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AS AN ENGINEER and a believer in keeping things running, I haven’t owned many automobiles during my lifetime. Instead, my focus has been on extending each one’s longevity.
Among the maintenance and repairs I’ve undertaken: oil changes, spark plug and wire replacements, carburetor cleaning and adjustment, belt and hose replacements, distributor and timing settings, brake replacements (disk and drum), master and slave brake cylinder repairs, clutch adjustment, alternator repair, radiator repair, heater core repair, radiator fluid replacement, tire repair, motor mount replacement, engine and cabin air-filter replacements, wiper replacement, bulb and lens replacements, shock absorber replacement, wheel bearing renewal, tracing various electrical gremlins, and radio replacement.
Doing these myself has saved significant money. An example: One winter, when the brakes on our second Dodge Caravan started to make noise, I got a quote for the repair. A mechanic said the car wasn’t safe to drive and a repair would cost more than $800.
This was in the 1990s, and $800 was a huge expense for us. The van wasn’t unsafe. The brakes were just worn. This was a job I could do; I just didn’t want to. Over the following weekend—one that was cold and rainy—I put the van up on jack stands outside, because we had no garage. I replaced the front and rear brakes, rebuilt the brake slave cylinders, lubricated the rear wheel bearings, and flushed the brake fluid. The total cost for parts was less than $100.
Here are the cars I’ve owned over the past half-century, all of which were bought new or almost new.
1973 Mercury Capri. This was my first car, and I paid cash for it. I bought it used, but it was only nine months old. I loved that car and it served me well while in college, as a newlywed, and for many years after. I drove it until it died with 146,000 miles on the odometer. I think I could have gotten it running if I’d tried. But with two kids and tons of family obligations, there just wasn’t time.
1978 Datsun F10 Sportwagon. We bought it new for my wife. It was pretty much the cheapest automobile we could find. We financed it over three years. It was not a well-built car, and it required significant repairs. It experienced a cracked head after just two or three years. The transmission had to be rebuilt after five or six years. It had approximately 110,000 miles on the odometer when we sold it.
1985 Saab 900S. We were both making decent money and convinced ourselves we should have a nice car. We thought of it as the best car for safety and transporting future family members, but it was a bad decision. We paid it off in two years, but the car had transmission troubles late in life and all shop repairs were very expensive.
Saab of America shut down. Dealerships were closed or taken over by GM, and reliable service became iffy. This was a hard vehicle to work on because Saab design was idiosyncratic. We obtained good service for a time from a Volvo-Saab mechanic, but he dropped Saab repairs when parts and specialized training became too expensive. We continued to drive it for many years, with more and more things breaking. I finally had it towed away. It lasted at least 125,000 miles, but the odometer had quit years before, so there was no way to know the final count.
1988 Dodge Caravan. This was a good car for our family. It had a five-speed manual transmission and a somewhat underpowered four-cylinder engine. It seated seven passengers, or four passengers and a ton of stuff if I removed the rear bench seat. I suspect the dealership feared it would never sell because of the stick shift. We negotiated a good deal and paid cash. We borrowed half the purchase price through a home equity loan.
It was far more reliable than the Saab, but much more basic. At one point, the air-conditioning required an expensive repair. When the A/C failed again years later, I left it that way. That was a questionable decision, considering I live in North Carolina. I used this car for many Boy Scout campouts and related trips. Around 2003, with more than 200,000 miles on the odometer, the engine blew a head gasket. The cost of repair would have exceeded the value of the car by a factor of ten. I had it towed away.
2000 Dodge Caravan. This car was far less reliable than the previous Caravan. It was the first car I ever owned with an automatic transmission, and the first with more than a four-cylinder engine. This car had transmission failures, parking brake problems, and wiring harness issues. It was also great for carrying lots of people or lots of stuff if the rear bench seat was removed. My wife kept this car when we divorced, and over time it was passed to my youngest son. Neither my ex-wife nor my son paid attention to vehicle maintenance. The van developed an oil leak and the engine failed. It lasted the least number of miles of any car I ever owned.
2003 Saturn Vue. I thought we were purchasing this car to have a reliable vehicle to pair with the previously mentioned Caravan. It became my vehicle when we divorced. This was a return to a manual transmission, four-cylinder engine, and only a few bells and whistles. It was an extremely reliable vehicle. When I purchased this car, I really wanted a Subaru Forester, but the Vue was similar in layout and capability, and also a good bit cheaper.
The Saturn dealership offered five-year financing with zero interest. While driving this vehicle, I stopped doing a lot of maintenance other than oil changes and fluid checks. I let the dealership do repairs. At some point, even though it ran fine and had no real problems, I started thinking again about owning a Subaru. As I was contemplating a future purchase, my youngest son had an automobile crisis, so I gave this car to him. That brings me to my current vehicle.
2011 Subaru Forester. This continues the manual, four-cylinder tradition. Nothing fancy. Just a comfortable, reliable vehicle. I had to order the car because the local Subaru dealer apparently never stocked stick-shifts. I’m a member of Leave No Trace (LNT), a nonprofit that trains groups about responsible use of the outdoors. At the time, if you’d been a member long enough, Subaru offered a $3,000 discount off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. Using this discount prevented any dickering on price.
Before I told the dealership about the LNT benefit, it was playing hardball on the price. So, I switched gears and told them I’d use the LNT benefit. The salesman, sales manager and finance manager all tried to convince me to finance the car. I told them I was paying cash, and they kept asking how I managed to borrow the money without having the title. Either they didn’t understand or preferred not to believe that someone would write a check for a car purchase.
Several weeks ago, we were in the Subaru, trying to turn against traffic during rush hour. The release bearing in the clutch assembly froze and I couldn’t put the transmission in gear. By this time, I was in the intersection and blocking traffic. To get out of the intersection, I managed to work some magic by shutting off the engine, slamming the car into gear and starting without benefit of the clutch. Between this repair and a 120,000-mile maintenance, I’ve recently spent more than $2,000 on car maintenance and repair. Perhaps it’s time to look for another Subaru.
What’s the lesson here? I’ve taken my chances with longevity. Through the years, I think I’ve saved a lot of money by driving my vehicles for a long time, and performing much of the maintenance and some of the repairs myself. My favored strategy: Buy a new car under warranty—and then drive it until it’s beyond repair.
Jeff Bond moved to Raleigh in 1971 to attend North Carolina State University and never left. He retired in 2020 after 43 years in various engineering roles. Jeff’s the proud father of two sons and, in 2013, expanded his family with a new wife and two stepdaughters. Today, he’s “Grandpa” three times over. In retirement, Jeff works on home projects, volunteers, reads, gardens, and rides his bike or goes to the gym almost every day. Check out his previous articles.
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Great article! We bought our 2001 Honda Odyssey for cash brand new. Before purchase I swore we’d never eat food in the vehicle, but after 3 grueling hours grinding the dealership down on price my wife and I were both starving, so we drove the Odyssey off the dealer lot and across the road to In n Out burger which we ate on the drive home!
Still got the Odyssey. Has 272,000 miles on it. I have done loads of work on it myself unless it’s just too difficult. “Buy a new car under warranty—and then drive it until it’s beyond repair.” Amen!
David, thanks for reading and commenting. Glad to read your bargaining paid off!
Buy used or new, doesn’t matter. The best strategy is to buy with cash at whatever economic level you are at. Can’t afford to pay cash, then your net worth is insufficient. The least expensive strategy is likley to drive beaters all your life, but for most, driving least expensive is not their goal. After gaining some economic security, most want to drive what they like, not least expensively.
Anthony – Thanks for reading and commenting. I agree that buying with cash is the best option – but not everyone, especially young adults, can swing that. Driving beaters can and does work for a lot of folks.
I’ve never even changed the oil in a car. I’ve had 3 Lexus SUV’s this century. A 2004, 2013 and 2020 hybrid, all bought with cash. Never had any mechanical issues at all (maybe just lucky), get maintenance (oil change, lube, etc) done when needed, and do not worry at all about car problems, which is worth so much more than $$$ to me. All 3 are still working great, without major expenses. In my shopping experiences, these cars are as luxurious as BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Range Rover, etc., yet cost so much less and are much better quality wise. Been great investments for me.
Boomer – thanks for commenting and sharing your experience.
My dad was a basic full-size Chevy and a manual transmission man. He bought used every few years. We owned 5 of these in 60’s and 70’s. He was also an engineer and DIY repair guy (partly from interest/capability and mostly by necessity due to our lower middle class income.) In the 70’s, the Chevy’s stayed and the manual transmissions (three on a tree..) went away. My dad tried his best to each me car repair skills-I learnt basic skills-oil changes, spark plugs, fluids, tire changes and even checking the timing. These days, I go with the new car with strong warranty myself but take my car to the shop (even for oil changes, which no doubt would be disappointing to my dad). I even shopped around and purchased the dreaded extended warranty as insurance for all the electronics.
Rob – thanks for the comments. I’m sure your Dad would would be happy that you are driving a far safer and environmentally conscious vehicle than those from the 60’s and 70’s. He would likely be frustrated with how difficult it now is to work on any newer vehicle.
I first learned how to drive a manual transmission with three on the tree). Those were the days.
Jeff, I loved my Saabs, my favorite of all time. Many made it over 200K without issues and so much fun to drive.
On your Subaru if you like it as I read between the lines you do, look for a similar one with low miles and continue the ride, with the internet it is easy to find them
Rayan – thanks for commenting. I’m sure you can tell my thoughts on the Saab, and that I think of my Subaru as you thought of your Saab(s). According to the Subaru website, the Forester will be available as a hybrid with the 2025 model year. I will check that out, but cost will also be a determining factor.
I question the wisdom of purchasing new vehicles. With the ability to scan the entire country’s vehicle market on the internet, finding a well-maintained, reliable, low-mileage used vehicle is easy. Advantages: low cost, avoiding the depreciation penalty, good knowledge of the reliability of that make/model, lower insurance costs, sales tax savings. I recently purchased a 2012 Acura sedan with 56k miles from a dealer’s lot. Single owner, pristine condition, and a model that has an exemplary reliability record for $14k. Compared with an equivalent new vehicle I saved $2k in sales tax, my insurance cost is much less than half what a new vehicle would cost (just carry liability), my annual personal property tax bill (MO) is $180, rather than $1,200+, and I have a car that will last me at least another 150k miles. Buying used, rather than new, and keeping long-term rather than purchasing every five years (the average nationwide) has saved us over $400k over the past 25 years. Maintenance on our vehicles has been very low cost, due to the reliability factor. I stick with the brands that have proven themselves (mostly Acura and Chevy trucks). And I take care not to buy models that came off of new production lines (at least 3 years into their production run). We own a 2002 Suburban (going on 20 years) with 250k miles that is still running very reliably and will last us at least another 50k miles. I have yet to find a better way to save money anywhere.
Bruce – thanks for sharing your thoughts. I agree that your approach is one that many people follow. I congratulate you for concentrating on brand reliability.
Bruce, I have a 2003 Yukon XL that only has 150K miles and runs great. Ain’t getting rid of it any time soon. My youngest car is my 2012 Camry XLE. Great car, but I’m beginning to want all the safety and convenience features on the newer cars such as the blind spot monitors, emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, etc. My next vehicle, which will be used, is going to have those items.
We typically buy new and keep the car for about 12 years. Have never spent more than 30k, and always maintain them well. We don’t earn a ton of money, so keeping the auto expense low allows us a good savings rate, the ability to travel and to enjoy life’s experiences.
Dan – thanks for providing your philosophy. When we purchased the Datsun F10, it was (and had to be) the absolute cheapest car we could find. There were many used cars that cost more than what we paid for it.
Jeff. thanks for an interesting read. I’ve bought new cars a few times but my normal strategy is to buy 2-4 years old, low mileage from the original owner, though there have been several exceptions to this strategy. Much like you, I drive until the maintenance and repair costs become frequent and significant. Sometimes it is hard to determine when that point is reached. I used to do the normal maintenance but over the years I have migrated to using an independent, trustworthy mechanic.
Jerry – thanks for your thoughts. I agree that it is sometimes hard to see the inflection point that helps you decide whether to junk the vehicle or to continue repairs.
What’s my car buying strategy? Never buy new, the vehicle must be at least three years old, and never finance a depreciating asset. Had a 2002 Honda Accord with a six-cylinder, V-tec engine that was said to last forever but when the car’s other components began to fail, sold it to avoid being nickled and dimed to death.
Klaatu – thanks for your comments. I know many people who follow your philosophy, too. I agree that is a cost effective way to own a vehicle.
BTW – I own several of the Klaatu albums and think of them every time I see something you’ve posted. 🙂
That was my strategy coming up.
Once we became financially independent, the small ability to choose colors and options and the great ability to get the new safety features and fuel economy as well as the ability to make it happen in a day overrode the small savings of 2-3 year old
Great if you can do it, but There. Is. No. Way. I am doing any maintenance on my car. Not so much as an oil change. Happily my 2007 Camry Hybrid (for which I paid cash) is still doing well, and I trust the independent service shop (in the Triangle area) I have used for decades. The Camry has only done 70,000 miles, which would be a reason to keep it, except that as I’m about to turn 77 I’m feeling the need for better safety equipment.
Greetings, mytimetotravel! Totally understandable. My Dad had me changing oil and spark plugs before I was old enough to drive. Since you live in the RTP, at the risk of sounding too commercial, I use the independent shop Mission Valley Service Station.
A thought. Since you only average around 4K miles per year, you should consider getting your oil changed every six months instead of following the mileage guide. Oil breakdown occurs both under load (mileage) or over time (contaminants, moisture). I would especially recommend this if you purchase a new vehicle to replace your Camry.
Thanks, I use Cary Car Care. I haven’t cared for/trusted any of the dealers I’ve used. The average is a bit misleading since for many years I was traveling abroad for months at a time, but I usually take it in a couple of times a year at least.
A car with a manual transmission has one of the best built-in anti-theft devices available! Not too many of us old-school gear-shifters around, thanks for helping keep a time-honored automotive tradition alive 🙂
WTFWJTD – Thanks! That’s true! I read an online article about an attempted carjacking that failed because the perpetrators were unable to drive a stick shift.
I am not a car guy but I think anyone stands to benefit from doing some minor stuff themselves. It saves money and trips to the repair shop, and takes very little time. Things like engine and cabin air-filter replacements are so easy. Changing out bulbs is another one I’d recommend, but requires a little more effort.
Thanks for commenting, Brent. I agree. Engine and Cabin air filter replacements are expensive if the shop does them, but they are inexpensive at your local auto parts dealer.
Jeff,
We had an old 2009(?) Subaru Outback that was in great shape in 2019.
We traded it in and bought a new 2019 Outback (after the model year changed)
for cash.
We felt the new safety features – especially the backup camera – was worth the cost.
We still have our old Lexus and it’s running great, but my wife was going to be driving much more around our new domicile in the Seattle area — back and forth to the airport, for example — and I wanted her to be in a car with the very latest safety technology. Buying new made more sense than used. She now tools around proudly in a Toyota Venza, which is a Toyota SUV built on a Lexus chassis. She was instantly comfortable with it. And I’m a lot more comfortable too.
Mike – Thanks for commenting. I’m glad that decision worked out for you.
Winston – Thanks for commenting. The desire for the new safety features is among the reasons I’m considering an upgrade to my 2011 Forester.
We bought a 2020 Outback in Sep 2019 that still feels like a new car. The camera and blind spot monitors are great and Subaru crash protection is highly rated.
I lived in Raleigh from 2019-2023 and my son is a district manager for a company that handles Subaru service marketing and training. Hendrick is the best of the 3 Subaru dealers in the Triangle area.
ParkSlope – with than name, I always assumed you lived in Utah. I purchased my Subaru from a different dealer. I was happy with the quality of the service, but never happy with the cost. I use an indendent shop for repairs now.
Park Slope is a neighborhood in Brooklyn that is known for its brownstones and writers, actors, and artists. It’s food coop has 17,000 members. Maggie Gyllenhaal, Patrick Stewart and Steve Buscemi live there. I was fortunate to have lived there for 20 years.
I agree with you about independent car service.
I hope someday to once again experience that new car smell interior. I keep driving my 31 year old truck with 164k miles as a back-up source to haul bigger things. The other vehicle, when not using the truck, is 21 years old with 125k miles.
A consumer advisor once said that you can retire 5 years earlier for every car payment you don’t have. Haven’t had a car payment in 40 years.
I am almost 67 years old and have bought four pickups (all foreign made), three of the four new. All basic models 2WD except the last which is a ‘20 4WD Tacoma with all the safety features, and so I didn’t have to buy studded snow tires and lift cinder blocks into the bed for driving in NH winters. Most likely my last, as I doubt I will be driving such a large vehicle in my eighties.
That stat is absolutely correct. Borrowing for cars is a very bad financial decision.
Olin – Sounds like you’re doing it right. I never heard that stat, but I never want to be underwater on a car loan.
Jeff, I’m with you on keeping cars for the long haul. I had a 5 speed manual Honda Civic for over 21 years. It smelled bad and had signature dents. I loved it nonetheless. My wife said it could stay as long as I could personally fix any issues. Alas, a cracked block led to its demise. I joked that keeping it paid for a semester or two of my kid’s college!
Jeff – I believe the tuition/semester story. Thanks for commenting.
I used to do my own vehicle maintenance, as far as brakes, clutch wheel bearings and so on. But limited time and more available money caused me to shift to hiring out nearly everything. Now, my eyesight is another limiting factor. Thanks for an interesting account of your car history.
Edmund – You and I followed similar paths, except for the eyesight. If I’m working up close to something, I switch from my contact lenses to my glasses.
I’m also a strong believer in the value of maintenance, for vehicles and homes. Like you, I have owned a limited number of vehicles and driven each until it was no longer practicable. My current ride is a 2001 Chevy Silverado pickup truck with 285,000 miles on it. This is the no-frills model that contractors, businesses or utilities might purchase in bulk. I’ve been very fortunate that no major repairs have been needed and not being mechanically gifted I have always had good reliable mechanics. After I retired I had expected to buy a new truck with four wheel drive for my move back to Pennsylvania from Charlotte North Carolina. But in the end decided to stay with my old friend and get to 300,000 miles.
You see that year/model of Chevy truck all over the road still. There’s a reason for that, that 2001 Silverado was five years into its production run. All the quality kinks had been detected and worked out of the manufacturing process by then. Our 2002 Suburban (purchased used in 2004) is the same. Still running reliably at 250k miles. That is the hidden secret of buying unreliable used vehicles.
I meant “reliable used vehicles”.
Tom – thanks for sharing your story. I’ve never been a pickup guy, but they seem to have more available access and work space when maintenance or repair is required.
Sounds like your strategy has saved you a bunch of money over the years, albeit at the cost of some unplanned inconveniences along the way. I followed a similar strategy and I think it also worked out reasonably well for me, although with my fair share of stories of mechanical failures along the way. Was it all worth it? For me it was because it was the only thing I could really afford to do. But there were a few times when I was relying on old clunkers that I could have really used a smartphone and an uber back then.
There have been a few times when my vehicle and I had to limp home. And, of course, a tow truck was required to rescue a vehicle that failed along the way for one reason or another. Other than changing a flat tire, I’ve never personally performed a roadside repair.
You’re right – back in the day, a smartphone and Uber/Lyft might have alleviated a bit of stress.