Let’s divide the car-buying world into two camps: those who keep a car until it drops, and those who think a new car will change their lives.

To the first, a round of applause. There’s nothing short of riding a bike that’s cheaper than keeping a car until it crumbles into a pile of rust. Almost any car can be driven to 200,000 miles or more without endangering your life.

To the second, another round of applause, because the millions of new cars they buy every year instantly become used cars, soon available at a considerable discount to those in Camp One. And a moment of silence, because a new car will change their lives in ways never forseen on the dealers lot.

Several independent studies have shown the financial benefits of keeping your old car. The following table from Runzheimer International, a management consulting firm, compares keeping a 4-year old car another 4 years versus buying a new one, showing savings of $10,894!

This table from Consumer Reports compares keeping a Honda Civic for 15 years versus a new Honda Civic every 5 years. Savings of $20,500!

So if those repair bills seem to be adding up, do the math. Does the cost of repairs exceed the cost of a new car? A typical new car is $21,000, about $350 a month for 5 years after 20% down. A major engine repair might run $1,500, a huge outlay in one chunk, but far less than the $4,200 a year you would spend on new-car payments alone. If you can’t afford repairs twice a year, it’s unlikely you can afford a new car payment every month. In any case, anyone with a car older than three years old should be saving $100 a month for repairs and maintenance . With a little luck, you’ll never use most of it and you’ll have a tidy sum to spend on your next car.

The above information has been provided by Gary Gunn

HOW TO GET OVER 200,000 MILES OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE

• Buy a safe, reliable car. Pick a car with a good track record and then have a pre-purchase inspection done by an independent automotive shop. Many times a pre-purchase inspection can help avoid a poor choice or at least offer an estimate of repairs and maintenance needed in the near future. There are no perfect used cars on the dealer’s lots and the cost of an inspection is easily recovered by using the results to negotiate a price.
• Make repairs promptly. The most important thing in keeping a vehicle performing properly is to make necessary repairs promptly. Postponing needed repairs often costs more. For example, ignoring a fluid leak can lead to a low fluid level causing premature wear on expensive mechanical components or preventable breakdowns.
• Do regular inspections. Problems can arise at any time and for inexplicable reasons. Whether you do it yourself or rely on your repair shop, exterior, under hood and under vehicle visual inspections can prevent roadside emergencies
• Follow your maintenance schedule. The vehicle owner’s manual is your first source for maintenance information. Recommended fluid changes, inspections and part replacements such as sparkplugs and timing belts can be found there. Wide variations in mileage intervals are often found so good judgement should be used to determine what intervals are best for your driving habits.
• Keep it clean. Get out the cleaning products periodically or have your vehicle professionally detailed. Regular cleaning inside and out can make the car a more pleasant place to be as you roll up the miles. Washing and waxing can help preserve the paint and keep the sheet metal from rusting. Vacuuming sand and dirt out of the carpet and seats can minimize wear that leads tears and holes.

The recommendations above come from a combination of sources including our real world experience at Pella Car Care. We see vehicles over 200,000 miles every day in our shop. The results of proper care and/or neglect become apparent which contributes to our expertise. We believe it is our professional responsibility to inspect vehicles carefully, keep records of all your vehicle maintenance and repair needs, and keep you informed. Our mission is to help you save money on the cost of vehicle ownership by performing the best maintenance and repairs possible with the most convenient and hassle-free service.

The above information has been provided by Gary Gunn