is worth, or if your car starts to be unreliable even with frequent repairs, it may be time to say goodbye.
I had a 2007 car that I sold to keep my old 'beater' I can fix it on the cheap and I know it inside and out...the money I made off selling my newer car went to buying the wife's newer used car.. a very similar one to mine so again... besides for it being an automatic there is little I cannot fix or track down ... honestly only thing I wish my beater had was heated seats and mirrors - thief's stole what was left of the stereo speakers a few years ago and I got used to being without it so never replaced it... it is transport and it still looks very nice considering its age paint wise... I don't need to impress anyone with what I have .. if it works and serves its purpose I could seriously care less... newer cars of the same version are over 30k .... and I just about at 100k on the last overhaul I did on it .... face it ... older cars were built to last longer than their the plastic counterparts of today... I hardly drive as it is | my motorcycle is the newest vehicle I own and my wife has been told I will keep the beater as long as I replace the bike every 7-8 years it is still way cheaper all around than buying new car... and busing is a option for me where we live as well... so when weather is really bad ie. snow and ice I just take the bus instead... and save more money
Its NOT hard to get rigs to last. I have not owned a rig in the last 35 years that has not gone 150K+. In fact the ones i own now are at 158K and 219K for the 2001 S-10s (bought one new, one a few years later) (Kiddo the younger drives one of them) and 189K for the 1995 K-1500.Â
Just basically take care of them and dont thrash them. Oil/filter changes per owners manual with a good grade of oil, chassis lube at recommended intervals, tires/brakes as needed, keep the vehicle exterior clean in the winter especially, to keep injurious chemicals off of it and prevent the accumulation of dirt and grime in the interior that wears and ages the materials..
It's amazing how cars these days can go so long before maintenance is needed. When they say they don't build cars like they used to I say thank God. They build them better.
The quick lube places hate when people find the owners manual says oil changes at 7500 miles, spark plugs, belts and hoses at 100,000 miles and transmission fluid and coolant changes at 150,000. Lots of wasted money and oil by unneeded services. My subaru has 262,000 miles, over 100,000 miles since brakes were changed and got 70,000 miles on the last tune up and the plugs still looked good.
@SkaBob nuts you got my Subaru beat...I am in no way kind to my subie when I do drive.. but I keep the dirt on there.. it is load bearing dirt...
@SkaBob Wow, I thought I was the only person left on the planet who could get over 100K on a set of brake pads!
I do on the manual transmission vehicles, get 150K+ often...not so much on the automatic trans ones, usually 90K-110K.