Why do Americans drive old cars?

Question

The average annual income in America is around 100 thousand dollars. However, people still drive older cars. I think they should use newer and latest model cars. I think 100 thousand dollars or 200 thousand dollars is enough for a car. What do you think?

Screenwriter · Accepted Answer

Think about your math skills. Average means 50 percent of those surveyed are below that threshold and there is no information on how far their income is below that threshold.

I don't make half that amount, and there's no way I'm going to go into debt for a car!

I buy used and I've always bought used because no matter what car you buy, if it's brand new, after you drive it off the lot, it's lost about $2-3000 dollars in value.

But a used car, if it's a decent, highly-rated brand, loses none of its value immediately after you buy it. Driving it off a lot, or away from a private sale does not affect its value, as it is not changing from brand-new to used.

I own my home free and clear. There is no need for me to spend $25-70K on a new car and a giant monthly car note for five to seven years.

I also own my used car free and clear. In both instances, I only pay maintenance on my home and vehicle. And auto insurance on a new car is higher because new car replacement parts, in the event of an accident, are more expensive than used parts.

And I know this because I've found some replacement parts for my 2006 Civic at the junk yard or reputable used parts dealers.

The only advantage new cars have, beside somewhat better gas mileage or combo battery/gas, is the bluetooth for hands-free phone calls. But worth the $730 dollars per month I'd have to pay for 7 years on that $50k car (average new car price)? And insurance costs! Likely another $300 a month for full coverage! No way.

A car that safely gets you from A to B is fine. I spent $2800 on it three years ago and it runs, gets decent gas mileage. To and from work, get to the grocery and run errands car.

First car was a used 1992 Corolla bought in 1995 that I drove until someone wrecked the rear of it. My baby son rode in that one. Bought a newer one in 2006: a 2001. Then got a 2005 Corolla in 2009 which I drove until 2021.

Had an accident and rode bus for a year and a half. Then got loan to buy Honda Civic. Paid it off in year and three quarters. I've spent 17,800 for the four cars I've owned since 1992, all of which were good buys. Performed regular maintenance, a little more on the 2005. But maintenance happens whether old car or new.

I've not spent 50,000 total in all the years on all the cars I've owned. First car my dad bought for me cost $500. Used it 9 years. three on the tree Rambler two door, straight six. Worked. Got so so gas mileage, but got me around. Second car was $2000 Rambler station wagon. That's the total of cars owned. First was in college. Second, 1984 to 1995. Sold cars to buy next ones.

Maintain your cars best you can and they pay off by you being able to sell them to someone else and provide down payments for your next vehicle. It's frugal and pays YOU!

NoDecision · Accepted Answer

$100,000? Who makes that, except after maybe 15 years at a job? And even then most Americans make nowhere that much a year, especially in certain states. Maybe in California they do but they have to as housing there is so expensive. Here is what most Americans drive.

WindAtMyBack · Accepted Answer

I don't know where you got those numbers but they are completely wrong. The average American does not make nearly that much.

I also have no idea what you consider old. Anyway, I don't think the cars are old. The average car today is older than in the past because modern cars are much higher quality. They last at least twice as long as they did when I started driving. There is simply no reason to replace them as often.

The average car today is MUCH better than it was when I was a young adult. They are MUCH higher quality. They are MUCH more luxurious. They are MUCH safer. They are more fuel efficient. They are more environmentally friendly.

Bottom line is that there is not much reason to replace them until the are far older than in the past. Strictly from a financial point of view, it doesn't makes sense to buy a new car until the current car is pretty old - by pretty old, I mean at least years old on average.

MuddyMole · Accepted Answer

Most US states don't require regular vehicle safety inspections (ie. an MOT), and where states do have them, they are far less rigorous than the European equivalents, and often only required every 2 years. Many states don't even test exhaust emissions.

In the UK, most cars get scrapped not because they break down, but because the cost of getting them through their next MOT becomes prohibitive, even though they still run and drive fine. Many Americans will continue to drive old shitboxes that would never be accepted as roadworthy here, simply because they can.

Lliam · Answer

Only 18% of individual Americans and about 34% of U. S. households earn more than $100,000 annually.

32% of American households earned $49,999 or less. This includes 22% earning less than $34,999.

Around 53-60%, are estimated to be living paycheck to paycheck.

Only 28% of people have at least six months' expenses saved.

A large portion of Americans struggle with debt. Specifically, 77% of American households have some form of debt. This includes mortgages, credit card debt, auto loans, student loans, and other consumer debt. Additionally, 40% of Americans have been in credit card debt for more than five years.

Also, older cars are built better and have fewer computers, so they are more reliable and easier to maintain.
Piston engines are superior to electric powered. FUCK batteries and SMART features. Classic cars have more style. And muscle cars rock.

Dargil · Answer

My 4-wheelers are 28 and 21 years old. The first is a soon-to be collectible antique that has sentimental value. The other is a giant, thirsty SUV that is far more reliable than its new equivalents. And I paid 3% of the sticker price of a new one.

You can buy a perfectly fine 2011 Lincoln Town Car for under $4G. You can buy an immaculate C4 Corvette convertible for well under $10G New cars are fragile and maintenance intensive. They lose 30% of their value when the leave the lot.

Don't buy ANYTHING German. Don't buy a Hyundai or Kia. Nissan is flagging. Buy something CHEAP and put your money toward a house, land or a condo.

lightbulb27 · Answer

the older ones are better. don't like all the new digital stuff and frankly, the quality was better in prior years. More computers, more cost, more unneeded complexity.

Only improvement I care for is the hybrid motor which gets better MPG.

a lot of people don't have that kind of $ and cars are a huge waste... as soon as buy, they lose value.

hahahmm · Answer

A well maintained car is just fine. My car is old and I have taken it on road trips all over the country with zero issues. Plus it's my daily driving car. My wife's car is new and I don't want to put tons of miles on it so we may go in road trips in the state with it but not the long distance out of state ones.

Levin · Answer

Just because you have money, doesn't mean you should spend it on shite, unless you're an idiot.

You have to work for that money. That work is sucking a boss' cock rather than doing what you want to do or your own leisure.

Besides, if you're paying on finance, then you don't actually own anything. You're just in debt and paying £400 a month to impress other morons in your vicinity.

Plus, cars as an asset, depreciate a crazy amount. You're better investing in your home.

ohsheeT · Answer

Some of theses so called old cars are worth 50 thousand. Up word to 1/2 million dollars.

If you get a chance Look up

Hot August Nights in Reno Nevada

In August every year we have a car show old cars take a look at that. Tell me you would not fall in love with one of those cars.

Surely · Answer

Being that you are only 18. I am pretty sure that you have never paid a garage repair bill. That are easily over $100 per hour. With extra fees for using special tools and equipment. I can do most major repairs on pre 1980 vehicles and love working on antique tractors that are 75 years old.
As for your average American income. I was in the poor house! All of my life!

LiamS95 · Answer

It depends a lot of them are paying mortgages on houses that cost 1 to 2 million, and gasoline/insurance is expensive plus groceries are another $1000 to $1500 per month so by the time you pay heating and cooling bills as well as your other electricity costs snd property taxes of $15,000 to $20,000 per year it's not easy to pay another $65,000 to $100,000 for a new car.

katiesmuff · Answer

Honey I think you need to spend more time with your school work and less time watching fake news on the internet. If you think for one minute that $100,000 dollar a year is the average salary, you have been totally misled.

Anonymous · Answer

Why do you Europeans drive old cars? The average age of cars driven in the US and the UK is exactly the same.

jshm2 · Answer

LOL, actually the annual income is a lot lower at $66,000.

Americans build some of the shittiest cars around. So the repair and maintenance bill is as much as the cars value. Hence thy keep the same car to reduce costs.

Ironco · Answer

You must not be from the USA, we love our cars, we keep them in great shape and continue to keep them running in great shape. It's a love affair with the car. Just because we have a good income doesn't mean we have to spend it on today's shit cars. If you know you know, if not I can't explain it to you.

exitseven · Answer

I buy full sized American made SUVs or pickups. I always drive them for more than 200K miles. I get 12-15 years out of a vehicle. It does not make sense to buy a new one if the old one is still running good.

ProbablyClueless · Answer

Older cars are cheaper to drive. And many times, they also have more personality. With the really old cars, the styling is also more appealing.

The Average annual income is just under $62k. Not anywhere close to $100k.

MrChinaski · Answer

The average income in the USA is about 40,000 and highly skewed. To quote Crazy Rich Asians: There's a lot of children starving in America.

I think this is at least a part of what Trump has absolutely no comprehension of.

Anonymous · Answer

Because my ego does not require a new car. I have a Mercedes SUV that is about 1pm years old. It’s runs well, looks great and serves my purposes quite well. I am “wealthy” multiple times over using Forbes definition but I have no emotionally driven need for new cars; ie, to prove myself, show off, impress people, look the look, feel I have made it or any other emotional need for them.

Anonymous · Answer

Lady. The average American income is not 100k its under 39,982 dollars. You really need to do your research. Or quit doing drugs. And the reason we drive older cars, they cost less to fix, they break down less, and a car that cost 12k brand new in 2007 now costs 50k in 2025..

You really need to research rather than thinking all Americans are somehow rich.

Babebytheshore85 · Answer

1. Because they can 2. I think you should have a house, a car, a husband, kids and a job yet do you have that? 3. I think you should mind your business. 4. You sound very.. not so intelligent..

ImalwaysrightOK · Answer

Average Americans make nowhere near 100k per year. Not even half that. Average new car is around 35k.

Gwendoline · Answer

New cars cost money. Why buy a new car when you can buy a nearly new car for half the price.

Staximus · Answer

I don't know what fantasyland you're living in, but here in the real world most people who drive cars that cost $100,000 to $200,000 make a lot more than the average person

DrPepper12 · Answer

The avg is NOT $100k!!! 🚫 Where do you get this from? And no, you drive a car into the ground before you get another one!!!

noohair · Answer

Just wait until you get to buy a car with your own money and pay for insurance, gas and everything else.

Ariesman81 · Answer

The median income is $40k and 5.5". And the average woman is delusional.

beefcakebradybatson · Answer

The price of new cars is prohibitive, forcing many Yanks to drive jalopies.

Godihateyou · Answer

The average income in America is 60k not even close to 100k. Only the rich have care worth more than 30k.

Anonymous · Answer

I bought my car, at $20,000, used, and was still considered new, because depreciation starts at 5 years, i bought it at 4 years old, I believe it was. Shut the fuck up

msc545 · Answer

I think you know nothing about necessities and economics.

ABC1x1x · Answer

The average annual income is around 60k you are stupid.

Jerre · Answer

Because they are more reliable than a new car

In_Trance · Answer

I don't know where you found that figure for an annual income

Bklynbadboy12 · Answer

Cause they like them. I'm American and my cars aren't old not even my motorcycle is old

blackeagle007 · Answer

Do you have enough to afford a car?

OldBlu · Answer

To help with climate change

jimmy2 · Answer

Prices too high now on used and new cars

midnightmoon05 · Answer

We don’t.

DJB72 · Answer

Old or classic?

Why do Americans drive old cars?

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

Why do people use old style cars even though car prices are so cheap in America?

Why do Americans drive old cars?

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

Why do people use old style cars even though car prices are so cheap in America?

We're glad to see you liked this post.