Newsletter - February 2009

Don’t Knock Your Older Car; It’s Your Friend

How do you handle your family’s auto needs in these crazy times? Your autos are probably your second biggest investments, and in regards to maintenance, may require more of your fix-it dollars than your home.

Is it worth keeping a 10-year or older vehicle? According to R.L. Polk, the average age of the entire US auto fleet in 2007 was 9.2 years. For the most part, today’s cars are extremely reliable with some exceptions.  J.D. Powers surveys vehicle owners to determine the reliability of vehicles.  The following survey covers models from 2005 to 2008. See where your car ranks in this Seattle Times article.

If your vehicle is one of those with a decent reliability rating it’s almost certain to be less expensive to keep and repair than to buy a new one.

In an article from Edmunds titled Fix Up or Trade Up the arguments for keeping a vehicle longer are examined. Among their conclusions:

• It’s almost always less expensive to repair a car than buy a new one.
• Insurance and registration fees will go up with a newer car.
• Even an engine or transmission replacement only equals a new vehicle down payment.
• Performing scheduled maintenance keeps repair costs lower.

Best not to ignore these simple safety and maintenance items:

1. Tire Pressure
2. Engine air filter
3. Battery cables / clamps / terminals
4. Windshield washer fluid
5. Engine oil changes
6. Windshield wiper blades
7. Antifreeze / coolant protection
8. Tire tread
9. Drive belt tensioner
10. Brake fluid