Buy a new car or keep driving an old car?
I drive a car that's over 10 years old. There are certain things you have to know if you intend to do this.
Above is me in the process of changing the oil of my car; I think this is a good way of showing stuff you have to do when you drive something old...
...meaning that part of owning an older car means there will be times you have to get your hands dirty. I'll talk more about that in a moment.
3 facts about new cars
- All new cars are designed to only last as long as a lease term before something wears out and/or breaks. That means 3 years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- Any infotainment tech the car has now will be partially if not completely obsolete in fewer than 3 years.
- "Lot rot" is a real thing. New cars are sitting in dealership lots longer, and one of the worst things you can do to a car is not use it. Cars that sit develop rust, get flat spots on the tires, develop stiff suspensions, sometimes mold on the inside... it's just not good.
These things being true, should you buy a new car? No. If you want new, lease. Just make sure it's a car that hasn't been sitting on the lot for too long. You get all the latest tech, and by the time the car starts having things wear out and the infotainment goes obsolete, you get rid of the car and wash your hands of it.
Should you keep your old car?
Not going new and trying to decide whether to keep the old car? There are a few questions you need to ask to help you make this decision.
Published 2020 Sep 22
