How long do you keep your car??

[FloridaNative]

Okay I have no idea how to create a poll, but I thought this might be a fun topic for an informal poll. Are you a leaser or a buyer? Do need a new car every couple of years or do you find a keeper and driver her into the ground??

For me, I buy cars, never lease and try to drive them for about 10 years before getting a new one. I wonder who on AG will wind up being the one to have had their car for the longest.

[NorahCRV]

I bought my first Honda Civic in Oct.'74 & kept that for 10 years.
In October '84, I bought the '85 Civic Wagon which I kept for almost 22 years til we sold it this summer, so Bryce could buy his 07 Honda Fit.
Now I'm working on my third Honda (the '04 CR-V), which I've only had for 2 1/2 years, but at the rate I change cars, it will be another 27 years before I'm ready to replace it.

Car dealers don't like me!!

[FloridaNative]

Originally Posted by NorahCRV

I bought my first Honda Civic in Oct.'74 & kept that for 10 years.
In October '84, I bought the '85 Civic Wagon which I kept for almost 22 years til we sold it this summer, so Bryce could buy his 07 Honda Fit.
Now I'm working on my third Honda (the '04 CR-V), which I've only had for 2 1/2 years, but at the rate I change cars, it will be another 27 years before I'm ready to replace it.

Car dealers don't like me!!

WoW! 22 years!! That's amazing!! How many things did you have to repair/replace in that time span??

[NorahCRV]

Originally Posted by FloridaNative

WoW! 22 years!! That's amazing!! How many things did you have to repair/replace in that time span??

Thanks Jen

Just the engine five years ago - actually, that was due to an oil change done at Jiffy Lube - engine seized the next time I drove it - seems they weren't too particular about tightening the drain plug

And the windshield after it got hit by a "stray bullet" one day at work.

I think there were a couple of brake jobs in there and two new sets of tires but other than that it was still on the original transmission, shocks, etc. It had never been in an accident, so all the paint, trim etc. was still original.

[Rapidity]

2 sets of new tires in 22 years?! Thing sounds like a death trap.... with those bald ass tires on it. omg!

We change cars like underwear. I'm actually really happy with the corvette though so I just might hold on to this one for a long while to come. I've got a baby on the way too which will slow down my car buying. My wife has an expedition that she seems to really enjoy too so I think we're good for a while.

[aceshigh73]

I've leased 2 pathfinders, but now I buy..... My wife likes to keep cars as long as possible (10 years) I like to get rid of them once they "start to go".... so we'll see who wins this war.... :-)

[NorahCRV]

Originally Posted by Rapidity

2 sets of new tires in 22 years?! Thing sounds like a death trap.... with those bald ass tires on it. omg! . . .

That was two new sets of Michelins after the originals started wearing down - I put over 60,000 miles on the first set & they still had 3/32" of tread left, when I replaced them. They were not bald!

The OEM BridgeRocks on the CR-V, I replaced when they were down to 3/32" of tread remaining, but I only got 23,000 miles out of them. I won't take chances with tires!!

[Rapidity]

yeah but tires are only designed to last 5yrs or so... after that the rubber really starts to harden, weaken, and possibly crack. Which could lead to catastrophic failure at bad times... like under load or at higher speeds.

I'm not saying they have to replaced at 5yrs but you should really start to inspect them for problems because of their age.

[NorahCRV]

Not to take this thread further off track, but the tires were inspected both by my mechanic & by my Michelin dealer on a regular basis for signs of wear & rubber degradation. There were none, and when they reached 3/32" tread remaining, I replaced them. The car was not used for freeway driving in the last few years, nor was it ever heavily loaded. Believe me, I would not have trusted my son's life in it if I had any reason to believe that it was not a safe vehicle for him.

[FloridaNative]

Originally Posted by NorahCRV

Thanks Jen

Just the engine five years ago - actually, that was due to an oil change done at Jiffy Lube - engine seized the next time I drove it - seems they weren't too particular about tightening the drain plug

And the windshield after it got hit by a "stray bullet" one day at work.

I think there were a couple of brake jobs in there and two new sets of tires but other than that it was still on the original transmission, shocks, etc. It had never been in an accident, so all the paint, trim etc. was still original.

I cannot believe that that car is 22 years old! You really kept it looking good! It is a true testament to your prowess as a fine detailer! You da woman Norah!!