How Long Do You (Plan to) Keep Your New Car for?

prophet on 04/09/2020 - 15:42
Last edited 04/09/2020 - 16:10

I've been wondering how long most Ozbargainers keep their cars for? Or if you haven't changed your car yet, how long do you plan to keep your car? This is for people who buy their cars new (first owners).

I thought about this while checking servicing prices and noticed a pattern. Nearly all Japanese/Korean cars have capped priced servicing for 3-5 years (Honda, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Toyota) or even for life! (Hyundai, Mazda). On the other hand, some European cars don't offer any capped priced servicing at all (Audi, BMW, Volvo).

Useful article with summary table:
https://www.caradvice.com.au/299662/capped-price-servicing-f…

Poll Options

  • 13
    2 year or less (insurance definition of "new car")
  • 92
    3 to 5 years
  • 368
    5 to 10 years
  • 206
    10 to 20 years
  • 9
    20 to 50 years
  • 4
    More than 50 years (I ain't going to let go of my vintage yo!)
  • 33
    Forever (I keep all my cars, duh)
Automotive Car

Comments

  • kusama on 04/09/2020 - 15:46
    +39

    I've bought new in 2008.. upgraded head unit with carplay so it's good to go a few more years! Going to keep it until I can afford an ok electric car, or until it dies

    • prophet on 05/09/2020 - 08:28
      +1

      Any recommendations on CarPlay/Android Auto upgrades?

      • kusama on 05/09/2020 - 10:43
        +3

        If you want capacitive, don't need biggest screen and no cd player, the Clarion FX508AU is great. I got it
        for $470 on an ebay sale 2 years ago.
        The only negatives I found is the sidebar is on the left and can't be changed, and the radio gets data from FM like title of what's playing but no images.

        Mine:
        https://s.put.re/En2K8Dg1.png

        • Kista on 06/09/2020 - 02:10
          +1

          Did you install it yourself? If yes, would it be an easy for a Noob could do it?

          • Bren20 on 06/09/2020 - 09:22

            @Kista: They're a bit of a pain to install, but you can get kits that make it easier
            I bought one from automotivesuperstore, they were really good at walking me through exactly what I needed but they took ages to deliver it. This was back in april so maybe it's gotten better

          • kusama on 06/09/2020 - 12:33

            @Kista: Nah,
            I’m terrible at car electronics and the dash needed to be cut out. Paid $200ish I think to an installer. It came with rear cam and Bluetooth speaker. I would have made a mess, I struggled putting door interior back on when I fixed a handle.

            I got all the car connector bits like steering wheel button connectors using a site called aerpro .

          • itbargainhunter on 07/09/2020 - 17:19
            +1

            @Kista: if you are in below situation, get someone to install it for you

            • If you cannot learn from online resources.
              —> Headunits' manual is usually not catered for newbie.
            • If your steering wheel has control (SWC) (i.e button to control head unit volume, bluetooth, etc)
              —> SWC connection can be very messy
            • If your car has an out of factory reverse cam already installed, especially if when it also a Toyota
              —> Toyota is well-known to use a different voltage reverse cam that makes it even more difficult for newbie to install.

            On top of the headunit, below are something that you will need and that will cost extra

            • if you don't want to cut / connect wires there are adaptors that you can buy to connect between the car wires and the headunits.
            • Depending on what car you have, you may need to also buy a frame adaptor to hide the gap between the new head unit and the rest of the dash. These adaptor can be just a piece of plastic but not cheap.
            • You will need some tools that would cost you $30+

            My experience: Have a Toyota 86 (no SWC) and spent $400 for a Sony head unit that supports Apple play. Spent another $80 for all adaptors needed. Borrow tools needed from a friend. Couldn't get the reverse cam to work and found out about that stupid voltage issue. Spend another $230 to get a new reverse cam and have it installed professionally.

      • windrc on 05/09/2020 - 23:36

        U can search on Aliexpress, they sell some android headunit for <$200 depending on model

        • Ridiculous Panda on 06/09/2020 - 07:11
          +2

          I’d rather use cassettes than those ultra cheap units.

        • Bren20 on 06/09/2020 - 09:24
          +2

          These cheap units normally don't support android auto, they just have a standalone version of Android installed
          I haven't heard any good things about them

        • Drakesy on 07/09/2020 - 11:33

          Honestly, from experience these are a great alternative (just don't get an Eonon). I've had one for 3 years now and it's actually surprisingly good. Like better than a $500 sony/Alpine good. The screen is high res, sound quality is great and haven't had any crashes at all.

          I think the people that bag these haven't ever used one.

    • smpantsonfire on 05/09/2020 - 17:09
      +2

      I am similar. I will keep it until a suitable electric car comes along

    • kizzaaa on 07/09/2020 - 13:46

      Same mindset as me. Bought new in 2012, recently upgraded to CarPlay and keen to keep it going until electric/hybrid cars become better (2-5 years from now).

  • [Deactivated] on 04/09/2020 - 15:48
    +11

    Til it stops running, generally.

    I mod my cars. The mods changes the resale value structure significantly.

    Boring cars I changed every 5 years. It's a company tax thing.

    (Also, CPS isn't really a factor. Just take the car to a third party mechanic. Most of them are cheaper anyway.)

  • Hithere on 04/09/2020 - 15:49
    +1

    Until just before the warranty runs out or when I get sick of my current car, whichever comes first.

    • Hybroid on 04/09/2020 - 15:57
      +1

      Same for all Mercs I've had as, while fantastic cars, you don't want to deal with out of warranty headaches. May not be cost effective overall but if you enjoy the driving experience, it's all that matters.

      However, still keeping 2014 FJ as that's the last year it was made and really fun offroading. Also it's so basic & reliable, there's nothing to really go wrong. Will upgrade to Bronco if it ever lands here as not convinced by Wrangler/Gladiator.

      • spackbace on 04/09/2020 - 16:32

        still keeping 2014 FJ

        Annoyed you don't have the late-2015 with long-range tank and the other goodies?

        • Hybroid on 04/09/2020 - 16:36
          +1

          Not aware there's a MY15, they stopped at MY14 here although still making them for some ME markets.

          It has the factory long-range fuel tank (160L), crawl control, blacked out panels, factory spare tyre cover etc. We don't get the cooler looking running lights in front bumper and side mirrors here which is annoying I guess.

          • spackbace on 04/09/2020 - 16:41

            @Hybroid: Ah whoops got the model year change wrong :P I knew it was in the later years, thought it was later than that!

            Insane resale on them too!

            • Hybroid on 04/09/2020 - 16:47
              +5

              @spackbace: Haha, can't believe I knew something Toyota-related that you didn't! Woo!

              Really amazing resale value, clean examples have gone up in price again. Can probably sell mine for same price bought it 2 years ago (after a good detail).

              Fantastic offroad capability and love the 4L V6 engine in them, shame it's been retired in their new range. :(

              • spackbace on 04/09/2020 - 17:01

                @Hybroid: Yeah I'd probably get one if I didn't have 2 young kids

                • [Deactivated] on 04/09/2020 - 17:50

                  @spackbace: LC300 is around the corner.

                  Or better yet, maybe we will get the Tundra.

            • brendanm on 04/09/2020 - 18:19

              @spackbace: Screenshot captured.

      • [Deactivated] on 04/09/2020 - 16:45

        The FJ is a great car and it will stop depreciating soon. Pity they never fitted it with a decent gearbox so it could at least get half decent fuel economy. You’re shit out of luck with the Bronco. It’s a LHD only car. That being said I read a tweet about SA and Tad allowing LHD vehicles soon.

        • Hybroid on 04/09/2020 - 16:49
          +1

          They've been appreciating for a while. Clean unmodded examples with low mileage now around $50k mark and rising. You can't get anything else with that capability and engine anymore unfortunately.

          I reckon Bronco RHD is inevitable but we'll be waiting a long long time due to current LHD demand.

          • [Deactivated] on 04/09/2020 - 16:54

            @Hybroid: I’d say a wrangler rubicon has better capability and just as much engine, but with a better gearbox.

            That being said the FJ is going to appreciate the Wrangler will never.

            Ford have said the Bronco is LHD only.

          • [Deactivated] on 04/09/2020 - 17:56

            @Hybroid: I doubt they'll being the Bronco here. The sales numbers for the Everest just isn't appealing enough for them to tool up for a RHD.

            Besides, the big Bronco will cost more than the Everest. That will bring it into the category of the Patrol. Fully optioned could even get close to the LC.

            Ford isn't going to try and break that market when it can't even do SUVs.

        • spackbace on 04/09/2020 - 16:51

          Read an article this morning (likely just click-bait) that said the Bronco was designed in Aus, so would likely have been made to be RHD capable?

          • [Deactivated] on 04/09/2020 - 16:55
            +1

            @spackbace: Not according to Ford. It’s based off the Ranger so it’s not a platform issue. They just aren’t fooling for RHD production.

      • Vote for Pedro on 05/09/2020 - 21:10

        ‘#humblebrag

      • 91rs on 06/09/2020 - 21:07

        Keeping my FJ too, last ones in to the country were July-Aug 2016 weren't they? Mine will be 5 end of the year.
        The values are a bit crazy in the USA too for them, which could be a good sign.
        Not sure i'd sell it rather try find a place I can buy and store more cars!

      • Metre on 08/09/2020 - 09:51

        I've seen a lot more FJs recently, tbh they're great looking especially in red.

  • bdl on 04/09/2020 - 15:50
    +1

    Until it's not new anymore

    • prophet on 04/09/2020 - 15:52
      +19

      So the minute you drive out of the dealership? ;D

  • Godric on 04/09/2020 - 15:54
    +20

    Still on my first car, i'll drive it until it's no longer distinguishable as a car anymore.

  • Peter Enis on 04/09/2020 - 15:58
    +13

    Until the wiper blades need replacing.

    • djones145 on 04/09/2020 - 21:41
      +3

      u.keep it that long? once the little man lights up that I'm running out if fuel its new car feeling time

  • Devastator0 on 04/09/2020 - 15:59

    I bought new in Feb of 2007 and I still have the car (Mazda 3 SP23 Sedan) and it's my daily. I also bought a 2nd hand 2015 FG X XR8 in August 2018 as the weekender/collectors item. I'll pretty much be keeping the Mazda I think until it properly dies and isn't worth repairing (I've kept up servicing ever since I bought it so it's been fine). Also, you mentioned Fixed Price servicing, frankly, it's bullshit. There's too many conditionals on that and you end up paying more going via the dealer for that. imo you're still better off either servicing yourself or finding a mechanic that charges reasonably and performs good work. In my personal experience, from the people I know who've been drawn by the "capped price servicing", they've all complained about them being limited and end up paying more.

    • SgtBatten on 06/09/2020 - 21:19

      Had the 2002 323 sp20. Great car. Went off to the farm a year ago.

  • bobbified on 04/09/2020 - 15:59
    +7

    I usually keep mine until I'm no longer confident that it will start each and every time I need it.

    • Logical on 05/09/2020 - 23:14
      +1

      Just replace the battery, easy fix.

  • Cluster on 04/09/2020 - 16:06
    +5

    I buy new cars and try to keep them 10 years. So far, so good. I only replace the vehicle when its actual or soon anticipated repair costs exceed the vehicle's value.

  • GangGang on 04/09/2020 - 16:07
    +2

    I'll add to the growing Mazda list. 2008 model.

    • cimrak on 05/09/2020 - 15:48

      2008 Mazda6 GH, checking in.

      • GangGang on 05/09/2020 - 20:10

        sp23 here. How many k's?

        • benerrol on 06/09/2020 - 07:22
          +2

          2008 SP23 here - 290K and going strong

        • cimrak on 07/09/2020 - 09:48

          Just over 270k

    • gerrys on 05/09/2020 - 23:07
      +1

      Mazda 2 2008 check in here.

      So far 150k on the engine.

  • xuqi on 04/09/2020 - 16:12

    Volvo now offers capped price service. Traditionally their servicing price was very high.

    • Zachary on 04/09/2020 - 17:15

      Anyone who even drives a car should be off the roads because any car expels harmful gases that can hurt us in the long run. In fact, anyone riding a motobike should also be off the roads to and anything with an engine that expels pollution should be off limits.

      • spackbace on 04/09/2020 - 17:25
        +11

        Anyone who farts should just be killed

        • Zachary on 04/09/2020 - 17:41

          Didnt think farts were lethal to the environment besides the smell…

          • Euphemistic on 04/09/2020 - 19:47
            +3

            @Zachary: Cow farts are a massive source of greenhouse gas. Stands to reason human farts are a problem too.

      • ChrisLevo on 04/09/2020 - 17:33
        +1

        You breath CO2 which is a pollutant, so you should be "off limits" as you expel pollution.

        • Zachary on 04/09/2020 - 17:40
          +1

          oh yes ur right…..we should all just kill ourselves to save the planet. Did you know trees expel CO2 at night instead of O2? We should also kill trees and plants too.

      • djones145 on 04/09/2020 - 21:42

        don't forget anyone who farts is expelling harmful gas and should be knocked off too

    • brendanm on 04/09/2020 - 18:33
      +8

      Indeed, it's much better for the environment to just crush anything more than 3 years old, and just keep smelting steel, and refining plastic to crank out new ones. Mmmm, industrial pollution.

    • Euphemistic on 04/09/2020 - 19:50
      +6

      Sure, at some point an old car is more polluting, but keeping and old car running does not require all the energy and resources of making another new one. Electronic controls in cars will keep them in tune for a lot longer and we’ve had those for well over 20 years.

      It’s not just about the fuel consumption.

      • stumo on 06/09/2020 - 13:57

        Its not even the fuel consumtion. My 03 sprinter van makes the same power as the latest version, but mine uses less fuel.

        Mine will also last over twice as long, and doesnt risk becomming an economic writeoff if a dpf or similar expensive emissions device fails out of warranty.

        Of course mine has higher non-CO2 emissions, but mine wont need to be replaced any time soon. So there is a savings on the resources to build a new vehicle, and a savings in the resources consumed to earn the money to buy that new vehicle.

    • burgermaniac on 04/09/2020 - 20:12

      Are you going to buy my new car?

  • adgnetworks on 04/09/2020 - 16:31
    +2

    Bought a brand new 2005 toyota suv and kept it for 15 yrs until i traded it in for a 2020 VW. Probably keep it for around 10yrs.

    Got capped price servicing for 5yrs on the vdub.

    Also bought a brand new ford suv 2015 and we'll keep that for another 5yrs.

    • fatz on 06/09/2020 - 16:39
      +4

      But I m sorry to tell you the vw won't last 10yrs .. I would have kept the Toyota

  • spackbace on 04/09/2020 - 16:32
    +4

    Don't own a car currently…

  • carlJack on 04/09/2020 - 16:33

    Audi, VW, Skoda, Volvo offer capped price servcing.

    • Metre on 08/09/2020 - 09:56

      Was offered free servicing for 3 years with a new Q5. Very tempted.

  • conan2000 on 04/09/2020 - 17:01

    We bought ours in early 2012, almost new (demo model). We were planning to replace it this year (needed something a bit bigger given we were a couple in 2012 and now have 2 kids) but given lockdowns, we have used about half a tank of petrol in 6 months, so will be holding off for a while!

  • sachz on 04/09/2020 - 17:31
    +3

    my first car a mazda 323 i kept for 17 years.

    my next car (in parallel) we bought a grand cherokee and kept that for 16 years.

    current car a holden is currently 8 years old.

    i should probably have sold the first two earlier, perhaps after 10 years but whilst i still had confidence driving them i didnt see a reason to replace them.

    i think 10 years is the sweet spot, irrespective of if u have a 3/5/7 year new car warranty.

    • Jugganautx on 04/09/2020 - 19:35

      are you like 100?

      • sachz on 04/09/2020 - 19:42
        +7

        no, just we have more than 1 car at any 1 time. im 50, with a family. thanks for enquiring.

  • loulou1 on 04/09/2020 - 18:11
    +1

    2005 Toyota echo, bought new and still going amazingly well. No mechanical issues at all. Have had to replace a single fuse when the radio stopped working, and the usual consumables (tyres and battery). If and when it starts to have issues I will look at replacing it.

    • spackbace on 04/09/2020 - 18:27

      Had a customer upgrade from an old 2000 Echo they had since new on a new Yaris :)

      • loulou1 on 04/09/2020 - 19:11

        Was this recently? Not sure I would bother to get something essentially the same

        • spackbace on 04/09/2020 - 19:12

          Yep, got the new model

        • fatz on 06/09/2020 - 16:40

          It's not the same anymore.. it's a 25k based car now.

    • Stopback on 07/09/2020 - 12:09

      front shockers?

      • loulou1 on 07/09/2020 - 12:10

        Nope

        • Stopback on 07/09/2020 - 14:21

          damn nice

  • morse on 04/09/2020 - 18:40

    When there’s much better safety features or fuel economy or both. We have one 2009 and one 2018.

  • nubzy on 04/09/2020 - 18:59
    +14

    Most cars will run up to 10 years without any major issues, just usual car maintenance. I prefer to buy used cars at 4-5 years of age once they have depreciated and keep for about 5 years then repeat. Also, capped price servicing is a con. You can pay $400+ just for an oil change under capped price arrangements. Much better off finding a good independent and going there, it does not affect your warranty.

    • spackbace on 04/09/2020 - 19:08
      +1

      Also, capped price servicing is a con.

      Nice generalisation

    • prophet on 05/09/2020 - 08:29

      I've always wondered if third party servicing affects warranty. Any links/websites you can point me to?

      • stewy on 06/09/2020 - 03:02
        +3

        Third party servicing is fine provided they following manufacturer service schedule and use the correct parts.

        However if you have a major failure, you can expect the manufacturer to start digging deeper into the service history of the vehicle for any service items that may be related to the failure.

        A car with a full dealer service history is also more likely to get discretionary claims approved (eg. repairs after the warranty period has ended).

        Any links/websites you can point me to

        www.google.com.au

    • bobs burgers on 05/09/2020 - 23:16
      +2

      I disagree somewhat, cars can last a really long time. I don't know anyone personally that has had cars run into the ground or the car being a lemon in general.
      Generally if there isn't some widespread problem with the car series they should last a long time no problems, with good servicing.

      All 3 of my cars are over 20 years old with a healthy amount of km, no mechanical issues to speak of.
      Well the wife's car is 11 years old I guess no issues of course.

      One thing tho, I'll agree over 10 year old car maintenance does increase so it's not for everyone.
      Seals and hoses generally need replacing around then. I have rebuilt clutch master and slave cylinders plus brake calipers. Really not a lot of effort, but could be pricey if playing with cars is not a hobby… or you are mechanically inept.

  • [Deactivated] on 04/09/2020 - 19:29

    Brand New car every 5 years.

    • prophet on 05/09/2020 - 08:26

      Interested to know your reasoning there :)

      • [Deactivated] on 05/09/2020 - 09:20
        +3

        Business, lease a new one every 5 years.

  • snoopster on 04/09/2020 - 19:30
    +3

    After reading some of these, I'm feeling motivated to keep my 2019 car for longer :) . Was initially thinking 3-5 years but it might be better to drive it for longer. I guess I'll be the owner who suffered the most depreciation either way.

    • greatlamp on 06/09/2020 - 07:19
      +3

      The people who change at the 5 year mark are getting tax savings that make it cost neutral to upgrade (or close to it)

      I I kept my first car for 8 years, after buying it already 12 years old. It was the interior and the rubber bits that were falling apart at the 20 year mark. Mechanically it had no faults

  • Euphemistic on 04/09/2020 - 20:02
    +4

    Change cars with change in needs typically. No particular timeframe, but I won’t buy new and most are already out of warranty anyway.

    Needed a very cheap car when a one income family - bought a $1400 91 corolla around 2009.

    Kids started growing, needed more room to cart stuff and wanted air con. Bought a $8k 2003 forester around 2011.

    Forester was almost out of clutch, wanted more space in the back seat for growing kids. Bought a 2007 dual cab ute around 2017 and won’t be replacing it until it dies, or an electric vehicle suits my budget and needs.

  • BuyoTheCat on 04/09/2020 - 22:12
    +1

    I was on my last bike for 11 years. Got stolen.

    I have a car for the last 10 months. Unlikely to sell it unless I get a Van (which isnt that likely in the near future)

  • Trying2SaveABuck on 04/09/2020 - 23:17
    +1

    purchased an Equinox last year ex demo becuz my wife was pregnant as long as it last till we are done with kids and they are all out of the baby seat then ill be alright with that.

    Ideally i'd like >10 years

    • prophet on 05/09/2020 - 08:21

      What has your experience been buying demo?

      • Trying2SaveABuck on 05/09/2020 - 08:47
        +1

        yea i guess good ive had the car for about a year now so i cant comment too much got to wait for the 5 < mark

  • miwahni on 05/09/2020 - 00:25

    Hoping to keep my current car for 10+ years. It's now three years old, with just over 12000km on the clock. I estimate that in 10yrs it should be nearly ready for a new set of tyres.

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